Chapter 98
Anna’s POV:
Its advantages are obvious,‘ I mused, swirling my champagne. ‘Working with Henry would be far better than going it alone. A ready- made marine conservation project just waiting for me, and I’m confident he could shape me into a top researcher at his base.
Henry leaned closer, his voice dropping slightly. “Seth only invested in one environmental organization–EcoMarine. I make all the decisions about the others, so you can rest easy on that front.”
The mention of Seth’s name caused a strange ripple in my consciousness. I realized I hadn’t thought about him in ages.
Emily, ever perceptive, glanced between Henry and me. “I’m going to chat with the research team across the room,” she said with a knowing smile. “We weren’t that close in college–perfect time to get acquainted.”
As she gracefully departed, I admired her ability to read situations. She’d given Henry and me space to talk privately.
“I need to think about it more, Henry,” I said finally.
The truth was more complicated than I could express. In my mind, I stood at the precise center of a scale, afraid to lean in any direction.
I lacked the confidence to make a move–one wrong step wouldn’t just affect me. It would drag others down too. My mother was the perfect example of that. The lesson had been brutal.
Henry finished his champagne, studying the empty glass for a moment before meeting my eyes. “Anna, I haven’t known you long, but Seth mentioned you countless times. What I’ve discovered is that you’re nothing like he described.”
I shifted uncomfortably, eager to change the subject. “Is that so? Let’s not talk about me–you’re today’s star, Henry.”
“You’ve never shared much with me,” he continued, ignoring my attempt to redirect, “but I can see stories behind your eyes. You’ve got plans. You’ve thought everything through.” He set down his glass deliberately. “But I need you to understand–what I’m offering is your best option. Our field is the least vulnerable to capital interference. We have scientific data and research to protect ourselves. I could even argue that capital can serve environmental protection.”
He leaned forward, his tone earnest. “You don’t need to worry about anything affecting me. I suspect you made some deal with Blake that got him to give EcoMarine to Emily. If that’s the case, I’m fine with you using my resources and connections too.”
My jaw literally dropped. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing.
Henry patted my shoulder reassuringly. “No need to be shocked. I’m just following someone else’s request.”
A heavy feeling settled in my chest. “Because of… my father?” I ventured, afraid of the answer that seemed to hover just beyond reach.
Henry shook his head. “If you want to think of it that way, you can.
He didn’t tear away that final veil of mystery, and I wasn’t sure I wanted him to.
Our conversation was interrupted by a knock at the door.
“Is there an Anna Anderson Wright here?” called a waiter.
“That’s me, I answered, grateful for the distraction.
1/2
7
Chapter 98
The waiter stepped inside, balancing an enormous bouquet. “Mrs. Wright, there’s a flower delivery for you.”
A bouquet of lilacs rested quietly in white Euya paper, decorated with an elegant mesh outer wrapping. The flowers stood out against the white, their sweet, eady fragrance already filling our corner of the room.
All eyes turned toward me as I felt heat rising to my cheeks. Some guests whispered to each other, clearly wondering who would send me such a lavish arrangement in such a public setting.
I reached for the small cream–colored card nestled among the petals, my fingers trembling slightly. The handwriting was bold and slightly messy–unmistakable. There was no signature, just a teasing message: [You didn’t think these were for you, did you? Please deliver them to Henry.]
That tone… that arrogance. I didn’t need to guess who they were from. Seth Price.
“From an admirer?” Henry asked, his expression unreadable.
I shook my head and handed him the card. “Apparently, they’re for you.”
Seth’s unexpected flower delivery had rescued me from my difficult decision about Henry’s offer, but Henry’s reaction was about to plunge me into an even bigger dilemma.
He took the flowers, bringing them to his nose for a gentle sniff. The tension in his face–tension I hadn’t even realized was there until it disappeared–melted away.
His previously furrowed brow relaxed, and with visibly improved spirits, he asked, “Do you know what lilacs symbolize?”
I looked at him, confused by the sudden shift in his demeanor. “No idea.”
He smiled enigmatically and handed the flowers back to me, his eyes carrying a weight I couldn’t decipher. “These are flowers I dare not accept.”
I stood there, puzzled. What did he mean?
Emily returned just then, glancing curiously at the flowers. “Those are beautiful. A gift?”
“Apparently from Seth,” I said, still watching Henry’s face. “For Henry, but he won’t take them.”
Emily raised her eyebrows but said nothing.
What I thought would be a quiet end to the evening proved anything but. Leaving the restaurant an hour later, we discovered the entrance completely blocked by Claire’s fans.
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