Chapter 207
Anthony frowned at the dark circles under Eliana’s eyes. “I didn’t mean to do anything.”
“Get out,” she snapped, jabbing a finger toward the door.
Anthony glanced back. The cluster of maids who were eavesdropping at the threshold scattered instantly.
Eliana’s voice was cold. “I’m your brother’s wife. Aren’t you worried about gossip, carrying me upstairs like that?”
Anthony had never treated her as merely Theodore’s wife. Eliana was younger than him, pretty and kind. She was the one who had tended his wounds after Theodore beat him and had rubbed his back when he was drunk and vomiting.
Anthony had never forgotten those moments. Although the care was nothing compared to what she gave Theodore, they had meant everything to him.
“I know you’ve been keeping your distance because of Theodore.” For the first time, Anthony laid bare his thoughts.
Eliana stiffened slightly as his usually gentle eyes burned with uncharacteristic anger. “But look at yourself. If I don’t step in, who will care about you?”
Eliana looked at him. She couldn’t help thinking, ‘That glare… It almost reminds me of Theodore.’
The moment the thought crossed her mind, Eliana’s face hardened in disgust. “I don’t need your meddling.”
Anthony smiled in self–mockery, “Don’t worry. Once Theodore’s back, he can handle all your problems himself.”
After last night’s phone call, Eliana didn’t know what hope she could possibly cling to. She slumped against the headboard, all fight gone.
Seizing the opening, Anthony said, “Rest for now.” With that, he turned around and left.
As Anthony descended the stairs, he saw Jayden charging upward, his backpack bouncing. “Jayden, what’s the rush?”
“I heard Eliana is back. I’m going to see her.” Jayden tried to dart past, but Anthony clamped a hand on his shoulder. “What’s wrong, Anthony?” he asked,
puzzled.
“She’s exhausted. Let her rest,” Anthony said with a straight face.
“Fine.”
“Do your homework.”
“Okay.”
When Jayden reached his floor, he caught two maids whispering, their voices laced with Anthony’s name. He stopped and called out, “Hey, what are you gossiping about?”
The two maids spun around, plastering on smiles. “N–nothing.”
Jayden planted his hands on his hips. “Liar! I heard you bad mouthing Anthony. Want me to tell him? Bet he’ll fire you.”
The maids paled. “Please don’t. We complimented him about how dreamy he looked carrying Mrs. Russell upstairs just now.”
Jayden was surprised, thinking, ‘No way! Anthony carried Eliana?‘ Then, staring at his scrawny arms, he groaned inwardly, ‘When will I be strong enough to carry her?‘
Upstairs, Eliana, who had been dozing against the headboard for half an hour, suddenly heard footsteps. Her eyes flew open to see Anthony w…ng in
with a bowl of oatmeal.
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13:02 Monza Jún Ge
Chapter 207
“I had the kitchen make this for you,” he said, noticing she was awake.
The aroma made Eliana’s stomach growl audibly, though her expression remained indifferent. “Thanks,” she muttered reluctantly
Anthony chuckled and placed the bowl in her hands.
“Anthony, please leave,” Eliana said pointedly.
Unfazed, he replied, “The door is wide open. Anyone passing by can see we’re just talking. No need to worry about rumors.”
Eliana thrust the bowl back at him.
After a brief silence, Anthony sighed, “Fine, I’ll go.” He had never met a woman so stubborn, immune to even his gentlest charms.
Only once he left did Eliana begin eating.
Moments later, footsteps at the door made her snap, “Didn’t I tell you to-” She looked up, only to see Jayden standing there.
Downstairs in the dining room, Alice had just taken her seat when Anthony reappeared. She snorted with a mocking smile, “That was quick. After all your concern, did she at least thank you?”
Anthony remained expressionless. “You’re insufferable.”
A glint of schadenfreude flashed in Alice’s eyes. “Tsk, the great puppeteer of hearts finally met his match.”
As he pulled out a chair, Anthony retorted, “She’s not as accommodating as you.”
Alice’s smirk froze before hardening into a sneer. “Or maybe you’re just not charming enough. Though we both know you’ve got other methods you refuse to use on her.”
Anthony’s gaze turned cold. “Spit it out.”
Alice dropped her voice to a whisper. “Drug her. Just like you did to me and Theodore at Zane’s birthday banquet.”
Anthony was quiet for a beat before he said flatly, “That would destroy her.”
Alice thought, ‘Did you hesitate to destroy me and my child?‘ Her nails dug into her palms. Abruptly, she thrust an open hand toward him.
Anthony stared. “What?”
Alice said, “Money.”
“Again?” Anthony frowned.
“I’m exceptionally unhappy today. Retail therapy helps” When Anthony’s eyes narrowed as if considering cutting her hand off, Alice backtracked. “Fine. Let’s bargain. I’ll give you a legitimate way to meddle in Eliana’s affairs, and you pay me if it works.”
Anthony scoffed but humored her, “Go on.”
Alice said, “I’ll fake an illness. Tomorrow, you ‘kindly‘ take me to the hospital. A perfect chance to bump into her.”
After a pause, Anthony nodded. “Deal.”
Alice snorted. She thought, ‘The man’s usually brimming with schemes. Why does Eliana turn him into an idiot?‘
1200 m 2 ) C•
Chaph
den studied Ellana’s haggard expresone th cancers. “Hey, are you in sorten kunt of trouble?”
spoon of sameal before replying, “That’s none of your business, ed.”
Dar’s eyes? Jayden prested,
Just then, a maid said in the doorway, “Mrs. Russell, Mr. Jayden Russell, dinner is served.”
Jayden kept his eyes locked on Elana. “Yoo-”
“But here,” Elena cut in, her voice drained. “You go downstairs.”
Seeing how even speaking seemed to exhaust her, Jayden reluctantly shuffled to the door, then paused to glance back one last time before leaving “What the hell is Theodore even doing Why hasn’t he come back yet? Damn it
The maid gesed at his outbord “Para lower your nice if your brother hears you talking like that, you’ll be in for a lecture.”
