Chapter 300 Hearts at Stake


    Chapter 300 Hearts at Stake


    :


    Jackie wanted to say that the contractst time had been secured with Anneliese by his side. If she could speak up for uderias Tech in front of Derek and Marlowe Sterling this time, the renewal would almost certainly be guaranteed.


    Zacharias frowned. “She’s already agreed to attend the banquet with me. As for the gift, follow my instructions–there’s no such thing as being too generous.”


    Jackie nodded and was about to leave when Selina’s eyes lit up.


    “Instead of giving more, it’s better to give something that truly appeals to her. I know what Mrs. Golding likes. How about I prepare the gift for you?”


    Selina knew that Anneliese had won Marlowe’s admiration by giving her a thoughtful gift. That wasn’t hard to top.


    She could get something even better–and she wanted Zacharias to see it too. Whatever Anneliese could do, Selina could always do better. It had always been that way.


    “Really?”


    “Absolutely. I’m confident.”


    Selina’s assured expression earned a nod from Zacharias.


    “The banquet is tomorrow. If you need anything to get ready in time, just ask Jackie for it,” he said gently.


    Selina smiled. “Don’t worry, Zach. Even if Anne won’t help, I’ll make sure the renewal goes through.”


    Zacharias thanked her with a squeeze of her hand, but Selina looked puzzled.


    “How could Anne possibly agree to attend the Goldings‘ banquet with you?”


    Zacharias still thought Anneliese might change her mind,


    However, Selina knew her all too well. Anneliese was fiercely proud and stubborn–she’d rather break like fine porcin thanpromise for anything less than her standards. Once she walked away, there was no turning back. There was no way she’d agree to go with Zacharias to the Goldings‘ banquet.


    Zacharias said, “Her grandmother came to Oceaton for surgery. She doesn’t dare let her


    grandmother know about the divorce.”


    Selina’s eyes flickered.


    As she stepped out of the hospital room, Melody and Lenora rushed up.


    “Who hit my brother?”


    Selina sighed, her eyes red. “Anne married some powerful man I don’t even know. She locked our whole family up for days and even released some snakes <i>to </i>bite us. We almost died in the filthy basement water. Mom and Dad are still in the hospital, running fevers and hooked up to IVs. The police aren’t helping at all. Mrs. Shaw, Lenora, Zacharias was right not to call the cops. Let’s just let this go.”


    She didn’t directly say it was Anneliese, but every word was calcted to stir Melody and Lenora’s hatred.


    “Of course it had to be that witch! What a curse–how did our family end up crossing someone like her? She made Zacharias endure two years of insults and humiliation, killed my grandson, and now… does she want to kill Zacharias too?” <fn19dd> Discover more novels at Find?Novel</fn19dd>


    Melody cursed her furiously, and Lenora seethed with anger.


    “She’s so low–just divorced Zach and already hooked up with some backup. Who knows, maybe she was already cheating on him before the divorce. Forget calling the police–we’ll go straight to her!”


    Thest time Anneliese had hit her with heels, her whole body ached. She and her mother had been humiliated by the other wealthydies too.


    In the past few days, her mother had been trying to set Zacharias up with some socialite, but anyone remotely interested kept making excuses. All thanks to Anneliese.


    Lenora hadn’t forgotten a single grudge.


    Selina held back the two furious women. “Mrs. Shaw, Lenora, just listen to me. Anne has powerful backing now–it’s not wise to provoke her. Her grandmother is in the hospital in Oceaton. You should go to her and ask her to talk to Anne. Calm things down, let Zacharias be, and maybe everyone can live peacefully from now on.”


    Maple Bay.


    After work, Jonathan went straight to the floor where Anneliese lived.


    Zion followed him out of the elevator, standing a step behind.


    “Mr. Fullbuster, will you be staying at Mrs. Fullbuster’s ce from now on?”


    Jonathan didn’t slow his pace. “Why not?”


    Living at his wife’s ce after marriage–Jonathan didn’t mind it at all. He clearly liked the idea.


    Zion nodded eagerly. “Yes, you surely can.”


    Jonathan’s long legs carried him to the door. He unlocked it with a fingerprint, stepped inside, and nced back at Zion.


    “You can leave now.”


    <i>Click</i><i>. </i>


    <i>The </i>door closed softly. Zion stayed at the entrance, full of questions.


    Why did Mr. <i>Fullbuster </i><i>bring </i><i>me </i><i>along</i>? <i>Just </i><i>to </i><i>watch </i><i>him </i><i>open </i><i>the </i><i>door </i><i>and </i><i>go </i><i>inside</i><i>? </i>


    In the kitchen, Anneliese heard the movement. She peeked out and saw Jonathan, and a faint smile curved her lips.


    “You’re back? Perfect timing.”


    Jonathan changed his shoes, tossed his suit jacket on the couch, and stepped into the kitchen to help, but Anneliese had already ted thest dish.


    “Wash your hands–we’re eating.”


    She had prepared avish dinner tonight to thank Jonathan. The presentation was meticulous, with fresh flowers and a candlelit centerpiece on the table,


    When they reached the dining table, Anneliese invited him to sit. “Would you like some wine?”