Chapter 70
But at some point, Anathea had stopped doing all of that.
Instead, she selectively ignored them.
Gregory’s hand paused slightly as he cut his steak, his brows knitting together.
Just then, his phone rang, but he didn’t rush to answer it.
Anathea happened to be reaching for food when she unintentionally glanced at his screen.
The word “Darling” was displayed on the screen.
She had thought she was calm enough, that she had long come to terms with the fact that Gregory loved Natalie instead of her.
But when she saw how he had saved Natalie’s contact, the food she had just picked up slipped from her utensil and fell onto her
plate.
She snapped out of it in no time as she picked it up again, continuing to eat as if nothing had happened.
Gregory caught her reaction through his peripheral vision.
Only then did he pick up his phone, answering the call right in front of Anathea.
“Yes?” Gregory asked softly.
With that kind of tone, Anathea didn’t even have to think to know who was on the other end.
Xander also noticed the shift in Gregory’s mood. In his memory, Gregory always spoke in that soft tone whenever he talked to
Natalie.
“Dad, is it Ms. Whitman?” he asked, curious.
Gregory responded with a neutral hum.
Then, after he listened to Natalie speak for a moment, he frowned, “The doctor’s arrived? I see. I’ll be right there.”
As he spoke, he stood up, not even bothering to finish his meal before instructing Cyrus to get the car ready.
In an instant, only Xander and Anathea remained at the dinner table.
Anathea had thought Xander would follow Gregory to see Natalie as well. But to her surprise, he stayed in his seat, remaining
silent even as Gregory left in the car.
Now dwelling on it, she finished her meal until she was about 70% full before heading upstairs.
Fiona’s surgery had already been scheduled for the week after next.
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Chapter 70
After that, her divorce papers with Gregory would be finalized.
The closer the date drew, the more Anathea anticipated it.
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Right now, her focus was on working hard and saving up, making sure Fiona had the best post–surgery rehabilitation so she
could recover fully.
Anathea unlocked her phone and saw a message from Evangeline. Evangeline informed her that the new season of the
International Floristry Competition was now open for registration and asked if Anathea wanted to participate.
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That competition had once been a defining moment in Anathea’s career. It was the event that had propelled her into the spotlight.
Evangeline hoped Anathea would reclaim her former glory.
But Anathea hesitated. Compared to her past self, she had fallen behind in terms of skills now.
So, she simply replied that she needed more time to think about it.
Evangeline didn’t pressure Anathea, telling her to take her time. She then sent over details about a new client collaboration at the
studio, along with their customization requirements.
Aside from that, Anathea continued refining her floral designs.
By the time she finished, the clock had already struck 9:00 PM.
A breeze drifted in through the window, lifting the sheer curtains.
Anathea suddenly started coughing, her breath catching as tears welled in the corners of her eyes.
The quiet room echoed with the abrupt sound of her coughs.
It took her a long while to finally stop coughing.
She wanted to drink some water to soothe her throat and take the medicine the doctor had prescribed. But when she reached for
her cup, she realized it was empty.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Anathea turned toward the sound and saw Xander standing outside, looking at her.
In his hands was a small tray with a cup of water.
Anathea was momentarily puzzled.
Xander stepped forward, bringing the water to her.
“Mom, your cough sounds really bad. Have some water,” he said, sounding genuinely concerned.
A trace of surprise–mixed with uncertainty–flickered in Anathea’s eyes because this was the first time Xander had ever shown
concern for her.
