Chapter 215
Anna’s POV:
I laughed softly, cupping Blake’s face in my hands and placing a light peck on his lips.
Is this what you want?” I asked, uncertain.
Blake narrowed his eyes at me. “Not enough.”
I closed my eyes, obediently trying to deepen the kiss, but instead of feeling his soft lips, I found myself kissing his cheek. He had turned his face away
“Anna, do you even know what you’re doing?” he asked, his voice cold.
I can’t see any feeling in your eyes.” A flash of darkness crossed Blake’s face as he pushed me to the seat beside him. “This isn’t even seduction.”
What does that mean? He doesn’t want me now that I’m offering myself? I remained confused.
After a long silence, I asked, “No more kissing?”
Blake didn’t respond. His expression grew increasingly grim, and the car filled with a deathly silence.
When we arrived at EcoMarine Group, I spotted Daniel waiting at the entrance. I reached for the door handle, eager to escape the suffocating atmosphere.
Suddenly, Blake grabbed my waist and pulled me back against him.
“Blake, what are you doing?” I asked, my body tensing.
‘From now on, whoever leaves first has to kiss the other person goodbye,” he stated matter–of–factly, his face completely serious. “It helps nurture our relationship.
My entire body went numb. I leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the cheek before pushing him away and stepping out of the car.
Can feelings really be cultivated this way? My heart felt heavy. Blake’s words seemed like another manipulation, something I should avoid rather than embrace.
I walked toward Daniel, who greeted me with a smile.
“Ms. Anderson, I knew you two would end up together. You can see in his eyes how much he cares for you.”
I glanced back to see Blake standing in the wind, his coat flapping around him–a visually pleasing image. Nothing
“You’re mistaken,” I contradicted.
more.
“Not at all,” Daniel replied. “I trust your mother’s judgment.”
I remained silent as we entered the office. ‘Let’s discuss business
Daniel showed me the stack of fan mail that had arrived while I was away.
‘I have fans?” I asked, surprised.
“You underestimate your influence. Since you haven’t been doing public speeches lately, they’ve been sending letters to the company. Also, take a look at
this.”
He handed me an invitation. “It’s for the finale celebration of that environmental protection program you participated in. They want to invite all previous
guests.”
I frowned, wondering how the producer had the nerve to invite me back, when Daniel continued, “I checked–they’ve changed producers, which is why they
1/3
sent the invitation. You’ve been out of the public eye for too long, and I think this could be a good opportunity. Of course, iti calind,
That evening, as Daniel and I leht EcoMarine Group, 1 thanked him for managing the projects during my absence,
Despite potential criticism for being a parachuted assistant handling major affairs, Daniel had done an exceptional job. I gave him a personal i token of my appreciation.
At dinner in a high–end restaurant, I noticed Daniel looking uneasy, his finger continuously sliding around the rim of his wine glass.
*pist say it,” I encouraged. “There’s no need to hide things from me.”
“It’s nothing special,” he hesitated. “I just wondered if you knew that Emily seems to be dating someone.
I was shocked. Emily, the workaholic whose heart belonged only to her career, dating? Impossible.
“Don’t spread baseless rumors. I know her better than anyone,” I insisted.
“You should ask her yourself, Daniel replied. “I saw them with my own eyes talk to her, make sure she stays safe.
while dining with a man. The guy she was with looked… unreliable. You should
“Who is he?” I pressed.
*Ethan Sawyer, Frank Hamilton’s recently acknowledged illegitimate son,” Daniel revealed. “I heard he used to be a tough guy.”
“Frank is famously anti–marriage,” I argued. “How could he have an illegitimate son, especially one who’s a thug? This sounds like a TV drama plot.”
“Maybe being against marriage doesn’t mean he wasn’t promiscuous in his youth,” Daniel reasoned. “And being irresponsible about it would explain why his son became illegitimate.”
My smile froze as I realized Daniel’s logic made sense.
A waiter entered with our food, and I quickly changed the subject. “Let’s eat. I’ll ask Emily about this personally.”
I took a few bites, planning to finish quickly so I could find Emily, when the restaurant manager’s voice interrupted my thoughts: “Mr. Wright, this way please. This private room has been reserved especially for you.”
My heart skipped a beat. Was Blake here to find me?
Daniel stood up, preparing to leave. “Since Mr. Wright is here to pick you up, I should go.”
We heard footsteps approaching–a man’s dress shoes and a woman’s high heels.
Daniel’s expression turned serious as we saw a pair of black Oxford shoes and red high heels appear beneath the curtain.
“Miss Scarlett, please come this way,” the manager said. “Would you like me to open a bottle of red wine for you two?”
Daniel moved to check the adjacent room, but I grabbed his arm.
“Blake, you brought your driver, so let’s have a drink,” Scarlett’s voice drifted in.
I pulled Daniel back to his seat, shaking my head to stop him from investigating further.