Chapter 101
“What?” Shock colored Evangeline’s face as she confronted Natali. “This was not what we originally agreed on, Ms. Whitman!”
They’d agreed that Eden Studio would be in charge of the floral decorations for the exhibition venue. In return, Natalie would save an exhibition booth for the studio’s floral designs. It was a win–win situation!
But now, Natalie was axing Eden Studio altogether after using Anaea’s work to lure in the crowd! She was outright kicking them down the ladder!
“Calm down, Ms. Holstrom,” Natalie said softly, her composure a stark contrast to Evangeline’s flustered state. “The decision was made after we did a thorough assessment of the upcoming exhibition. Feel free to ask Mr. Sinclair if you don’t believe me.” Upon hearing this, Evangeline swallowed her burning rage, for she wasn’t powerful enough to challenge or cross Gregory. But wasn’t he Anathea’s husband? Surely he wouldn’t go to such ruthless lengths!
Evangeline subtly tugged on Anathea’s dress, prompting her to speak up. After all, Anathea had slaved away for two whole days and nights to come up with the floral design that would be removed from the exhibition. Gregory wouldn’t be so cruel to her, would he?
Anathea got Evangeline’s hint, of course. She took a deep breath and looked at Gregory. “Mr. Sinclair, is my work inadequate? Why is it being taken down?”
“No, there’s nothing inadequate about your work.” Gregory met her gaze. “It’s just not a good fit, that’s all.”
He was indifferent, and not a trace of emotion colored his tone.
Anathea clenched her dress. “Not a good fit,” he’d said. Gregory had reduced her efforts to nothing with just four simple words!
She even thought his comment wasn’t only directed at her floral design but also at her as a person, implying that she wasn’t a good fit for him.
When the others heard Gregory, they immediately threw looks of pity in Anathea’s direction. But sympathy was all they offered her; none of them would willingly put their necks out and piss off Gregory just to defend her.
Gregory’s voice was the only one that mattered in the room. Besides, they reckoned he’d pulled Anathea’s work from the exhibition to stand up for Natalie.
“Ms. Langley turned down Ms. Whitman’s request for a collaboration earlier and instead gave this woman’s work exceptionally high praise. She practically scorned Ms. Whitman in front of Mr. Sinclair!”
“I agree! No wonder Mr. Sinclair has no qualms about axing such splendid work.”
“She has no one to blame for her poor luck but herself. She shouldn’t have stolen the spotlight, and at the expense of Ms. Whitman’s pride, no less! Now look, Mr. Sinclair’s punishing her for outshining his girlfriend…”
Evangeline’s chest rose and fell in anger when she heard the others gossiping among themselves. “All of you-”
Anathea grabbed Evangeline’s wrist, urging her not to act impulsively. She then met Gregory’s stony gaze. Hiding the emotions welling up in her eyes, she said, “In that case, we’ll take our leave.
That said, she left with Evangeline.
An imperceptible smirk played on Natalie’s lips as she watched Anathea leave in defeat.
She’d only suggested to Gregory that they remove Anathea’s floral design because she found it too much of an eyesore for it to be in her exhibition. At first, she thought Gregory would disagree. However, she was surprised when he gave her implied permission.
Did this prove that Anathea meant nothing to Gregory at all?
Natalie cast a sidelong look at Gregory, who’d been expressionless since the beginning. He’d treated Anathea worse than he
would a stranger.
Natalie’s smile deepened.
Theo stared at Anathea’s slender silhouette as she left, then glanced at the stone–faced Gregory. He couldn’t help but frown. He was surprised to find himself thinking that Gregory had gone overboard by treating Anathea like this.
“Ugh, I’m so pissed!” Evangeline fanned herself with her hand to cool off, her face flushed with anger. “No wonder you want to divorce him! Mr. Sinclair truly is an ass!”
Evangeline couldn’t believe Gregory would take down Anathea’s floral design for no reason other than to stand up for that odious woman, Natalie.
To think Evangeline had been saying good things about Gregory and Natalie when she was with the others in the private room, just to get on their good side! Looking back, she wanted nothing more than to slap herself twice.
