At the side courtyard of the Sinclair residence, Eleanor stepped across the threshold with Holden’s arm in hers, dressed in a deep green dress. Suddenly, she stumbled slightly.
Holden quickly steadied her, asking in concern, “What’s wrong? Are the shoes uncomfortable?”
“No.” Eleanor shook her head. “I just remembered I forgot to bring something. I’ll go take it.”
“Sure. I’ll wait for you there.” Holden let go of her hand gently.
“Okay.” Eleanor smiled faintly before turning around and leaving the courtyard. She walked toward a figure she had just spotted out of the corner of her eye and led them into a secluded corner. Her expression turned stern instantly.
“What are you doing here? I told you not to come.”
The other person looked at Eleanor’s displeased face and chuckled. “What, I’m not allowed to witness the ceremony that should’ve been mine?”
Eleanor stiffened, her fingers tightening slightly. She forced herself to soften her voice. “Watch all you want, but you have to leave right after. If someone sees you, it won’t end well for you.”
“For me? Or for you? You’re such a hypocrite,” the person said, his tone tinged with mockery.
“Must you speak to me this way?” Eleanor frowned.
“You abandoned me—your own child. Do you really think I’ll show you respect?” He sneered.
A flicker of pain crossed Eleanor’s eyes. “I did everything to pave the way for you. One day, I’ll help you take your rightful place.”
His gaze darkened. “I don’t need your help. I’ll take that position myself.”
He would reclaim everything Gregory had taken from him with his own hands.
Meanwhile, Anathea had barely inhaled the scent on the drugged handkerchief when all the strength drained from her body. She didn’t even have the energy to turn her head away from Natalie’s hand that was gripping her chin.
Frowning slightly, Anathea tried to move Natalie
fingers, but it was futile.
“Don’t bother. Even a small dose of this sedative won’t wear off quickly.”
Sedative…
Anathea’s heart dropped. “What are you trying to do?”
“I want to take you to see a good show,” uttered Natalie, dragging her sharp fingernail across Anathea’s cheek.
Anathea’s skin was so fair and flawless it made Natalie jealous. On the other hand, Natalie’s scar, left after she’d gotten a slash on her face, still remained faintly visible despite several rounds of cosmetic treatments.
How could she not be jealous?
All of this happened because of Anathea. Not only had Anathea scarred Natalie’s face, but she was also carrying Gregory’s child and had stolen Natalie’s place as Gregory’s wife. Now, she was ever about to win Gregory’s love.
There was no way Natalie would let that happen.
“Anathea, do you really think you’re the most important person to Greg? Well, you’re dead wrong.” Natalie sneered.
Then, with a flick of her finger, Anathea was yanked to her feet with her arms pinned. She was dragged toward the main hall.
Anathea tried to scream, but Natalie forced a cloth into her mouth, silencing her completely.
Chapter 422
+25 BONUS
Soon, they brought her to the attic across from the private chapel, where she was forced to look down at the scene before her. To welcome the new head of the family, they had redecorated the chapel. The solemn black tones had been softened with new decorations, making the atmosphere feel more ceremonial.
A tall, commanding figure stepped in through the main entrance.
It was Gregory.
A spark of hope lit up in Anathea’s eyes. She immediately lunged forward, trying to make a sound so she could get his attention and make him look up toward the attic.
But the people holding her had already anticipated her move. They gripped her arms tightly. Under the lingering effects of the sedative, she couldn’t break free from them.
Anathea struggled to make a sound, but Natalie clamped her hand around her throat, pressing down on her vocal cords. Natalie didn’t allow even the smallest, broken whisper to escape.
Anathea’s face turned bright red, but all she could do was watch as Gregory walked right past her, completely unaware.
rupter 423
Chapter 423