Chapter 54
Anna’s POV:
Blake… Blake Wright’s wife?” Samantha collapsed onto the sofa, her face drained of color.
\ Blake’s sudden announcement had thrown the entire room into chaos. Everyone at the Crown Club was staring at me with shocked
expressions, as if I’d grown a second head.
Without Seth’s connection, these people would never have crossed paths with someone of Blake’s status. And now they were struggling to process the fact that plain old Anna Anderson was actually Mrs. Wright.
Seth’s face darkened, his jaw clenched tight. “Mr. Wright, I don’t think it’s appropriate for you to interfere in matters between Anna
and me.
The temperature of the room seemed to drop several degrees.
I stood there feeling utterly confused. Why was Blake doing this? Just minutes ago, he’d refused to help me, and now he was claiming me as his wife in front of everyone? I didn’t want to owe him for this twisted form of rescue.
I tried to grab the bottle from Blake’s hand, but he effortlessly pulled me into his embrace. Clear liquid trickled from the corner of his mouth as he downed the entire bottle of liquor in one go, his Adam’s apple bobbing with each swallow.
Through it all, he never loosened his grip on me.
When he finally lowered his head and pressed his lips against my forehead, the kiss was wet and heavy with the scent of alcohol.
“Mr. Price, you’ve gotten my wife drunk, but who has to deal with the consequences? Me,” Blake said to Seth.
He lazily picked up another bottle, adding with sarcasm, “Maybe you don’t understand, Mr. Price, but a woman who’s had too much to drink can be quite… difficult to handle.”
The people around us began to cheer and laugh, clearly eager to get on Blake’s good side. I lowered my head in embarrassment. Blake’s fingers traced my cheek before lifting my chin up.
“Why?” I whispered.
Instead of answering, Blake kissed me in front of everyone. It wasn’t gentle or loving–it was wild and possessive, meant for an
audience.
When he finally pulled away amid the hoots and hollers, he said, “What do you mean why? You cut ties with Seth for my sake. Shouldn’t I do my part?”
He looked so smug, so pleased with himself. To everyone watching, we must have seemed like the perfect, loving couple. But when I glanced at Seth, his eyes were full of mockery.
“I didn’t…” do it for you, I wanted to explain, but Blake silenced me with another kiss.
Seth’s eyes were bloodshot as he opened another bottle of whiskey.
I’ll finish this bottle myself. Here’s to my recklessness and interference. From now on, Anna, your business is none of mine.” His eyes were fixed directly on me as he made this farewell, bright with barely contained emotion.
A pang of sadness hit me as I recalled Henry’s words on the phone: (Don’t blame Seth, Anna. He’s in a difficult position, dealing with pressure from the Price family.]
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Chapter 54
I understood Seth’s situation. Despite his talents, the Price family foune remained firmly in his father’s control. He was just a pawn in their game. The Price family would never jeopardize their relationship with the Wright family over someone like me.
I didn’t blame Seth. If anything I felt sorry for dragging him into this mess. I genuinely appreciated his help, but I also meant it when I said I wanted to cut ties.
1
The contradiction tore at me. Until I could stand firmly on my own, leaning on anyone would only bring them disaster.
And Blake–he was the puppet master, manipulating us all, including me.
I shoved Blake angrily, but he smoothly deflected with a charming smile to the crowd. “Don’t mind us. My wife is just feeling a bit shy.”
He took my hand and led me toward the exit. The night breeze blew against my face, but the lingering scent of alcohol and my troubled thoughts remained.
Outside, Blake leane heavily against me, his body pressing me against a lamppost. With a gentle smile that didn’t reach his eyes, he said, “Anna, I need you to take me home.”
Those words nearly brought tears to my eyes.
I remembered Blake’s drinking habits from before–he never caused scenes when drunk, just smiled foolishly. During our early marriage, he would occasionally call after drinking too much. “Anna, I’ve had too much to drink. I need you to take me home.”
Back then, those calls filled me with joy. I thought he was finally seeing me as his wife, his partner. I would dress up in advance on nights when he had business dinners, eagerly waiting for his call.
Then came the turning point. One night, Blake wasn’t particularly drunk, but when I put my arm around his waist to support him, he pushed me away.
“Don’t touch me!” he had snapped, his voice ice–cold.
Later, he blamed it on the alcohol. I believed him then. Now I understood–Blake’s emotions were always perfectly controlled. That cold rejection was the real him.
I realized it had been ages since I’d heard him ask me to take him home. Was he genuinely drunk tonight, or was this another act?
Under the streetlight, our shadows merged into one romantic silhouette. I allowed myself to stare for a moment before looking away. I pulled out my phone to call Blake’s driver.
Just as the call connected, Blake knocked the phone from my hand. Before I could protest, his lips crashed into mine in a forceful
kiss that left no room for refusal.
The world stood still. Wind, sound, everything faded away except for the sensation of his lips on mine. For a brief moment, my heart
raced.
I caught a glimpse of a figure at the street corner, but before I could make out who it was, Blake’s hand covered my eyes.
In that sudden darkness, my heart pounded even harder, making me unsteady. I had to cling to his shoulde
support.
The sound of a car horn finally broke the spell. Blake released me as the car pulled up to the curb.
I shoved Blake away with all my strength. He stumbled, nearly falling before the driver caught him.
I glanced back toward the street corner, but only saw passing strangers.
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Chapter 54
As I turned to leave, the drive) called out, “Mrs. Wright, please get in the car too.”
“Just take him back to Seaside Manor. I won’t be joining you, I refused.
Despite everything, I still showed concern for Blake. The household staff will be gone by now. Maybe you could grab him a glass of water when you get there.”
The car door suddenly opened, and Caroline appeared with her warm smile.
“Anna, I didn’t want to interrupt your moment earlier, so I held back, she explained.
She stepped out and took my hands in hers, tears glistening in her eyes.
I just found out about how Claire’s situation has been causing you trouble. I feel terrible about it. I’ve been thinking all day about how to apologize to you. Seeing you and Blake still so close makes me feel much better, Caroline said, her voice thick with emotion.
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