Chapter 255: Are You Free Next Tuesday?
It seemed Ashley Grant was right. This was a good opportunity.
Aaron Wyatt was going to confess to her?
’I wonder if she’ll accept.’
But Leona Grant had a feeling she would.
’No, I have to get Aaron Wyatt out of the picture. Only I can be with Annabelle Linton on her birthday.’
’Now that I know how I feel about Annabelle Linton, there’s no need to hide it anymore.’
He decided he would give Annabelle Linton an unforgettable birthday—and he would do it himself.
The moment Ashley Grant turned to go upstairs, her expression changed instantly.
’Sister-in-law’s birthday... Ryan Linton and Kiera Keane will be there too, won’t they?’
The thought of them made Ashley Grant’s heart clench, and she wearily closed her eyes.
’It looks like I can’t be there for my sister-in-law’s birthday...’
...
The next day was the weekend, so Leona Grant didn’t go to the office.
He’d shooed Ashley Grant out early in the morning, leaving just him and Annabelle Linton at the dining table.
Annabelle Linton ate gracefully with her eyes lowered, not making a single sound. Even a simple meal showcased her excellent upbringing and table manners.
Although Leona Grant had his head down, reading the newspaper, his eyes kept darting toward Annabelle Linton.
When Annabelle Linton finished eating and stood up, he rose as well. "Come with me for a moment. I have something to tell you."
Annabelle Linton raised an eyebrow slightly but followed him anyway.
She perched lightly on the edge of the sofa, her long, slender legs exposed. Giving Leona Grant a detached look, she said one commanding word: "Speak."
Leona Grant looked at the woman before him.
Annabelle Linton was wearing an orange shirtdress. The vibrant color highlighted her snow-white thighs, and her long hair fell in a fluffy cascade, giving her an air of indescribable freshness and cold beauty.
His Adam’s apple bobbed slightly. "Are you free next Tuesday?"
Annabelle Linton watched him, her face devoid of expression. "Finish what you have to say."
"..." ’Can’t you be a little less cold?’
’She was the first person in the world who dared to speak to him like that. But what could he do? She was the woman he liked.’
Leona Grant pressed his lips together and said calmly, "The company is holding a charity event to sponsor children at an orphanage. I’d like you to go with me."
What Leona Grant was really thinking was that he just needed to free up her schedule for that day. Whether the charity event was real or not was another matter entirely.
"Reason?"
"Your status and profession are both perfect for this. With you there as a white-robed angel, the event is sure to be a complete success."
"Listen to my question carefully."
Annabelle Linton looked at him coldly, lazily crossing her arms. "I’m asking you to give me a reason why *I* should go, not why I’m the one you’re asking. Understand?"
Seeing her like this, Leona Grant couldn’t help but let the corners of his mouth lift in a slight smile.
’He just loved this cold and stunning side of her.’
"Grandpa was the founder of this orphanage. He wants the two of us to be the face of a public service announcement for it. He’s very insistent."
He didn’t forget to add, "I don’t want to go either, but considering it would be good for Grandpa’s health, I feel like we have no choice."
"..." Annabelle Linton’s brow furrowed fiercely. "Leona Grant, have I noticed you’ve been using Grandpa to pressure me lately? Do you find that amusing?"
"This is what Grandpa wants. You don’t have to go."
’If I don’t go, won’t that make me seem utterly unfilial?’
Annabelle Linton was trembling with anger.
’Talk about emotional blackmail! This is a blatant perversion of human nature!’
Just as Annabelle Linton was about to say something, her phone suddenly rang.
She answered, and her expression changed less than two seconds later. "The tumor has worsened? Okay, okay, don’t worry. I’m on my way!"
Annabelle Linton hung up and ran upstairs.
When she came back down, she was hugging a few file folders and rushing for the door.
Leona Grant stood in front of her. "Where are you going?"
"Something came up." Annabelle Linton moved past him and quickly went to change her shoes.