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Anathea had clearly leveled up her sense of self–protection. She would now carry a variety of tools to keep herself safe.
Gregory wasn’t sure if he should be impressed or annoyed. It was pood that she was alert, but she’d just used those tools on him. That part stung more than he would like to admit.
“So in your eyes, I’m no different from some pervert on the street His gaze locked onto hers.
“What do you think?” Anathea shot back coolly.
Gregory fell silent. Whatever frustration he’d felt fizzled out in an instant, but his expression darkened.
N
Anathea didn’t want to waste time on this topic. “Why are you here anyway?”
They were miles from Castenea. She didn’t believe for a second this was a coincidence..
“I’m on a business trip,” Gregory said flatly.
“You too?” Anathea looked at him suspiciously.
He flicked her a glance with a poker face. “What, are business trips trademarked by you now, Ms. Jacobson? No one else is allowed to go on business trips?”
“Whatever.”
Anathea wasn’t about to argue. The takeout was getting cold. She turned and headed back toward the guesthouse.
But Gregory followed, walking steadily beside her. Not too close, but not too far either.
Anathea glanced sideways at him. “Why are you still following me?”
She knew he was up to something.
“I’m going back to my place. Is that a problem, Ms. Jacobson?” Gregory asked dryly.
Anathea froze for a moment. Could he be…
Sure enough, he came to a halt in front of the same guesthouse.
“You’re staying here too?” Her brow creased.
“I own the whole place.”
Gregory stepped through the gate casually. The guesthouse owner immediately greeted him with a bright smile, “Mr. Sinclair! Please, come in!”
Anathea narrowed her eyes. She was about to text Evangeline and ask her to pack up so they could switch to another guesthouse.
“Don’t bother. Every guesthouse within three miles belongs to me.”
Gregory’s flat voice drifted over, instantly killing any thought she had of running away.
Anathea was stunned. Since when did Gregory own so many guesthouses in Cloudbrook? But before she could ask, he’d already turned and gone upstairs without saying another word to her.
As Anathea watched his back disappear up the stairs, a flicker of thought passed through her eyes.
Before she could dwell on it, her phone rang. It was Evangeline. She turned and went back to the room.
“Smells amazing!” Evangeline dug in without hesitation and gave a big thumbs–up. “Not bad at all. It’s great!”
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However, Anathea barely touched her food, clearly distracted.
“What’s wrong?” Evangeline asked, puzzled. “Why aren’t you eating? The noodles are going to turn to mush.”
Snapping out of her daze, Anathea picked up her fork and took a bit. The taste wasn’t as good as she’d expected. It was too heavy for her liking and not quite her style.
“Not your style?” Evangeline blinked at her.
Anathea forced herself to swallow and gave a slight nod.
“I think it’s fine.” Evangeline took another big mouthful. She was all about bold flavors.
“Then it’s all yours.” Anathea really couldn’t get used to it.
“Sweet.” Evangeline grinned and pulled the whole bowl in front of her, happily digging in.
“I’m going out for a walk,” Anathea said as she stood up.
Earlier, the lighting had been dim, so she couldn’t be sure. But it looked like there was a bruise on Gregory’s face.
She went downstairs and soon heard voices.
“Mr. Sinclair, Dr. Anderson already said you shouldn’t be overexerting yourself. You’ll tear the wound,” Martin said helplessly.
His voice was loud enough for Anathea to hear every word. She followed the sound and looked toward the living room.
Gregory was sitting on the couch, and Martin was tending to him. His mask and hat were off.
The bruises on his cheekbones and brow and the split at the corner of his mouth were all laid bare.
His skin was naturally fair, which only made the purplish bruises stand out more. The cut on his lip had reopened from roughing up that flasher earlier and was still seeping blood. The wounds looked fresh.
Anathea paused mid–step.
At the same time, Gregory seemed to sense something. He looked up and locked eyes with her as she stood silently on the stairs
