“That’s enough.” Gregory’s even tone brought the discussion to a close.
The other guests, who had been pressing Natalie, finally backed out those who knew better recognized the truth.
“Mr. Sinclair’s clearly looking out for Ms. Whitman.”
“No question about it. Keeping things under wraps is for her own good.”
They could all see that Gregory wasn’t about to let anyone think Nalle’s exhibit had only succeeded because of him.
“At this rate, Ms. Whitman might as well have future Mrs. Sinclair willten all over her.”
Natalie lowered her gaze, a flicker of pride flashing in her eyes..
Theo listened to their conversation, his expression stiffening as his gaze moved to Anathea beside him. Her face stayed as unreadable as ever. From time to time, she made small talk with the Industry Insiders around her, as if none of it concerned her.
His expression tightened further, both at the way she carried on and at the sight of the exchange between Gregory and Natalie.
Theo grabbed the menu and handed it to Anathea, his tone curt. “Get whatever you want.‘
Anathea was surprised that he would ask her to order. Still, she tumed him down politely.
“It’s fine. There’s already more than enough.”
More than 30 dishes had already been written down on the order. Besides, with her recent illness, her appetite had been poor, and soup was the only thing she could handle.
The next second, Theo lifted the menu and flagged down the waiter. “One more mushroom soup. Make it creamy.”
“Right away,” the waiter replied.
Anathra studied Theo, surprise and confusion flickering in her eyes.
She was surprised he had somehow figured out she wanted soup, and confused because the small gesture didn’t align with the harsh, mocking attitude he always showed her.
But she didn’t dwell on it. Maybe Theo just wanted soup for himsel She wasn’t so vain as to think he did it for her.
The food came out quickly. Natalie helped Gregory with a few dishes, which he accepted without much interest. His attention flicked, just for a second, toward Anathea.
Anathea had served herself nothing but mushroom soup, sipping in measured spoonfuls. Theo helped himself to a bowl as well, sipping silently beside her.
Their distance from the group’s animated chatter didn’t go unnoticed.
After sharing a look, one of the guests finally asked, “Mr. Harrington, are you
two acquainted?”
The question was unnecessary. The way Theo had taken the seat beside Anathea and spoken to her made their familiarity plain.
Theo ignored the question. Every time Anathea’s eyes lingered on particular dish, he nudged it closer to her. She paused, giving him a puzzled look.
“Just take what you want,” The said stiffly.
Around them, glances had started drifting in their direction.
Theo was known for being a natural flirt with a laid–back streak. He’d never been the type to wait on anyone. So, why was he suddenly helping Anathea with the dishes as if it were second nature to him?
“Whoa, Mr. Harrington actually cares about someone? Guess there’s a first time for everything!” one guest joked
+25 BONUS
Now, practically the whole table had their eyes on Anathea’s side. He’d been so quiet in her comer that most people hadn’t noured her until now. But now, caught in their collective gaze, her beauty struck them like a revelation that came a beat too late.
Natabe had already seemed like the picture of glamour beside Gregory, until Anathea quietly proved that beauty could n deeper than they realized.
Her soft mint green dress brought out the warmth of her glowing kin, and its tallored waist emphasized her delicate, curvy frame. The luminous composure about her lace made it Impossible for people to look away.
Even so, with Anathea sitting off to the side, they dismissed her ule more than decoration, and from Theo’s exchange with her, it was clear they shares a close conection.
Anathea stiffened under the unexpected attention, feeling awkward.
his
“Alright, that’s enough. We’re here to eat, not stare,” Theo said, voice tinged with irritation.
One by one, though not without reluctance, the guests turned back to their meals.
Then, someone raised a glass. “This exhibition’s success owes much to Mr. Sinclair’s leadership and Ms. Whitman’s brilliant planning. Here’s to both of you!”
