Chapter 213
Seeing Theodore about to force Eliana, Anthony lunged forward and yanked him away. “Theodore, calm down!”
Theodore spun around and punched Anthony’s face. “This doesn’t concern you.”
Anthony staggered back, his gaze flickering at Eliana, who was disheveled. His voice hardened. “I’ve let you win before. But if you keep pushing her like this, I won’t hold back.”
Theodore kicked aside his fallen suit jacket, rolling up his sleeves. “Try me.” His knuckles were white with tension. He had wanted to punch Anthony the moment he stepped out of the car.
Instead of attacking, Anthony bent to untie the tie restraining Eliana’s wrists, turning his back to Theodore.
The temptation to strike was overwhelming, but Theodore wanted to beat him fair and square.
The moment the tie slipped free, it was like a starting bell. They collided, fists flying. Theodore fought with brutal precision and strength. Anthony, though no longer holding back, struggled against Theodore’s rage.
“Enough!” Eliana snatched a glass from the nightstand and hurled it to the floor. The shattering crash froze them both.
With both men gripping each other’s collars, their gazes locked onto Eliana as if awaiting her choice. Her eyes skimmed past Theodore before settling on Anthony. “Anthony, take me to the hospital.”
If she didn’t separate them now, they would tear each other apart. But it was impossible for her to stay alone with Theodore.
“Sure.” Anthony’s voice brimmed with triumph. He started to step toward her, only to forget that his collar was still in Theodore’s grip.
Theodore refused to let him go. Fixing Eliana with a heavy, unreadable stare, he asked hoarsely, “You’re sure about this?”
Eliana avoided his gaze, though her trembling body betrayed her fear.
A beat later, Anthony shoved Theodore aside and stepped forward, shielding her. “Let’s go, Eliana.”
Without another word, Eliana turned and walked out.
Theodore’s chest rose and fell sharply. A moment later, he pulled out his phone and made a call. “Investigate what happened at the Therapy Center these past days.” With that, he hung up, snatched the car keys, and stormed after them.
Downstairs in the dining room, Lainey watched as Theodore stormed out after Anthony and Eliana. She murmured, “Since when did they start rushing around like their pants are on fire? Not even having dinner?”
Besides, Anthony had been glued to Eliana’s side for days.
Seeing how worried Lainey was, Alice, sipping her wine, smiled, “Your son is finally getting close to his target. You look unhappy about it?”
“I’m pleased, but…” Lainey hesitated. Anthony had always buried his emotions deep. Two years ago, courting Alice, he had been flawless, yet his eyes stayed cold. But now, that warmth as he doted on Eliana… It unsettled Lainey. She was afraid he might fall first.
On the way to the hospital, Anthony suddenly pulled over. “We left in a hurry. How about grabbing a quick bite?” Knowing that Eliana would refuse anything lavish, he gestured to a modest storefront diner.
Eliana nodded. “Fine.”
After ordering, Anthony noticed the group of high school girls at the next table sneakily snapping photos of him with their phones. He smi to them. “What are you girls capturing?
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Chapter 213
Eliana followed his gaze just as one of the girls giggled. “You, handsome,
Eliana mused silently, Teenagers are really bold.
Anthony’s smile didn’t fade. “Mind if I check how it turned out?”
“Sure.” Flustered by his charm, the girl handed over her phone.
Anthony swiftly deleted the photos before returning the phone.
The girl had been practically swooning from his smile moments ago, but when she saw the missing photos, her grin faltered. “Hey, why did you delete
them?”
Anthony pointed to the bruise on his cheek. “This doesn’t exactly scream handsome. I didn’t want to take up your storage.” Then, he added playfully, “Let me make it up to you. Lunch is on me.”
Instantly, the girls brightened. Free food from such a handsome man? No one complained.
Eliana studied Anthony. He had a way of smoothing over conflicts effortlessly, leaving no room for resentment. Theodore would’ve glared or threatened until they deleted the photos themselves.
Noticing her stare, Anthony murmured, “Something on your mind?”
“Nothing.” Eliana lowered her head, taking a sip of Coke to hide her emotion, only to wince as the icy drink churned her stomach.
Anthony noticed her slight frown and slid his cup of warm milk toward her. “This might help settle your stomath.”
Eliana blinked. “How did you know?”
“You’ve been skipping meals and running yourself ragged for days,” he said. “It’d be a miracle if your stomach wasn’t acting up.”
Eliana eyed the milk hesitantly.
“Go ahead,” Anthony added with a chuckle. “I haven’t touched it.”
Nodding, Eliana murmured, “Let me pay for this meal as thanks for your help these past few days.”
Anthony’s gaze softened further. “Just glad you don’t resent my meddling”
A flush crept up Eliana’s face. “I owe you an apology for snapping at you that day. I wasn’t myself.”
“Forget it. I did overstep.” After a brief pause, Anthony asked, “Did something happen between you and Theodore? Is that why he forced you?”
As if sensing she might feel pressured, he added, “I’m just asking as a friend. If you don’t want to talk about it, you don’t have to answer.”
AD
