Chapter 165
Just then, a thunderclap boomed outside, followed by a sudden downpour.
The night servants hurried to check doors and windows, fearing rain would leak inside,
Right as the doorbell rang, Eliana got up to answer. All the servants were occupied.
When she opened the door, Anthony stood there, his handsome face slick with rain.
“Eliana?” he asked. “You’re still up?”
“Yeah, helping Jayden write an apology letter.” She stepped aside to let him in.
Inside, Anthony said softly, “Mom told me about Jayden. Wish I could’ve come back. Thanks for bailing him out again.”
“No big deal.” As Eliana shut the door, a lightning bolt flashed, briefly lighting up Anthony’s face.
She did a double–take, wondering, ‘Is that a glint of bloodlust in his eyes?‘ But the next second, it was gone,
“Anthony,” Jayden called. “Why’re you home so late?”
Anthony kicked off his shoes and peeled off his coat. “Errands.”
Jayden whined, “What’s more important than me?”
Anthony smiled. ‘Killing,‘ he thought.
‘Rainy nights are perfect for that. The rain washes away blood and evidence.‘
‘Theodore was sharp, sending men to Meliora to grab Hans and his buddy.”
‘If I hadn’t had spies tailing them, Theodore would’ve learned the truth about the shooting tomorrow.’
‘But problem solved. I’ve silenced Hans and his partner.’
After Theodore took out so many of his guys lately, tonight was finally a win.
Settling on the sofa behind Jayden, Anthony smiled at Eliana. “Heard Theodore almost busted out the whip on Jayden, but you stepped in just in time?”
Not wanting Anthony to hold a grudge, Eliana explained, “It wasn’t like that. Theodore just wanted Jayden to own his mistake.”
“So it was all for show?” Anthony asked.
‘If Jayden buys that, he’d never fear punishment again,‘ Eliana thought.
At that moment, Eliana thought Anthony was straight up toxic.
Anthony was quick to pick up on her mood and switched gears. “Eliana, don’t get worked up. I was just joking. The next time Jayden acts up, I’ll handle the discipline myself. No need for Theodore to play the bad guy.”
“That’d be ideal.” Eliana thought, ‘So Theodore won’t always have to be the villain.‘
Just then, Jayden dropped his pen. “I finished.”
Eliana turned back to him. “Read it aloud.”
Feeling self–conscious, Jayden hunched over and recited stiffly. “Self… criticism… I shouldn’t have bullied those people…”
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Chapter 165
“Who exactly?” Eliana cut in sharply.
“The ones I shook down for money.”
“Your classmates.” Eliana crossed out “those people” with her pen and wrote “classmates.” “Start again.”
Jayden stuck out his lower lip but complied. “Self–Criticism. I shouldn’t have bullied my classmates..”
As Anthony watched her patiently guide Jayden, he felt a momentary daze.
‘She’ll make an amazing mother someday. Too bad she’s tied to Theodore,‘ he thought.
The next day at Russell Group, Theodore’s aide reported, “Mr. Russell, we failed. Hans and his associate were killed last night.”
Theodore waved him off.
He thought, ‘So that’s why Lainey couldn’t reach Anthony. He’d used Jayden’s incident as a distraction to eliminate loose ends.”
59%
That evening at Russell Manor, Alice felt goosebumps under Anthony’s fixed gaze. “Why are you staring at me like that?”
Anthony smiled, “Know what tomorrow is?”
Alice racked her brain but drew a blank.
“Zane’s birthday.”
Zane Turner was a celebrated painter, a huge influence on art–obsessed Alice.
Her face lit up. “Are we going to the event?”
“Obviously,” he nodded. “You’re my fiancée after all.”
Alice let out a wry laugh. ‘So he still remembers I’m his fiancée,‘ she thought.
“Should I bring a gift?” she asked.
Anthony lifted a hand to trace her features. “No need. You’re the best gift.”
Alice flinched back, fear spiking in her chest. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
Anthony grabbed her arm and yanked her close. “A few days ago, I sent the Turner family’s invitation to Theodore. They’ll be at the event tomorrow night.”
“Okay, and?”
“I need a favor.”
“What kind of favor?”
“Seduce Theodore. Sleep with him.”
Alice’s face drained of color. “I can’t do that! Anthony, you know he’s only got eyes for Eliana now.”
“I’ll take care of that part.” Anthony stared into her widened eyes. “Aren’t you sick of Eliana stealing Theodore from you? I’m giving you a shot to one–up her, if you’ve got the guts.”
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Chapter 165
Meanwhile, Theodore was speaking to Eliana as she stepped out of the shower. “Eliana, come with me to Zane’s birthday event tomorrow, grant
“Hmm?” Eliana was puzzled.
“Forgot already?” Theodore held out the Turner family invitation. “Anthony gave it to you.”
“Oh, right.” Eliana recalled. “Who exactly is this Zane guy?”
“A master painter. He and Grandpa were friends when they were young. Grandpa would’ve come himself if he weren’t so worried about Grandina Theodore’s voice turned quiet with sadness.
Eliana quickly reassured him. “Theodore, don’t be upset. Grandma will wake up for sure.”
Theodore nodded. All they could do was hold onto hope.
The next day, 8 PM. It was Zane’s 80th birthday, and the Turner family threw a massive bash. The venue was bathed in dazzling lights. Even top politicians and reporters were in attendance.
Alice swallowed hard, nerves flaring. “Anthony, maybe we should…”
He plucked two champagne flutes from a passing waiter’s tray and handed her one. “Tonight’s your golden opportunity. If you can prove you slept with Theodore, I can force him to divorce Eliana. Then you’ll be the only lady of this house besides my mother.”
Alice spoke bitterly. “But your mom still has such a problem with me.”
Anthony said, “She’s mad because of the baby you lost. If you pull this off tonight, she’ll dote on you like she used to.”
AD
