Gregory looked at Anathea. “Wesley and his wife are close.”
Anathea paused for a second, then it all clicked. He was playing to his audience.
+26 BONUS
Gregory had announced she was his wife and crafted this whole “desperate husband chasing after his love” story online just to win Wesley over and seal the deal.
Anathea gave a small, bitter smile.
Of course. A man like Gregory–who only cared about profits–wasn’t going to do anything just for love.
Still, she didn’t get it.
“Why me?” she asked.
She’d already left him.
Gregory could’ve picked any other woman he liked to put on a show. Why bother going through all this trouble to drag her back?
Gregory didn’t answer.
Honestly, he wasn’t sure himself. Maybe it was just habit. When they first got married, Gregory didn’t care about Anathea at all. To him, their marriage was just a formality, and she was just… there.
He didn’t bother with her; he didn’t even want to share a room with her.
But somehow, over time, he got used to her.
He got used to the way she always stayed up waiting for him, no matter how late it was.
He got used to how she’d have his clothes picked out for the next day, perfectly ironed. Everything was neat and ready.
And he got used to the way her pure, beautiful eyes would light up whenever she looked at him, and how just seeing that would ease the exhaustion of his long workdays.
Of course, Gregory would never admit she’d slowly, quietly become part of his life.
He’d convinced himself that even if Anathea left, it wouldn’t affect him at all. Yet, when she really did leave, his famously steady
self–control had crumbled.
He couldn’t even tie his own tie properly anymore, and he couldn’t match his cufflinks right. He had no choice but to admit he wasn’t used to life without her.
Before things spiraled even more out of control, he needed to put everything back the way it was.
Moreover, Anathea was carrying his child now.
Gregory’s eyes settled on her. She looked healthier than before, but still so fragile.
He pressed his lips together tightly.
There was no way he would let her wander the world alone, carrying his child and struggling to survive. But he didn’t say any of
that.
He just answered coolly, “Because I know everything about you. I know your weaknesses. With leverage, partnerships last longer.”
Anathea lowered her eyes.
Of course. They’d been married for years. Gregory had dug through every detail of her life. Now, every weakness she had was in
his hands.
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Chapter 194
+25 BONUS
Businessmen always preferred partners they could easily control. And Gregory was the best of the best at that.
“You’re free to reject, of course,” he added casually.
Seeing the way her face was full of pain and helplessness, he pulled the corners of his mouth into something like a smile.
Raising his hand, he brushed her cheek gently, his voice soft.
“After all, you’re my wife. I have to respect your right to choose.”
But the very next second, his tone turned sharp and ruthless. “That being said, I can promise you that without my say–so, no one in Castanea–or even across the country–will be willing to treat Adam. He’s as good as dead.”
His words hit her like a hammer to the chest.
Her whole body trembled, and her scalp went numb.
