s


    Her checks burned red as she tossed the spray at him, blurting quickly, “Alright. Take it home with you. Spray it again before bed, and by tomorrow it should be much better.”


    “Mm.” Jonathan’s gaze lingered on her full, pink lips for several seconds before he forced down the surge of restlessness and disappointment rising inside him. Only then did his voice rumble low in response.


    He nodded and rose to his feet.


    His height cast a shadow over Anneliese, and without realizing it, she took another step back. The edge of the coffee table pressed into the back of her knee, and just as she tipped backward, his hand caught her arm and pulled her back upright.


    “Careful.”


    “Oh–thanks.” Anneliese steadied herself and quickly thanked him. Looking up, she noticed the bruises on his face and asked with concern, “Other than your face, did you hurt anywhere else? Do you feel unwell?”


    Jonathan had meant to y up his injuries, hoping to stir her sympathy, close the distance between them, and deepen her dislike for Zacharias. But as he stared at the guilt and apology written so inly across her expression, regret crept in. He realized he had been petty.


    His refined features softened as he gazed at her. “No. Nowhere else.”


    He paused, then thought of what Zion had said earlier. “What about you? Do you have anything you want to ask me?”


    ording to his assistant, since Anneliese had encountered India earlier that day, she’d surely ask about his rtionship with India. However, she hadn’t sent him a single WhatsApp message, nor brought it up at all.


    Did that mean she wasn’t jealous at all, that she truly had no special feelings for him?


    Caught off guard by his question, Anneliese shook her head. “No, nothing to ask.”


    His gaze carried a quiet pressure that made her tense up without knowing why. Jonathan clearly wasn’t satisfied with her answer. He stepped forward and bent slightly, closing the distance between them. “Think again.”


    Anneliese instinctively retreated half a step, her face flustered. “Really, I don’t have anything to ask… Just, um, sorry for getting you hurt tonight.”


    <b>9:36 </b><b>Thu</b><b>, </b><b>Sep </b>11


    Chapter 161 Dreams That Burn


    D:


    $<b>38 </b>


    s


    With her head lowered, she looked like a child admitting to a mistake. The confusion in her eyes and that small, unconscious step back left Jonathan feeling utterly defeated. He stopped, eyes dark and heavy, before lifting a hand and ruffling the top of her head with a firm rub. His voice came low, edged with helplessness. “Forget it.”


    He pressed down harder than necessary, mussing her silky smooth hair into a messy tangle.


    Anneliese blinked, stunned by the sudden teasing<i>. </i><i>Forget </i>what<i>, </i><i>exactly</i><i>? </i>


    By the time she dodged away and patted her hair back into ce, his tall frame was already by the entryway. He slipped on his shoes, then turned as if remembering something. “You’re still recovering. Don’t bother making breakfast tomorrow. Rest. I’ll have Zion bring food over.”


    “Alright, thank you. See you tomorrow.” She walked toward him.


    Jonathan looked at her and said softly, “Alright. Goodnight. Sweet dreams.” Even if she didn’t have him in her heart yet, he hoped at least she would dream of him that night.


    And she did.


    In her dream, inside a dark car, she straddled him on the seat, kissing the small mole at his throat. His narrow eyes, usually so cold and distant, shimmered with tears, and his voice broke with strained restraint. “Don’t… we can’t do this.”


    “Why not? I want you. Trust me, you’ll like this.” She pressed her body against him, cupped his face, and kissed him hard.


    The man who had always denied himself finally gave in to her lure. He pinned her wrists. behind her back, flipped her beneath him, and with smoldering eyes that ignited her, pressed down. But just then, blinding headlights swept over the car.


    “Go to hell!”


    She looked up to see Zacharias‘ furious face behind the wheel, driving straight at them.


    <i>Bang</i><i>! </i>


    Anneliese jolted awake at the scream, bolting upright in bed, heart hammering. The dream clung vividly to her mind–the chaos in the back seat felt so real, as if it had actually happened.


    Her phone buzzed. Pressing her flushed cheeks, she shook her head, still dizzy, and picked up the call.


    <b>38 </b>


    s


    9:36 Thu, Sep 11


    Chapter 161 Dreams That Burn


    “Madam, Mr. Shaw was beatenst night. He’s dizzy<i>, </i>his eardrum’s bleeding–he’s in the hospital now. You need toe right away.” Jackie’s anxious voice rang out.


    Anneliese slipped out of bed and yanked open the curtains.