Chapter 16 Hearingg Xander's words , Anathura let out a quiet , mocking laugh ther heart . +25 BONUS She'd thought that after starting school , he would gradually chang When he'd apologized to her the other day , she'd secretly Tell relieved , believing that , at the end of the day , he was still completely . he couldn't possibly be so heartless as to push her away But now , it was clear she'd been too naive . In Xander's eyes , she was nothing more than an embarrassing mother who could never compare to the exceptional Natalle . Anathea didn't answer his question and instead turned to look at ciegory , who was casually flipping through the documents in his hands . He occasionally texted Martin with revisions . As always he was distant and indifferent , acting as if none of this concerned him . She averted her gaze , already understanding the situation . Cregory had never publicly acknowledged her as his wife , so there was no way he would suddenly start now and let her show up with them . That was also precisely why , when Xander threw a fit about wanting to ride with Natalie , Gregory stayed silent the entire time , completely unfazed . He didn't care who sat in the car with him so long as it wasn't Anathea . Anathea reminded herself that they were getting divorced anyway , There was no point in making things harder for herself . With that in mind , she steadied her emotions and said to Arnold , just take them . I'll drive myself to the Sinclair residence later . After all , taking Arnold's car meant arriving through the front entrance , where she would have to greet Eleanor first . Eleanor had never liked her , and Anathea didn't see the point in subjecting herself to that If she drove herself , she could park in the garage and head straightto Brisa instead . That way , she could also avoid the judgmental stares . " But- Amold had barely begun to speak when Xander cheered , hugging Natalie's arm . " Yay ! I get to ride with Ms. Whitman ! " Arnold hesitated , then turned to Gregory for his decision . Yet , the latter remained seated and didn't even look up . He simply continued flipping through his documents , completely unbothered by the argument . Anathea didn't spare Gregory another glance . Moreover , she had no interest in watching Xander cling to Natalie , so she turned and walked straight to her car without stopping The moment she left , Xander's face lit up . He thought Anathea was always the easiest to convince Clinging to Natalie's hand , he grinned . " Ms. Whitman , let's go ! " He wanted all his cousins to see how amazing Natalie was and make them jealous . " Alright , " Natalie replied , glancing briefly in Anathea's direction before her smile deepened . " I remember you like the window seat , so I'll sit in the middle . " " Okay ! " Xander beamed , thrilled that Natalie actually remembered his little habit . Natalie smirked and opened the car door , sliding in beside Gregory Every now and then , she chatted with him , and though Gregory was busy working , he would casually respond . From the rearview mirror , everything looked perfectly harmonious . However , Arnold quietly shook his head , feeling helpless . Meanwhile , Anathea watched as the Rolls - Royce pulled away from the estate . Then , she started her car and followed behin they approached the Sinclair residence's grand entrance , Anathea turned left , heading down into the underground garage instead . Chapter 16 25 BONUS Eleanor's birthday parties were always extravagant . This year , a ciptom made red - carpet of about 660 yards stretched from the main gates all the way to the garden , where the party was held . Each yard of that carpet alour cost nearly 60 thousand dollars Everything at the event was tailored to Eleanor's taste . Even the desert plates were collector's items , while the forks and spoons were made of pure gold . A massive champagne tower stood in the center like a glistening fountain , nearly ten feet tall " Rumor has it that Mr. Sinclair absolutely spolls Mrs. Sinclair , giving her anything she wants , " one guest murmured " Looking at all this , I'd say the rumors are true ! " " A devoted husband , a brilliant son - Mrs . Sinclair's life is like something straight out of a fairytale ! " another guest sighed . The guests murmured among themselves , their voices filled with admiration and envy . Holden overheard their conversation and siniled in satisfaction . Walking over to Eleanor , he placed a hand on her shoulder and said , " Pin going to check on the custom cake I ordered for you. " " Alright , " Eleanor responded lightly , She watched Holden walk away before settling back into her chair , her expression unreadable . As guests came up to exchange pleasantries , she merely nodded in acknowledgment , unwilling to engage in small talk . It wasn't until she spotted Gregory and Natalie approaching from a distance that her face finally softened into a faint smile . She stood up and greeted them , " You're finally here . What took you so long ? " " We got held up by something . " Natalie said with a warm smile . Gregory simply gave Eleanor a polite nod in greeting , while Xander ran up to her and called out sweetly , " Grandma ! " " Xander ! " Eleanor pinched his chubby little cheeks , then frowned . " You've only been in school for a few days , and you're already losing weight ? " Xander touched his face , confused . He hadn't noticed any difference . In fact , Jenny had told him he looked chubbier than before , but Eleanor was saying he was thinner . staying " I told you it wasn't a good idea for Xander to start school so early , Eleanor said , turning to Gregory . " He'd be better off here . I hired private tutors for every subject - he'll receive the best education . There's no rush for him to go to school yet . " Then , she smiled at Xander and coaxed , " What do you think , Xander ? Wouldn't you rather stay here and study ? I can arrange it for you right away . " Xander hesitated . Studying here meant having tutors who treated him like a little prince . If he got hungry , Eleanor would have the chef make him pastries . If he got thirsty , there were always fancy drinks waiting for him . Everyone catered to him , but somehow , he liked going to school better . Sitting in class with other kids and learning together just felt different from being alone with tutors " Xander , answer me , " Eleanor urged , squeezing his hand and giving him a knowing look . Feeling comered , Xander glanced at Gregory for help . Even though Gregory had never really paid much attention to his affairs - or anything outside of work , for that matter - he thought it was worth a shot . " There's nothing wrong with starting school early , " Gregory said indifferently . Xander's eyes lit up , thinking , " Yes ! Dad actually backed me up ! I can keep going to school ! " Eleanor frowned slightly , clearly displeased with Gregory's response . She was about to argue when Natalie quickly looped her arm through Eleanor's . " Oh , come on , Eleanor . Since Greg has already decided , why not just go with it ? " Natalie said sweetly . " You're always taking his side . " Eleanor huffed , but the tension in her face eased as she playfully tapped Natalie's forehead . " Be Chapter 16 +25 BONUS careful , or he's going to have you wrapped around his little finger ) At that , Natalie snuck a glance at Gregory . Then , she chuckled softly and admitted in a bashful tone , " I don't mind . " She added , " ' Anyway , let's not talk about me . It's your birthday today - look at the gift Greg and I got for you ! " She pulled out an elegant gift box , opening it to reveal a stunning , tricately designed necklace that sparkled under the lights . It was clear at a glance that it was worth a fortune . " Greg and I picked this out just for you . Do you like it ? " " I love it . I'd love anything from you two , " Eleanor said , unable to hide her delight . She'd seen plenty of expensive gifts in her lifetime , but this one made her genuinely happy . After all , Gregory and Natalie had chosen it together . She believed that this meant there was still hope for the two to pure their relationship . Eleanor had always adored Natalie . She'd long seen the latter as a dughter and her ideal daughter - in - law . If it hadn't been for Anathea getting in the way back then , things would have turned out differently . She'd been bitter about it for five years , which was why she'd never been kind to Anathea . However , things were looking promising again . As Xander dragged Natalie away to play , Eleanor took the opportunity to step closer to Gregory . She didn't beat around the bush " So , when are you divorcing Anathea ? " Today's Bonus Offer