Gregory noticed Anathea’s instinctive resistance. A trace of gloom Mashed in his eyes, but it quickly disappeared.
“I should be the one asking you that,” he retorted, his tone remaining calm.
“There are several changing stalls here. Why are you changing in the public area?”
Anathea was stunned, a hint of surprise flashing in her eyes.
This… was a public area?
But there were curtains, and she hadn’t seen any changing stalls.
Gregory raised his hand and pointed at the standing screen.
Anathea glanced over hesitantly. Sure enough, the changing area was behind the screen. She let out an awkward cough as she walked in that direction, hugging the dress.
Gregory watched her back. Or more specifically, he looked at the spot not covered by fabric.
Her waist was slender. It seemed that over the past three months, she had been taking better care of herself. She no longer looked all skin and bone but had filled out slightly. Her fair skin, under the light, glowed with a faint rosy sheen.
Just one glance, and it was hard to look away.
But Gregory restrained himself as he pressed his lips into a thin line before looking away. Then, he went into another stall, carrying the new suit.
Anathea exhaled in relief after the door to the stall closed. She set down the dress and changed into the new dress.
It was beautiful. Under the light, it shimmered like a starry river, dazzling and radiant.
But the zipper was truly difficult to pull.
Anathea tried so many times that her arms became sore, but she still couldn’t get it up.
Could it be stuck?
She frowned and wanted to call Evangeline for help, but her phone was on the table outside.
Anathea sighed and hesitated for a moment. She then covered her chest and opened the door to get her phone.
At the same time, the door of the stall opposite hers opened. Gregory walked out wearing a white shirt, his suit jacket draped
over one arm.
Anathea paused in her steps.
“Aren’t you going to go?” he asked.
“You go first.” Anathea looked awkward. Her back was exposed now. The cool air made her body shiver slightly.
Gregory saw the embarrassment she was trying hard to hide in her eyes. “Need some help?”
Anathea instinctively wanted to refuse. But before she could say anything, Gregory stepped closer. “Turn around.”
When she didn’t move, he smirked slightly. “Why are you shy when I’ve seen you countless times before?”
“That’s funny.” Anathea quickly turned her back.
Why would she be shy?
Gregory’s long, defined fingers touched the zipper. Feeling some resistance, he applied a little more force, and it zipped up smoothly.
Chapter 491
+25 BONUS
Anathea’s breath caught reflexively. It was no wonder this dress was made for a star. It was so tight that if it were any smaller, it wouldn’t fit her.
“All done.” Gregory let go of the zipper.
“Thank you.” Anathea just wanted to leave.
She barely took a step before he grabbed her wrist.
Gregory picked up the tie in his hand and handed it to her. “Can you help me with this?”
Anathea’s fingers curled slightly.
Gregory lowered his head to her level, his eyes meeting hers.
“You have hands, you know.”
“But it looks better when you tie it.”
“Gregory, given our current relationship, I’m under no obligation to tie your tie.”
Gregory’s fingers trembled a little, but he replied slowly, “I helped you earlier. Have you never heard of returning favors?”
Anathea pursed her lips, feeling guilty. Then, she took the tie reluctantly. She raised her hands, looping the tie around his neck, tying it meticulously.
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught a glimpse of his face.
He looked much thinner. She had wondered about this when she took off his mask at the ball. It had only been three months, but he looked so much thinner.
Maybe it was just her imagination, but the strong presence he gave off seemed more subtle now. He seemed stable. More…
Suddenly, Gregory hissed in pain.
