Chapter 577
Thomas poured Anathea a glass of white wine. “Seafood goes better with this. It brings out the flavor.” Anathea took the glass and was just about to take a sip when a tall gure suddenly stepped into view.
“Why are you here?” She frowned.
Castenea was huge, and yet, for some reason, she’d been running into Gregory far too often lately.
“I’m here for dinner,” Gregory replied casually. “Pretty normal thing to do, don’t you think, Ms. Jacobson? Unless, of course, you’re implying I’m following you.”
His tone was cool and distant, carrying a hint of detachment. It was nothing like the man who’d once whispered that he missed her at the tennis club.
Then again, this kind of cold detachment was probably for the best. It saved them both from awkwardness.
“You’re overthinking it,” Anathea said, glancing away. “If you’re here to eat, pick another table. You’re blocking my view.”
But Gregory didn’t budge. He stayed right where he was–directly across from her.
“Mrs. Sinclair… Uh, I mean, Ms. Jacobson, sorry. The place is packed, and there aren’t any free tables left. Would you mind sharing one?” Martin asked.
There weren’t any free tables?
“There’s no way,” Anathea said as she looked around. Then, she froze.
Just moments ago, the restaurant had only had a handful of people but in the blink of an eye, every table was suddenly full.
There was no way that many people had just happened to arrive all at once.
Anathea glanced at Gregory, suspicion flickering in her eyes.
But his expression was as calm as always.
Martin, caught between them, looked like he was about to melt into the floor. He gave Anathea a pleading look and mumbled, ” Ms. Jacobson, please?”
Hers was the only table big enough to seat six.
Anathea suddenly regretted asking for such a large one. She turned to Chloe and asked, “Chloe, would you mind sharing the table with someone you don’t know?”
She deliberately emphasized the words “don’t know“. Her tone was laced with meaning.
But Chloe blinked. How could she not know Gregory? She’d seen him a few times. He was Xander’s father. That made him Anathea’s husband.
Chloe couldn’t help but wonder if Anathea and Gregory had gotten into an argument.
She glanced at the rather plain–looking man beside them, who’d been fawning over Anathea the whole time. Then she turned to Gregory with a sweet smile. “Not at all!”
Anathea froze. Just as she was about to speak, Gregory had already pulled out the chair across from her and sat down, locking his gaze onto hers.
Anathea ignored him and focused on her meal.
It was just a shared table. They could just eat their own meal. There was no need to feel awkward about it.
Right then, Thomas placed a bowl of seafood chowder in front of her.
1/2
Chapter 577
+25 BONUS
The creamy chowder bubbled gently, with tender chunks of whitesh peeking through the surface. A drizzle of sesame oil shimmered on top, while a scattering of chopped green onions and cilantro added a fresh pop of color.
“Ms. Jacobson, try this-”
“I don’t eat cilantro.”
“She doesn’t eat cilantro.”
Anathea and Gregory spoke at the exact same time.
She looked up, meeting his eyes.
At the same time, Gregory placed a bowl of chowder–carefully cleared of cilantro–in front of her, smoothly nudging Thomas‘ bowl aside.
Thomas gave him a sideways glance. Sensing that, Gregory cast a cold glance his way, carrying an unmistakable air of dominance.
Martin just shook his head helplessly. Anathea’s charm really was something. First Theo, now Thomas. If Gregory didn’t step up, forget remarrying her–he might miss out completely.
Anathea pretended none of it was happening. She hadn’t even planned to eat the chowder.
“Thea, I want to try that one,” Chloe said, pointing to the bowl Gregory had passed over.
“I’ll get you some.” Anathea grabbed a small bowl and ladled some in for her. Before handing it over, she reached for a spoon to cool it down.
But Chloe, not knowing, reached out with both hands to take the bowl herself. The heat startled her, and she flinched.
The bowl slipped, hit the floor, and shattered.
“Chloe! Are you burned?” Anathea immediately turned to check her, but a strong hand caught her wrist.
Chapter 578
