Chapter 274 Teach Her Love
What? Why?
Feeling the frost in Mirlinda's tone, Anna declined.
"Sorry, Miss Greco, I'm tied up with work at the office. I can't make it right now."
"Oh? Seems like you're not that concerned about Simon after all."
Anna's brows furrowed at the strange remark.
"What's wrong with Mr. Dalio? Is he in trouble?"
Mirlinda's voice was icy, "Why don't you come and find out?"
With that, the call ended.
A sense of foreboding rose in Anna's heart. After a moment's hesitation, she decided to go.
After all, it was Mirlinda who had called. There must be a serious reason.
Half an hour later, Anna arrived at Gulfview Residences.
It was a private estate near the sea, with well-kept grounds and plenty of shade-giving plants. The clean air complemented Mirlinda's extravagant way of living.
'Ding-dong,' Anna rang the doorbell.
Less than a minute passed before Mirlinda opened the door.
She wore an aquamarine silk dress that accentuated her tall figure and curves, with a silk scarf draped over her shoulders, showcasing the elegance and femininity of a lady of leisure.
Even at home, she took care of her appearance.
Seeing Anna, Mirlinda's lips curled into a scornful smile, "You do care, after all. Otherwise, you wouldn't have hurried over."
Anna remained silent.
If she hadn't come, Mirlinda would have branded her as heartless and indifferent.
By coming, she faced ridicule for caring about a married man.
Was she damned either way?
"If you've called me here just to toy with me, then there's nothing to talk about. I'll take my leave," Anna said, turning to go.
"Wait," Mirlinda halted her, her lips pursed as she reluctantly continued, "Of course, I called you for a reason. Simon... hasn't eaten in two days."
"What? Why?" Anna was immediately concerned.
This time, Mirlinda spared her the sarcasm, explaining, "We had a fight at the restaurant last time and haven't spoken since. Then, he was working on a project with a woman, and I misunderstood... I threw water on her and blew up the deal. We had another argument after that. He's been in a foul mood, has no appetite, and the doctor says it's post-traumatic anorexia."
Her voice trailed off, revealing her discomfort.
Anna knew that men hated having scenes caused in public, especially since Simon had no feelings for Mirlinda. Was Mirlinda just strangling herself?
"What now? What do you need me to do? Cook for Mr. Dalio?" Anna asked.
Mirlinda was non-committal, "I heard from Giovanni that Simon would eat your cooking. You do it for me, but don't let Simon know it was you."
This was not an issue.
Even if she hadn't asked, Anna would have offered.
"Miss Greco, you're disgusted by me, you command me, and yet you need me. Is this how you ask for help?" Anna's words took Mirlinda aback.
She thought by inviting Anna over, she had let bygones be bygones. She hadn't expected Anna to throw such an attitude in her face.
"Do you expect me to get on my knees and beg? Let's not forget which one of us is Mr. Dalio's wife in the public eye."
Anna replied coolly, "I'm not comparing our situations. I'm at peace with my relationship with Mr. Dalio. However, if you need my help, we have to be clear about where we stand. I'm not the one asking for favors."
Mirlinda was livid, unable to come up with a retort.
Anna didn't intend to make things difficult for a pregnant woman. She offered, "Alright, I can cook for you, but I need a favor in return. The Greco family holds significant sway in Crownhaven. They can make things happen. Help me get out of my contract with DuoNyx Entertainment, and I'll cook for you, no strings attached."
Mirlinda furrowed her lovely brows. She had assumed Anna needed help with a major financial issue. She didn't expect it to be something so trivial, a contract termination with DuoNyx Entertainment. This wasn't what she had pictured.
She seemed different from what she imagined.
"Where is your kitchen? I'll start cooking, can you help me with the DuoNyx Entertainment now?"
Anna’s gesture pulled her back to reality, and mechanically, she pointed toward the kitchen, "Over there..."
Once Anna left, Mirlinda regained her composure and dialed her father's number.
"What's up, sweetie?" Ever since Mirlinda married Simon, her father had done a full turnaround in attitude, eager to cater to her every need, always ready with generous gifts.
Mirlinda felt a sting of irony, though she maintained her polite facade. "A friend of mine needs to break a contract with DuoNyx Entertainment. Could you help facilitate that?"
"That's easy. How have you been feeling? Did you eat the food I sent over last time? You must take care of yourself and the baby."
All his concern seemed focused on the baby and her status as Mrs. Dalio.
With a nonchalant acknowledgment, Mirlinda ended the call.
About half an hour later, Anna finished preparing the meal in the kitchen.
"Miss Greco, it’s ready. I’ve made some soup, some meatloaf, and a sandwich, all stomach-friendly dishes. Mr. Dalio should enjoy them."
Mirlinda eyed the beautifully presented food in the insulated containers, a flicker of impressed wonder in her eyes. She had been pampered all her life, never lifting a finger to do the work of commoners, yet here was Anna, capable of such culinary feats that even she felt an appetite stirring.
She pursed her lips just as her phone rang. "That should be my father, he's likely taken care of it. Let me take this call," she said.
"Sure," Anna replied, waiting hopefully as Mirlinda answered the phone.
Mirlinda's usually graceful brows furrowed as the initial ease in her expression took a turn towards discontent. A sense of ominous foreboding bubbled within her.
Within a second, her fears were confirmed.
"My dad mentioned that the head honcho over at DuoNyx Entertainment recently changed, and whoever's at the helm now is running a tight ship. No name, no connections, no favors," she revealed, her tone tinged with concern.
The idea that there was a problem not even the Greco family could handle took Anna's breath away.
Just who was this new CEO, and why were they pressuring a newcomer like her?
"Any chance you could help me get a line on the CEO?" Anna asked tentatively.
"I doubt it. Dad's clueless about who it is, so getting their number is even less likely," Mirlinda responded with a shrug.
Anna sighed, "Thanks, anyway. I'll figure something out."
"Hey, aren't you coming to watch Simon with us?" Mirlinda's question stemmed from curiosity.
After all, any woman would jump at the chance to join.
Anna shook her head, "No need. The day you and Mr. Dalio went to get your marriage certificate, I drew a line in my heart. I've no intention of crossing that line again.
Miss Greco, if you truly cherish Mr. Dalio, I'd advise you to keep your cool. Embrace the things he loves, and show him you care.
While I can't guarantee it'll win him over, your current temper and actions definitely won't earn his respect."
With those frank words, Anna turned and walked away, leaving Mirlinda standing there, her radiant visage slowly losing its luster.
Was she trying to intimidate Anna by flaunting her connection to Simon, only for Anna to respond with this advice?
What kind of person was she, after all?
Stepping out of the villa, Anna felt stifled. With the manager helpless and Mirlinda unhelpful, it likely meant even Katherine couldn't smooth things over.
What should she do next?
Just then, the screech of tires pierced her thoughts as a luxury sedan pulled up abruptly at the curb.
Anna turned, only to find—