After dinner, Chloe put on the TV for Fiona, while Anathea and Hannah cleaned up the kitchen together.
“You know, when you first called me to say you were pregnant, I was honestly shocked,” Anathea said, thinking back to those days.
Back then, Hannah had fainted while walking the red carpet at an event in winter, and she’d been rushed to the hospital. Her PR team had later said it was because of the cold weather and reminded everyone to dress warmly.
In reality, though, it hadn’t been just the cold. Hannah had been experiencing a threatened miscarriage. Her long, loose gown had hidden all signs of bleeding, so no one had noticed.
But after that scare, Hannah couldn’t hide it anymore. She’d called Anathea and asked for help.
When Anathea found out, Hannah had already been six months along. She’d been so slim that one couldn’t even tell. If it hadn’t been for the medical report stating she was 26 weeks pregnant, Anathea would’ve thought it was some kind of prank.
Later, Hannah had asked Anathea to help arrange for her to go overseas. They’d even posted a series of photos of Hannah traveling on social media, making it look like two best friends were taking a vacation abroad.
In the photos, Hannah had been wearing a swimsuit, showing no signs of pregnancy at all.
“You know, I really owe you,” Hannah said, leaning her head lightly on Anathea’s shoulder.
From the moment she’d found out she was pregnant to traveling abroad and giving birth, Anathea had been there for her every step of the way. She’d covered for Hannah and protected her.
Hannah always felt like no matter how much she did, she could never repay Anathea enough.
Anathea hesitated a moment before asking carefully “But I’ve always been a little curious about Chloe’s dad. Is he still around?”
After all, throughout Hannah’s whole pregnancy and delivery, Anathea had never seen or even heard her mention the father.
She couldn’t help but wonder if he was gone.
Hearing the question, Hannah paused, her expression a little complicated.
Anathea thought she’d touched on something painful, so she gently patted Hannah’s shoulder and said softly, “It’s okay. You don’t have to answer. I was just asking. As long as Chloe grows up healthy and happy, that’s all that matters.”
“Thank you, Thea,” Hannah said, moved by how understanding Anathea was. “Thank you for always being there for me.”
She was about to give Anathea a big hug when her phone buzzed with a new message.
It was from Dominic. “9:00 pm. Same place.”
Meanwhile, at the Sinclair residence in Castanea, Gregory strode through the gates under the night sky and made his way straight to the dining room.
Eleanor was already seated at the table. Holden was next to her, pouring her a cup of tea.
“Honey, calm down,” said Holden.
But Eleanor sat there with a cold face, ignoring him no matter what he said.
Just then, someone outside announced, “Sir, ma’am, Mr. Gregory is here!”
Eleanor’s face darkened even more. She shoved the cup Holden had just placed in front of her away and snapped, “Do you think I’m in the mood for tea right now?”
1/2
Chapter 178
+25 BONUS
Holden clamped his mouth shut, not daring to argue, but he was evidently trying to hold back his anger.
Gregory stepped into the dining room. Before he could even greet anyone, Holden suddenly stood up and hurled the cup of tea straight at Gregory.
The cup smashed into the wall right beside Gregory, sending hot tea and shards of porcelain flying everywhere.
