Suddenly, an idea popped up in my brain. I glanced at the old lady and her dog before making up my mind.
Yes, Nathaniel might’ve ignored me, but he wouldn’t give up any chance to spy on Anthony. Otherwise, he wouldn’t have arrived that soon in the lounge at the filming site.
Thus, I could take the opportunity to use power for personal gain.
“Bill, please!”
I paid for the coffee and gave a tip. Before leaving, I told the owner, “Sir, the coffee was unique!”
“Thank you! I’ll make sure you get to try a homemade dessert for free on your next visit!” The plump owner beamed at my praise.
“Sure!” I flashed a grateful smile in return before stepping out.
The old lady was no longer in sight, but the air seemed fresher than before. I stretched lazily and hailed a cab. It was time to strike while the iron was hot.
After getting Anthony’s latest address from Holden, I went there without hesitation and pressed on the doorbell.
I then crossed my arms and tapped my arm absentmindedly. I couldn’t wait to see how Anthony would react upon seeing me.
Soon, footsteps sounded inside, and the door was pulled open. The person who appeared was not who I expected to be. “Rylee?”
She’s living with Anthony?
Rylee was clad in a black minidress, and she didn’t seem surprised to see me here. After giving me the once-over impatiently, she took one step back and was about to slam the door shut.
I was fast enough to dash forward and block her action with my body so I wouldn’t get locked outside. However, I didn’t hold back and pushed the door wide open to reveal the scene inside.
Anthony had removed his suit jacket. He was wearing an apron and cleaning up the trash in the living room, while an attractive man was lounging on the sofa. The only piece of clothing on his body was a tiny piece of underwear. His fair skin and ripped body were exposed as he munched on chips on the sofa.
Oh, how strange. Is this a threesome? Forgive me for overthinking.
Everyone in the house stared at me silently. I was rendered embarrassed as though I was here to catch them in the act.
Finally, Rylee folded her arms and chided, “Just come on in. The paparazzi will get to publish a pictorial book from all the photos they have snapped of us.”
I belatedly realized that there was a strange reflection in the mirror in the house. Turning at my shoulder, I was shocked to see around eight cameras aiming at us. One even had an assistant to hold a ring light.
Uh, they are photographing us in the open?
Before I could react, a pair of hands reached out and pulled me into the house before slamming the door shut.
A long silence ensued.
I blurted out, “Did I come at the wrong time?”
Even the stranger realized what I meant and arched a brow in amusement.
I fell silent immediately and waited for someone to break the silence and save me from the embarrassment.
“This is Rylee’s boyfriend.” Indeed, Anthony still had feelings for me.
I heaved a sigh of relief before it struck me that something seemed off. What? Didn’t Anthony and Rylee claim to be dating?
The young man seemed to be younger than Alexander. He looked like he belonged in a boy band. If his makeup was any thicker, he could have passed off as a girl. I had no idea Rylee was into someone like him.
“What? First time seeing someone with two boyfriends?” Rylee strode over and hissed, “So what if I have two boyfriends? Do you have a problem with that?”
“No,” I mumbled.
She was probably lying, and I wouldn’t fall for her lies.
Rylee stared me down before extending an invitation. “Stay for dinner,” she said warmly.
Turning to the young man on the sofa, she commanded, “Room, now.”
The young man glanced at Anthony and me before trotting after her obediently. They stuck to each other like glue as they made their way upstairs.
Shortly after, strange moans sounded from the stairway.
However, Anthony continued clearing the mess and ignored the embarrassing sounds.
I put down my bag and went over to help him. “Why didn’t you get the maid to do this?”
Anthony continued cleaning up as he explained, “She’ll feel better if I’m suffering.”
Realization hit me. Compared to me, Rylee hated Anthony more.
Suddenly, I felt the urge to ask whether Anthony’s selfish decision had changed Rylee’s fate. Nevertheless, after a brief deliberation, I decided to trust him.
Hiding the truth was the biggest form of torture for him. Anthony wasn’t someone who’d set his best friend’s sister up.
No matter what, he felt guilty about Rylee’s plight.
I felt the same way, too.
Thus, I had the responsibility to bear his load. I took the cloth from him and said, “I’ll do this. Wash the ingredients for dinner. I’ll come and help you later.”
However, Anthony stood unmoving and tilted his head to study me.
“What are you doing? Taking a risk in order to succeed?” he asked nonchalantly.
To be exact, he was being scornful.
I looked up and looked into his unfathomable gaze.
“Do you know what Freja was thinking when she wanted to bring the Stanhope family down?” he added.
“I—”
He didn’t give me a chance to complete my sentence. “She wanted to kidnap you. John would give her anything she demands.”
I was shocked. It didn’t cross my mind that Freja’s plan was such a vicious one.
Did she give me a ride because of Nathaniel?
Having said that, he strolled toward the kitchen. “We’re not meant to be. You should leave. I don’t have time to explain your relationship with Nathaniel every time.”
Is that a warning? Or is he jealous?
It felt like a reminder. Nathaniel’s feelings for me were pretty obvious to everyone. He was the only one who refused to admit it. Thus, I should use it against him.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.
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