Anathea noticed Jenny looking like she wanted to come over, but wasn’t sure if she should. She smiled softly and stepped forward. “How’s the cut on your head?”
Jenny turned her head to show her. “It’s fine now. No scar at all.”
“That’s good,” Anathea said, pulling two small gift boxes from her bag and handing them over. “These are for you and Bella. Please give this to her for me.”
“Mrs. Sinclair, aren’t you coming back with us?” Jenny asked, feeling confused.
“No. I’ve got my own place now. Just take Xander home,” she replied simply.
Anathea bought an apartment near the company.
At the mention of this, Xander’s expression changed. He gripped Anathea’s hand tightly. “Momity, why aren’t you coming home with me?”
Anathea knew his temper too well. If she told him the truth outright, he would definitely throw a fit, so she casually made up an
excuse.
“I still have work to finish. I won’t go back for now. Go home early and get some rest. Be good in class tomorrow,” she said.
“Okay,” Xander replied with a nod.
He felt like Anathea had been unusually busy lately. Even though she always responded quickly to his messages, something about her felt different. The atmosphere between Anathea and Gregory had changed too. It didn’t feel the same as before.
Still, he didn’t ask. He didn’t want to bother Anathea since she was finally spending time with him.
He looked at her one last time with a reluctant smile. “Mommy, promise me you’ll take me out again when you have time, okay?
Anathea nodded.
That was all he needed to hear. He happily followed Jenny out.
Chloe had been playing hard all day and was already getting sleepy after eating. Her little body swayed as Hannah helped her up.
“Chloe’s getting sleepy. I’ll take her home first,” Hannah said with a helpless smile. “Looks like our promised time alone will have to wait.”
“There’s always next time,” Anathea said with a chuckle.
After settling the bill, she helped Hannah settle Chloe into the car seat and waved goodbye. “See you soon.”
“See you,” she said as she started the car and slowly drove away.
The alley was empty except for Anathea and the passing crowd.
She rubbed her arms against the cold and prepared to call a taxi back to her apartment.
Just then, her phone rang. It was Dalia Rodrick–Brisa’s long–time maid.
She wondered if Dalia was calling at this hour because something urgent had happened.
Anathea answered right away.
“Mrs. Sinclair, Mrs. Sinclair Senior is ill. She’s been asking to see you. Please come quickly,” Dalia said.
Anathea froze, caught off guard by how suddenly Brisa had fallen ill. She always thought Brisa was strong and healthy.
Still, Anathea didn’t hesitate. She immediately got ready to head to the Sinclair estate: Brisa had always treated her with
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Chapter 505
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kindness, and Anathea had long regarded her as a grandmother of her own.
However, the Sinclair residence wasn’t nearly as convenient as downtown. It was far out, and with the current late–night traffic, it was nearly impossible to get a ride. She tried hailing a car over and over, but none came.
Anathea pursed her lips, feeling worried. Just then, a car bearing the license plate GS 00001 pulled up in front of her.
She was taken aback that Gregory hadn’t left. The window rolled down halfway, revealing that familiar, striking face.
“I got the call too. Let’s go together,” Gregory said.
The situation was urgent, so Anathea didn’t refuse. She opened the door and got in.
As soon as she sat down, she caught the strong scent of alcohol on him.
“Have you been drinking?” she asked with a slight frown.
“Yeah, there was a last–minute event. I had a few drinks,” he said casually.
But even from a distance, Anathea could tell he had more than two drinks. She glanced at him quietly, lost in thought.
Suddenly, he shifted closer.
Anathea tensed up.
Chapter 506
