Maria immediately ducked back under the covers, but not before Anthony caught the flush on her cheeks. Her reaction pleased him immensely.

Although curious to know why she suddenly felt shy, he chose not to push the matter.

“Guess what? Mrs. Jenkins called and invited me to come and visit." Anthony said with a soft chuckle.

“She must be planning something," Maria replied under the blanket. "You need to be careful moving forward."

"Tt's true, Maria!" Julie chimed in. "She invited Anthony over, but he insisted on seeing you first before anyone else. That's why he went straight to Lemna Yard as soon as he arrived.”

Maria was in her usual night wear, a silken pair of pajamas that fitted her figure perfectly.

As she sat on the bed, the fabric stretched, accentuating every curve in her upper body.

Clearing his throat, Anthony averted his eyes and handed her a thick jacket. "It's cold. Put this on."

“Sure, sure."

Maria stuck her arms into the jacket and wondered when her charms had begun to fade. Was she no longer attractive to Anthony?

She moved over to the edge of the bed, placing her hand on his shoulder to help her maintain balance as she got to her feet.

The next second, however, she heard him whisper in her ear, "Your debts keep piling up. Be sure to make it up to me once we're married.”

Maria had barely just stood up, but her legs instantly weakened, and she plopped back on the bed.

She couldn't help but groan at his words.

Anthony was supposed to be distant and reserved with his emotions. Since when had he Learned to go around spouting such intimate words in broad daylight?

Maria tried to appear composed, but her blushing face betrayed her.

“Do you have any idea what she might be planning?" Julie asked, oblivious to the tension that thrummed between the couple. "What would she want with Anthony? Why did she ask him to come?"

Maria sighed and shook her head. "I have no idea about it." She paused before adding, “All I can say is that she's likely up to no good."

A snort of Laughter came out of Julie. She couldn't care less about Maria's lack of respect for Mrs. Jenkins.

In truth, she didn't think Mrs. Jenkins deserved the so-called reverence she demanded from everyone.

The elders were usually kind and generous, especially to the younger members of their family. But Mrs. Jenkins was malicious and greedy.

“We all know that the family needs the continual financial support provided by the Sky Group. We also know that Mrs. Jenkins does not Like Maria. From what I know about her, she will probably try and meddle in your affairs," Julie said, her voice Laced with worry.

Julie became even more agitated after saying her thoughts out loud.

“What should we do? Do you have a plan in mind?"