Chapter 272
Gregory had snapped Michael’s hand because the latter had the audacity to touch Anathea. There was no way he would allow another man to touch his woman.
“Annie, I know you’re kind.” Gregory had always known she was kind. She’d been that way since she was young, “But things aren’t always what they seem.”
This was the first time he’d ever spoken to Anathea in such a calm, reasoned manner.
For a moment, Anathea didn’t know how to respond.
She turned her head to avoid his hand and said softly, “Sorry, I misunderstood you.”
“It’s okay.” Gregory smiled. Since she was giving him a way out, of course he’d take it. But that wasn’t the only thing he wanted.
“But Annie, you doubted me, and that hurt.”
He stepped in front of her and asked in a low voice, “Can I request a little emotional compensation?”
Anathea had no idea what he was playing at. “What do you want?”
“I want you…” Gregory’s voice was deep and magnetic. He fixed his eyes on her, watching every change in her expression. Sensing her unease, he continued, “I want you to make me a cake. It’s my birthday tomorrow. Can you do that?”
Anathea paused.
She’d made cakes before, but Gregory had never taken a single bite. He hadn’t even spared them a glance.
Yet, he was now asking for one himself.
“No,” Anathea rejected him outright.
After being let down again and again, she no longer had the heart to make another cake. “You can have Bella make the cake for
you.”
“But I only want to eat the one you make.” Gregory reached out and wrapped his arms around her waist, leaning his face close to
hers.
“Think of it as my second request. Say yes, Annie,” he pleaded lightly.
He was far too clingy, rendering Anathea at a loss. She tried to push him away, but he only held her tighter, as if he wouldn’t let go unless she agreed.
How shameless.
Anathea shot him a glare.
Just when Gregory thought she’d keep refusing, Anathea nodded slightly. “Fine.”
Gregory was momentarily stunned, his eyes lighting up. “Really?”
Anathea nodded. She looked at Gregory’s delighted expression, and a trace of thoughtfulness flashed in her eyes.
Giselle had said that the reason Gregory kept such tight control over Adam was largely because of Anathea.
He was using Adam as leverage to keep her by his side. If Anathea showed any sign of wanting to leave, he’d use Adam to threaten her and would be even less likely to let Adam go.
On the flip side, if she made Gregory believe she had no intention of leaving and fulfilled his expectations, he might ease up on Adam’s restrictions. That would serve as an opening for them.
That was why Giselle had told Anathea to act more affectionate toward Gregory.
Chapter 272
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It was a strategy of soft persuasion–using tenderness to lull the other party. When the other party gradually let their guard down, they would seize the opportunity to achieve their goal.
At first, Anathea didn’t think such a tactic would work on Gregory. But judging from his behavior toward her lately, she was willing to take the gamble.
No matter what, she had to try. She had no better options.
At 6:00 pm the next evening, Anathea kept her promise and made cream cake for Gregory. She also prepared a few dishes and let Bella leave work early.
Xander was eagerly waiting for Gregory to come home. It had been so long since he’d eaten Anathea’s cooking. It was only because of Gregory’s birthday that he finally had the chance to.
“The cake smells so good, Mom!” Xander praised sweetly.
Anathea smiled faintly and glanced at the clock. It was already 6:30 pm. Gregory usually got home at exactly this time.
But even by 9:00 pm, there was still no sign of him.
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