<em>Chapter 100 Breaking the Facade </em>


    <em>: </em>


    <em>Chapter 100 Breaking the Facade </em>


    <em>Anneliese’s lips parted slightly, but before she could say anything, Zacharias stepped out of the car. He immediately wrapped an arm possessively around her waist, pulling her into his embrace as his dark eyes fixed on Jonathan. </em>


    <em>The man before him wore a dark double–breasted suit with subtle vertical patterns, a white striped shirt, and a coffee–colored paisley satin tie. His look was understated yet stylish, carrying a natural air of refinement andposure. </em>


    <em>Even someone as proud as Zacharias had to admit that Jonathan was the picture of old money, unmatched in bearing, and certainly in no way inferior to himself. </em>


    <em>Primal instinct made him wary of another man who radiated even greater strength. To make it worse, something about Jonathan’s attire felt strangely familiar. </em>


    <em>“If it isn’t Mr. Fullbuster. A pleasure. Honey, when did you and Mr. Fullbuster get acquainted?” He lowered his gaze to Anneliese. </em>


    <em>From the moment he pulled her close, Anneliese had resisted, but Zacharias‘ grip on her waist was firm. She didn’t want to create a scene in front of Jonathan, so she stiffened, her expression cold, pretending she hadn’t heard Zacharias at all. </em>


    <em>Jonathan’s cool, clear eyes fell on Zacharias‘ hand gripping her waist. </em>


    <em>When the woman in his arms remained unresponsive, Zacharias‘ expression faltered. Catching Jonathan’s nce, he instinctively tightened his hold, though Jonathan’s face revealed nothing. Still, Zacharias felt a wave of unease wash over him. His frown deepened. </em>


    <em>Selina’s words at the Age airport came to mind–she had said Anneliese had celebrated her birthday with another man. </em>


    <em>Could it be… His gaze flicked between Anneliese and Jonathan, but he quickly dismissed the thought. Impossible! </em>


    <em>Jonathan could have any woman he wanted. Why would he set his sights on a married one? Besides, over the years, Anneliese’s entire world had revolved around him. In life, in work, she had never let another man near her. Between her and Jonathan? Impossible. </em>


    <em>Suppressing the sudden surge of panic, Zacharias forced a faint smile. “My wife and I had a small quarrel. She’s still upset, I’m afraid. Forgive us for letting you witness such a scene, Mr. Fullbuster.” </em>


    <em>Anneliese loathed his words, loathed even more his pretense of marital affection. She was </em>


    <em>divorcing him, and Jonathan already knew. Why bother keeping up appearances now? In front of Jonathan, she had already endured worse humiliation. </em>


    <em>“What quarrel? We’re about to face each other in court and split for good. And stop calling me your wife!” She shoved Zacharias hard and stepped a few paces away, putting distance between them. </em>


    <em>Zacharias‘ face darkened, his stare heavy with discontent. </em>


    <em>But she couldn’t care less. Anneliese rolled her eyes at him outright. </em>


    <em>His dignityy in tatters. Thinking back to Jonathan’s earlier words, Zacharias scowled and said, “And what exactly did you mean just now, Mr. Fullbuster? It isn’t very polite to eavesdrop on a husband and wife’s conversation, is it?” </em>


    <em>Jonathan watched as Anneliese pushed Zacharias away like a cat bristling at an unwanted touch. A flicker of coldness faded from his eyes. She herself likely hadn’t noticed, but after breaking free, she had instinctively taken half a step in his direction. </em>


    <em>In a rare moment of patience, Jonathan’s lips curved faintly as he replied, “Eavesdropping? We’re in public. I happened to be walking past the car and overheard you resorting to underhanded threats, Mr. Shaw. Since it so happens this matter concerns me, I couldn’t help but speak up.” </em>


    <em>Not far away, Zion nearly rolled his eyes. Mr. Fullbuster, do you even realize how many ‘coincidences‘ you just listed? Anyone would call that divine intervention by now. Even if Mr. Shaw were dim, he wouldn’t buy that. </em>


    <em>Zacharias‘ face turned ashen, his smile brittle. “Quite the coincidence indeed. Then tell me, Mr. Fullbuster–what does this matter have to do with you?” </em>


    <em>Jonathan quirked a brow, about to answer, but Anneliese cut in coldly, “What are you, a </em>


    <em>detective? Where have you been then?” </em>


    <em>Who are you to question anyone? </em>


    <em>Turning to Jonathan, she said firmly, “Mr. Fullbuster, let’s go in together.” </em>