Chapter 246
Anna’s POV:
You guys are seriously the worst, I mumbled, averting my eyes as Emily and Ethan’s airport makkout session hit the ten second mark Wer God’s sake.”
I’d packed light for the trip—just a small suitcase with two outfits. After years of traveling for Wright business functions, I’d become efficient that w I hadn’t planned for was the third–wheel sensation crushing me as Emily finally detached herself from Ethan’s face.
Ethan smirked, his towering frame making him impossible to ignore. Where’s your husband? How’d he feel about letting you attend your ex’s wedding salar
“Not my husband, I corrected automatically, though my heart skipped at the mention of Blake.
Emily nodded eagerly. “That’s exactly what I was wondering!”
I rolled my eyes. “If you two keep this up, I’m walking separately. I haven’t even seen the bride and groom yet, and I’m already drowning in PDA.
Emily immediately released Ethan and slipped her arm through mine. “Sorry! You know friends come before men, always.*
Ethan shrugged, looking annoyingly unbothered. “Blake already booked our seats together anyway.”
When Ethan wandered off to check the departure board, Emily pulled me aside.
‘Blake’s too busy to come, huh? Let him work himself to death for all I care,” she spat.
I sighed. “I didn’t tell him I’m going to Seth’s wedding. Things between us are finally… stable. I don’t want Seth to cause another fight. Those two are completely unpredictable when it comes to me.
Emily’s eyes widened. “You didn’t tell him? Shit, Anna. You know the truth always comes out eventually.”
‘I’ll deal with that later,” I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt. “Besides, Seth’s getting married. What would Blake even be worried about now?”
The truth was, I had no idea if I was making the right call. My stomach twisted at the thought of Blake finding out.
“Well, there’s a lot more to Seth’s rushed marriage than just family politics, Emily said, lowering her voice. “Blake pulled a lot of strings to make it happen. The Price family practically extorted him for favors.”
“What?”
“Yeah. And Frank might be respected in business circles, but his illegitimate son status still limits his influence. By the way, Blake officially transferred BlueWave Technologies to you. Daniel’s your contact if you need anything.”
I processed this information silently. Blake was orchestrating Seth’s marriage? Why would he bother?
‘Enough about that,” Emily said. “Are you really okay with Seth going through with this loveless business arrangement? It’s kind of sad.”
We walked toward the departure gate before I answered.
‘From the moment he announced the engagement, it stopped being just about him. It became about two families. What could we possibly do about it? And honestly, who among us can claim we’re living happily ever after?”
tried to sound detached, but the truth was more complicated. “He’s not a stranger to me. Whatever choice he makes, I just need to support him.”
The boarding announcement echoed through the terminal. I grabbed my suitcase from Ethan.
“Honey, she insisted on taking it herself, he called to Emily with mock innocence.
Emily didn’t laugh. Instead, she suddenly grabbed my arm. “Anna! Doesn’t that guy look exactly like Blake?‘
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Chapter 246
My heart nearly stopped. I scanned the terminal frantically, but saw no sign of my husband tall frame or perpetual real-
“You’re just paranoid,” I said, struggling to keep my voice steady. “Blake’s on vacation. Claire’s watching him like a hast, and 14 wouldn.
before Christmas. Everyone’s worried about his health.”
On the plane, I couldn’t help checking every first–class passenger as they boarded. Only after confirming Blake wasn’t among them det i tales duplasy. He & never squeeze his long legs into economy seating anyway.
The entire fight was agonizingly quiet, each minute crawling by.
When we landed in Paris, my phone immediately buzzed with Seth’s name on the screen. He informed me someone would be waiting to take us to the hotel Outside, a row of black SUVS stood waiting–an impressive display.
I felt myself relaxing. Clearly, Seth was thriving in Paris without his brother and father’s constant control.
A bodyguard directed us to the middle vehicle. As we approached, the door unexpectedly opened from inside.
Seth stepped out, and everyone froze.
It had been a while since I’d seen him. He looked thinner, his normally expressive eyes now deep, distant, and guarded.
I could see him restraining himself, hands clenched into fists at his sides as if physically–stopping himself from reaching for me. The change in his status had transformed him, made him cautious.
Ethan chuckled softly, wrapping an arm around Emily. “Babe, let’s take the car behind them.”
As they moved away, I caught Seth muttering, “Just a bastard son. If it weren’t for Anna, he wouldn’t even be at my wedding. Though I’ll admit, that move actually impressed me.”
“Anna, you came,” Seth said, his voice barely audible.
I wanted to respond but found myself speechless, only able to nod.
“Get in. I’ll take you to the hotel,” he said.
I nodded again and moved toward the car.
Just as I was about to step in, a cold, familiar voice cut through the air behind me.
“That won’t be necessary. My wife will be staying with me, of course.”
My body went rigid. I turned around, and my eyes immediately locked with piercing ice–blue ones, Standing there, face cold as stone, was Blake.
Fuck. How did he find out?
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