She was beyond worried now. Julie was afraid that Mrs. relationship.

Jenkins would ruin Maria and Anthony's

But she didn't dare to blurt out what she thought.

"Don't worry. I'LL be back soon." Anthony spoke in a Light tone. As worried as Julie was, he didn't seem to be the slightest bit bothered.

Even Maria looked relaxed. She simply smiled at him and nodded.

“I'LL go and cook something. We can have dinner together Later."

She sounded Like a devoted wife reminding her husband to go home early so they could spend some time together.

Julie looked back and forth between them in disbelief. Their reaction, or lack thereof, to the predicament, left her bewildered. Still, she tried to shake her fears away and forced a tight smile.

Mrs. Jenkins had years of experience in tricks and intrigue. Julie was just afraid that Mrs. Jenkins might be plotting something against Anthony. With a weary sigh, she told herself that she was overthinking and Anthony was a grown man capable of handling himself.

Ten minutes passed.

Mrs. Jenkins resided in a nice villa by a small lake.

The wide terrace on the second floor afforded her a perfect view of the entire manor, the Lake, as well as the vast expanse of pine and bamboo in the distance. Now and then, a gentle breeze would blow by, causing the water to ripple.

Stood behind Mrs. Jenkins, Barbara shivered at the gust of wind that passed.

Anthony sat across from Mrs. Jenkins. Barbara did her best to maintain her composure and repeatedly reminded herself that she had never seen a man as handsome as him before.

So this was Anthony. He was absolutely gorgeous! Barbara briefly wondered if he had any plastic surgery done to his face. No, that was impossible. Surely, his godly features were natural. In any case, she was besotted.

Barbara swallowed and lowered her head ever so slightly to hide the burning of her cheeks.

Reuben arrived to serve tea and pastries. Before long, the table was laden with a wide spread of snacks.

"I never expected the founder of the Sky Group to be so young. I must say, you are quite amazing, young man," Mrs. Jenkins remarked.

Anthony merely offered a faint smile and a small nod.

“I have been wondering why the renowned Sky Group would choose to do business with our humble Jenkins family. Is it for the money or for love?"

A pang of jealousy hit Barbara with so much force that it almost took her breath away.

She hadn't expected her grandmother to Lay her cards on the table. That was running the risk of displeasing Anthony and driving him away!

“I have more wealth than I need. Money is nothing to me." Anthony's response was flat as if he had already expected that.

“Of course, I'm doing it for love.”