Chapter 413 A Daring Move


    Chapter 413 A Daring Move


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    Anneliese was listening intently when, without warning, a warm, familiar hand slipped into hers beneath the table.


    She jerked back, spinning to face the man beside her.


    Jonathan didn''t even nce her way. His eyes remained locked on Alexander, his expression calm,posed, the very image of professionalism.


    From above the table, no one would have suspected he was doing such a daring move beneath it.


    Her heart skipped a beat. Instinctively, she tried to pull her hand free.


    But it was futile. Jonathan''s grip was iron-strong. Not only did she fail to break away, but the tablecloth trembled twice under their struggle, and a sharp scratch on her palm warned her to stop resisting.


    Frozen with apprehension, she dared not move, lowering her head as guilt and panic flushed across her face.


    “Anne, are you okay? You''re blushing,” Quinton murmured, leaning closer.


    Anneliese forced a smile. "I''m fine... I''m just feeling a bit warm."


    "You''re sweating."


    Quinton noticed the beads forming on her forehead, rose, and reached for a tissue. But Jonathan''s smooth,manding voice cut through the moment.


    "I''m genuinely optimistic about theb''s future. With everyone''s dedication, I''m confident we''ll continue to ovee technical challenges and achieve results. I can''t wait to celebrate our sesses together. Let''s toast.”


    He stood and raised his ss.


    Everyone else hurriedly rose, sses in hand. Quinton set the tissue aside and grabbed his own drink.


    Anneliese''s pulse raced; Jonathan still held her hand. For a heartbeat, she feared everyone would see. The thrill of the risk made her leap to her feet, pressing close to him to conceal their joined hands.


    Chapter 413 A Daring Move


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    Thankfully, everyone was too preupied with their drinks to notice.


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    Except Gianna. Her eyes glinted with amusement as she observed the subtle tug- of-war between Anneliese and Jonathan.


    Later, after everyone sat down, she snapped a sly photo and sent it to India.


    ''India, Anneliese can''t help seducing Jonathan, even publicly. She''s got himpletely under her spell at theb too. Poor you, losing him to someone like her! Look at this photo!''


    When dinner ended, Anneliese departed with Alexander and the others.


    Outside the restaurant, Jonathan asked politely, "Prof. Clocke, how are you all getting home? Do you need me to send a car?"


    Alexander waved him off, smiling. "No need. Anne already arranged one for us."


    Then, remembering, Alexander turned to Anneliese. “Anne, you''re not headed the same way. Don''t worry about seeing us off. Let Clement drive us back. You just go straight to theb


    tomorrow."


    Before she could respond, Jonathan''s calm voice asked, "Where do you live, Ms. ude?"


    Hisposure made the question feel innocuous, yet Anneliese felt a twinge of awkwardness. She wasn''t adept at pretending to be strangers in public.


    "I live on Pindale Street," she said, ncing away.


    Jonathan arched an eyebrow, feigning surprise. "What a coincidence! I live there too. Shall we go together, Ms. ude?"


    Her cheeks med, but Clement, ever enthusiastic, interjected. "That''s perfect!


    Sorry to trouble you, Mr. Fullbuster, but thank you for giving Anne a ride."


    Jonathan smiled, nodding. He found Clement far more pleasing to look at than Quinton.


    "Of course, Let''s go," he said, looking at Anneliese again.


    Anneliese waved to Alexander and the others before following Jonathan, her steps slightly stiff.


    Alexander and the others headed to the parking lot, oblivious.


    But Gianna, walking nearby, watched them leave, smirking. “Jonathan treats Anneliese differently, doesn''t he? Like she''s special"


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    Her words were meant both to provoke a little jealousy toward Anneliese and to hint that the rtionship between Anneliese and Jonathan was not entirely innocent.


    Unfortunately, Clement and the others nearby seemed blissfully oblivious, failing to notice. anything amiss.


    Clement said, “Didn''t you hear earlier? Anne helped Mr. Fullbuster out of a difficult situation. Naturally, he values her more."