Chapter 257
To cheer you up.”
+25 BONUS
Gregory’s low and husky voice rang in Anathea’s car like the deep Hum of a cello in a gilded orchestra hall.
She froze, then handed the necklace back to him as she said pointedly, “It’s too much. I can’t accept this.”
“When a husband gives his wife a present, he looks forward to her accepting it more than anything else. Also…” Gregory said slowly, not taking the necklace. In a quiet, steady, and reverberating; voice, he added, “He hopes to hear his wife praise him for his good taste.”
Anathea smiled wryly. “Frivolous, yes. But good taste? Not so much.”
He’d splurged 100 million dollars on a necklace. Did he think money grew on trees?
“I’d squander my net worth on a gift for you, and it still wouldn’t matter to me.” Unbothered, Gregory swept his gaze across her unadorned neck and asked softly, “I’ll put the necklace on for you, okay?”
Anathea was silent for a moment. She neither agreed nor disagreed, but Gregory stared at her with eyes full of expectation. She felt like he might keep staring until she gave him an answer.
After a while, his determination won out. She sighed and asked with quiet resignation, “Do you always resort to such methods to cheer up women, Gregory?”
“I don’t know,” Gregory answered almost immediately.
Bafflement flickered in Anathea’s
eyes.
Gregory took the necklace from her hand and leaned down. Not at all caring if she’d accepted it at all, he lifted his arms and snaked them around her slender neck. With gentle movements, he put the necklace on her.
He was well aware that she wouldn’t touch the necklace unless he demanded it, much like how he’d bid on jewelry that he thought suited her during auctions, only for her to keep them in a jewelry box.
He wanted to see her wear the jewelry, but she never did. On top of that, she’d even sold them the last time!
How was it that she resented him for spending money on other women but never appreciated the money he spent on her?
The scenery outside the car window didn’t stop changing. The brilliant, golden glow of sunset gradually ducked behind the horizon, and only a trace of it remained as it played over the two figures in the backseat of the Maybach.
Anathea heard Gregory say warmly, “You’re the only one I’ve ever tried to cheer up.”
Her lashes fluttered as she lifted her gaze to him, their eyes meeting. Gregory swallowed, his Adam’s apple bobbing as his hands slowly slid upward along her nape until he cupped her lower jaw.
He leaned forward, closing the distance between them, his warm breath spilling on her face as he murmured, “Annie…”
The necklace looked good on her, and he wanted to kiss her.
Anathea saw the intention and desire in his eyes, and her fingers slowly curled in her lap..
Gregory caught the reproach flickering in her gaze and stopped. Restraining himself, he said, “You look bear
necklace.”
After that, he let her go and made no other movements. Only then did Anathea unclench her fingers.
with the
It wasn’t long before they arrived home. Xander had come home from school, and he bounded up to the car excitedly.
“Hey, Mom!” Xander greeted sweetly. When he saw Gregory getting out of the car first, however, he added with a touch of wariness, “Hello, Dad.”
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Chapter 257
+25 BONUS
Gregory hummed in response. Just as he was about to walk away, xander clung to his trousers. He lowered his gaze at the little boy and asked, “You need something?”
“I, uh… Dad, has Mom seen my medal yet?” Xander asked.
Anathea got out of the car after Gregory. “What medal?”
“The medal I won at the equestrian competition! Didn’t Dad show you?” Xander blinked.
Anathea cut a questioning look at Gregory.
“It’s just a medal.” Gregory cleared his throat awkwardly and took the medal out of his pocket, handing it to Anathea. He added under his breath, “It’s nothing special compared to jewelry or necklaces…”
The corner of Anathea’s mouth twitched. Was he seriously comparing a 100–million–dollar bejeweled necklace to a child’s medal?
Chapter 258
