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Chapter 94
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Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 95
"That's enough." Gregory's even tone brought the discussion to a close.The other guests, who had been pressing Natalie, finally backed off. But those who knew better recognized the truth."Mr. Sinclair's clearly looking out for Ms. Whitman.""No question about it. Keeping things under wraps is for her own good."They could all see that Gregory wasn't about to let anyone think Natalie's exhibit had only succeeded because of him."At this rate, Ms. Whitman might as well have 'future Mrs. Sinclair' written all over her…"Natalie lowered her gaze, a flicker of pride flashing in her eyes.Theo listened to their conversation, his expression stiffening as his gaze moved to Anathea beside him. Her face stayed as unreadable as ever. From time to time, she made small talk with the industry insiders around her, as if none of it concerned her.His expression tightened further, both at the way she carried on and at the sight of the exchange between Gregory and Natalie.Theo grabbed the me
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 96
"You're too kind, Mr. Wade," Natalie said with a smile as she lifted her glass.Gregory raised his own and took a sip."Let me tell you, Ms. Whitman is remarkable. To pull off that many high-profile exhibitions at her age? She's raising the bar for the entire field!""No doubt about it. Word is, she and Mr. Sinclair went to the same university. And not just any university, a top-tier one. That's some next-level talent.""You're all far too kind," Natalie said with a modest smile before turning to Gregory. "Mr. Sinclair and I may be the same age, but he finished his degree a year ahead of me. I've always admired him!"Two brilliant minds meeting at the top—it was the stuff of true romance.All at once, it seemed obvious to everyone that Gregory and Natalie were meant for each other. After all, who else could possibly match Gregory if not someone like Natalie?And so, eager to win Gregory's favor, they all made sure to sing Natalie's praises."You're just as impressive, Ms. Whitm
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 97
Natalie already had plenty of titles and honors, all adding to the flawless reputation that allowed her to handle any situation with ease.Now, she had fixed her sights on the opening in the local floral design exhibition, determined to be the first to fill it. To succeed, she needed a deeper understanding of the industry.And if she could earn the title of protégé to the nation's most renowned floral artist, her future in the field would look all the brighter.She held her breath, waiting for Aspen's reply. With Gregory's influence behind her, there was little chance Aspen would risk offending him by refusing.The rest of the room, too, watched with open interest.Rumor had it, Aspen's standards for taking on a protégé were so impossibly high that hardly anyone ever made the cut. In all these years, she'd only had one. But that protégé never appeared in public, which left people wondering if Aspen had quietly let them go.So, if Natalie managed to pull this off, there was a good
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 98
"Is that guy still as much of a jerk?" Theo asked, his interest piqued.He'd always had a soft spot for drama."I honestly couldn't tell you if he's still a jerk," Aspen said, her gaze moving across the room before settling on Gregory, her smile carrying a hint of something unreadable. "Mr. Sinclair, what do you think? Is he still a jerk?"The room went silent, the question hanging in the air. No one had expected that, least of all aimed at Gregory. Was he involved in this somehow?At those words, Natalie's expression tightened. A sudden realization seemed to hit her, and she quickly turned her head toward Anathea.Natalie remembered how Anathea had walked in with Evangeline from Eden Studio, which meant she was the floral designer behind "Verdant Blush"!Could Anathea really be Aspen's protégé? If that was true, then everything Aspen had just said had been a subtle jab at her!A cold tension settled on Natalie's face at the thought. But she quickly recovered, a smirk of disdain
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 99
All eyes fell on Anathea. The fact that Aspen complimented and critiqued her meant she was no ordinary person!They'd all assumed Anathea was just another pretty face. Only now did they realize she was the brilliant floral designer whose work at the exhibition had received glowing reviews!The change in their gazes was immediate, their earlier contempt giving way to respect and admiration.As all eyes moved to Anathea, Natalie's hands clenched into fists on her lap. She hadn't anticipated Aspen publicly cautioning her while treating Anathea with nothing but warmth!Resentment burned in Natalie's gaze. She darted a look at Gregory, reading his response. He barely glanced at Anathea, his face indifferent, as if she were utterly insignificant.Only then did Natalie exhale in quiet relief, though her glare at Anathea grew sharper with bitterness.Meanwhile, a ripple of emotion passed through Anathea's eyes at Aspen's words. She remained still until she noticed Aspen had left. After a
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 100
"Ms. Langley…" Anathea murmured, her eyes pricked with tears."Call me if you have issues with the floral design. So what if I said I was busy? You should've kept pushing until I made time. You'll never get anywhere being this sensitive," Aspen chided.Embarrassed, Anathea nodded earnestly. "Understood. Thank you, Ms. Langley.""Don't thank me yet. Thank me when you've got something to show for it. Anyway, I've got places to be. I can't stand around talking all day," Aspen said with a faint smile.The elevator chimed as it reached their floor, the doors parting.At that moment, Gregory walked out of the private room and noticed Aspen, Anathea, and Evangeline together.Aspen caught sight of him but barely spared him a glance before shifting her attention back to Anathea. "Look, I know you might not want to hear this, but I've got to say it anyway."Anathea raised her eyes."Why bother holding onto a jerk like that? What's he good for?" Aspen didn't mince words.Anathea was caug
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 1
Anathea Jacobson had spent ten years nursing a crush on Gregory Sinclair and five years as his wife. She'd believed she could eventually thaw his heart, even if it was as cold as forged iron.She'd never expected it to be just wishful thinking on her part.The sound of running water echoed from the bathroom. Anathea stood by the bed when her phone lit up with a new message.It was a photo taken at Castenea's most exclusive fine-dining restaurant. Gregory sat across from a woman. His gaze was gentle, and his expression was warm.Anathea knew the woman. She was Natalie Whitman, Gregory's ex.Natalie had just returned from abroad last month. The very night she came back, Gregory had left Anathea behind to see her.To Gregory, Natalie was his flawless first love, while Anathea was nothing more than an unsightly stain on a white wall.The bathroom door swung open. Gregory stepped out in a bathrobe, steam rolling off his skin.Anathea put her phone down and turned around, only to f
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 2
Anathea's outstretched hand grasped at nothing, and her elbow slammed against the hard floor. A sharp pain shot through her arm, forcing a hiss from her lips.Xander just stood there without any expression. There wasn't a trace of concern in his eyes.Anathea had nearly lost her life giving birth to him. Yet now, he watched indifferently as she lay on the ground writhing in pain.Anathea felt as if an invisible hand was tightening around her heart, making it hard to breathe.Only now did she realize that, apart from a few of her features, Xander was just like Gregory. They were both cold and indifferent.Anathea's eyes burned with a stinging ache before the world around her spun. Then, everything went black. She passed out from the pain.In the end, it was Jenny who called an ambulance and got Anathea to the hospital.…When Anathea woke up, the sharp scent of antiseptic filled her nose."Acute gastritis caused by stomach dysfunction." The doctor delivered the diagnosis and re
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Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 100
"Ms. Langley…" Anathea murmured, her eyes pricked with tears."Call me if you have issues with the floral design. So what if I said I was busy? You should've kept pushing until I made time. You'll never get anywhere being this sensitive," Aspen chided.Embarrassed, Anathea nodded earnestly. "Understood. Thank you, Ms. Langley.""Don't thank me yet. Thank me when you've got something to show for it. Anyway, I've got places to be. I can't stand around talking all day," Aspen said with a faint smile.The elevator chimed as it reached their floor, the doors parting.At that moment, Gregory walked out of the private room and noticed Aspen, Anathea, and Evangeline together.Aspen caught sight of him but barely spared him a glance before shifting her attention back to Anathea. "Look, I know you might not want to hear this, but I've got to say it anyway."Anathea raised her eyes."Why bother holding onto a jerk like that? What's he good for?" Aspen didn't mince words.Anathea was caug
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 99
All eyes fell on Anathea. The fact that Aspen complimented and critiqued her meant she was no ordinary person!They'd all assumed Anathea was just another pretty face. Only now did they realize she was the brilliant floral designer whose work at the exhibition had received glowing reviews!The change in their gazes was immediate, their earlier contempt giving way to respect and admiration.As all eyes moved to Anathea, Natalie's hands clenched into fists on her lap. She hadn't anticipated Aspen publicly cautioning her while treating Anathea with nothing but warmth!Resentment burned in Natalie's gaze. She darted a look at Gregory, reading his response. He barely glanced at Anathea, his face indifferent, as if she were utterly insignificant.Only then did Natalie exhale in quiet relief, though her glare at Anathea grew sharper with bitterness.Meanwhile, a ripple of emotion passed through Anathea's eyes at Aspen's words. She remained still until she noticed Aspen had left. After a
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 98
"Is that guy still as much of a jerk?" Theo asked, his interest piqued.He'd always had a soft spot for drama."I honestly couldn't tell you if he's still a jerk," Aspen said, her gaze moving across the room before settling on Gregory, her smile carrying a hint of something unreadable. "Mr. Sinclair, what do you think? Is he still a jerk?"The room went silent, the question hanging in the air. No one had expected that, least of all aimed at Gregory. Was he involved in this somehow?At those words, Natalie's expression tightened. A sudden realization seemed to hit her, and she quickly turned her head toward Anathea.Natalie remembered how Anathea had walked in with Evangeline from Eden Studio, which meant she was the floral designer behind "Verdant Blush"!Could Anathea really be Aspen's protégé? If that was true, then everything Aspen had just said had been a subtle jab at her!A cold tension settled on Natalie's face at the thought. But she quickly recovered, a smirk of disdain
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 97
Natalie already had plenty of titles and honors, all adding to the flawless reputation that allowed her to handle any situation with ease.Now, she had fixed her sights on the opening in the local floral design exhibition, determined to be the first to fill it. To succeed, she needed a deeper understanding of the industry.And if she could earn the title of protégé to the nation's most renowned floral artist, her future in the field would look all the brighter.She held her breath, waiting for Aspen's reply. With Gregory's influence behind her, there was little chance Aspen would risk offending him by refusing.The rest of the room, too, watched with open interest.Rumor had it, Aspen's standards for taking on a protégé were so impossibly high that hardly anyone ever made the cut. In all these years, she'd only had one. But that protégé never appeared in public, which left people wondering if Aspen had quietly let them go.So, if Natalie managed to pull this off, there was a good
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 96
"You're too kind, Mr. Wade," Natalie said with a smile as she lifted her glass.Gregory raised his own and took a sip."Let me tell you, Ms. Whitman is remarkable. To pull off that many high-profile exhibitions at her age? She's raising the bar for the entire field!""No doubt about it. Word is, she and Mr. Sinclair went to the same university. And not just any university, a top-tier one. That's some next-level talent.""You're all far too kind," Natalie said with a modest smile before turning to Gregory. "Mr. Sinclair and I may be the same age, but he finished his degree a year ahead of me. I've always admired him!"Two brilliant minds meeting at the top—it was the stuff of true romance.All at once, it seemed obvious to everyone that Gregory and Natalie were meant for each other. After all, who else could possibly match Gregory if not someone like Natalie?And so, eager to win Gregory's favor, they all made sure to sing Natalie's praises."You're just as impressive, Ms. Whitm
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 95
"That's enough." Gregory's even tone brought the discussion to a close.The other guests, who had been pressing Natalie, finally backed off. But those who knew better recognized the truth."Mr. Sinclair's clearly looking out for Ms. Whitman.""No question about it. Keeping things under wraps is for her own good."They could all see that Gregory wasn't about to let anyone think Natalie's exhibit had only succeeded because of him."At this rate, Ms. Whitman might as well have 'future Mrs. Sinclair' written all over her…"Natalie lowered her gaze, a flicker of pride flashing in her eyes.Theo listened to their conversation, his expression stiffening as his gaze moved to Anathea beside him. Her face stayed as unreadable as ever. From time to time, she made small talk with the industry insiders around her, as if none of it concerned her.His expression tightened further, both at the way she carried on and at the sight of the exchange between Gregory and Natalie.Theo grabbed the me
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 94
"Absolutely. Mr. Sinclair went out of his way just for Ms. Whitman. Most people would be lucky to get even a minute of his time.""Sounds like Mr. Sinclair's got quite a stake in Ms. Whitman's exhibition, huh?"A faint smile touched Natalie's lips, her voice softening with practiced modesty. "Oh, Mr. Sinclair's just thorough when it comes to work. He's the very definition of a workaholic."Her tone might have sounded dismissive, but the ease behind it hinted at a closeness with Gregory that didn't go unnoticed. The other guests exchanged glances, knowing smiles passing between them.Tonight was more than just a celebration dinner. It was a networking event Gregory had put together specifically for Natalie.Aspen, meanwhile, took in the conversation without a flicker of reaction and headed to the seat to Gregory's right.Gregory wasn't usually the one to make the first move, but this time, he offered a handshake. Aspen barely caught his fingers before slipping into her seat, her d
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 93
But the two figures had already disappeared by the time Anathea managed to focus her eyes."Nat?" Evangeline waved a hand in front of her face. "You okay?""It's nothing." Anathea turned away with a faint smile.She must've imagined it. Castenea was a big city, after all. What were the chances of running into Gregory and Natalie here?The waiter led Anathea and Evangeline toward the private room reserved for the celebration dinner.Evangeline spent the whole walk gushing about the exhibition. "Seriously, this show is on another level. They even got Ms. Langley's work up. Only a deep-pocketed organizer like the Sinclair Group could pull that off.""Sinclair Group's behind this?" Anathea's steps faltered."Yep, and the curator's one of their in-house collaborators. I've heard she'd studied abroad. She's got an impressive track record, with tons of viral exhibitions under her belt. No wonder they locked her in for the long haul."Evangeline glanced around to make sure no one was n
Why the Crocodile Tears? Chapter 92
The instant Anathea locked gazes with Evangeline, she already knew what the latter was planning.As she expected, after dismissing them, Evangeline sought Anathea out.Evangeline said in a meaningful tone, "Nat, this opportunity is very important to you. Don't worry, I'll definitely leave you—""No need," Anathea refused gently.Evangeline paused in surprise, not expecting Anathea to outright reject her. A hint of disappointment flashed in her eyes.Perhaps Anathea still hadn't adjusted well, so it was Evangeline's own fault for being too hasty. It had only been a short time, after all."If you pick me, I want it to be because of my actual capabilities, so I hope you can be fairer, Ms. Holstrom. That way, the others will find it easier to accept your decision," Anathea explained.For a moment, all Evangeline could do was stare at the small smile on Anathea's face. Then, she regained her composure and let out a laugh. "Alright, I'll definitely be strict!"For the next two days,
