**TITLE: Created 502**


    If it hadn''t been for the fact that Jessica was Anneliese''s dear friend, she would have never even had a chance to encounter Zane, not in a million years!


    Gianna had always maintained that she and Anneliese were like oil and water, and this situation only reaffirmed her belief.


    Anneliese''s relentless ambition to ascend the socialdder of the Fullbuster family was one thing, but to act as a matchmaker and push a woman as shameless as Jessica toward Zane? That was a whole different level of audacity.


    What a pair of despicable women they were!


    Gianna''s mind raced with indignation as she had already dispatched her connections to dig up everyst detail about Jessica. She was determined to uncover the truth, to reveal the facade behind that delusional little tramp. Once she had theplete picture, Gianna would make sure Jessica learned her ce in the grand scheme of things.


    Just then, her phone buzzed, pulling her from her thoughts. Gianna nced at the screen and saw a new message sh before her eyes.


    ''You''re a coward!''


    The words ignited a firestorm of anger within her. Gianna''s hands trembled as she yanked off the delicate bracelet she had been trying on, the gemstones glinting mockingly in the light. With a furious swipe of her fingers, she typed back, ''Gosh, what an ungrateful fool! I''m trying to help you, yet you''re getting mad at me instead. No wonder your man got stolen!''


    She hit send, but a momentter, the dreaded notification appeared: message failed to send.


    That failure only fueled her rage further. With a swift, furious motion, she swept the jewelry boxes off the table, sending them crashing to the floor in a cacophony of ttering metal and shattered dreams.


    Just as she stood there, fuming, a soft knock echoed at the door.


    A maid cautiously pushed it open, her voice careful and respectful. "Ms. Gianna, Mr. Malone is asking if you''re ready. The car''s waiting."


    Gianna inhaled deeply, trying to steady the storm brewing inside her, before rising to her feet.


    She gestured dismissively at the chaos she had created on the floor. "Clean this up.” As she descended the stairs, she spotted Adrian waiting for her, impably dressed in a perfectly pressed suit, his hair slicked back with precision.


    The moment he saw her, he adjusted his tie and beamed. “What do you think of this tie? Does it go well with my outfit?"


    Gianna threaded her arm through his, a smile breaking across her face. "Daddy, you look absolutely amazing! You''re the most handsome man in the world. Mom''s going to love it."


    Adrian chuckled, a warm, fatherly sound that filled the air between them, and he patted her hand affectionately. "So, who do you think is more handsome, me or Zane?"


    “Zane, of course!" Gianna teased, sticking out her tongue yfully.


    Adrian feigned offense, clutching his heart dramatically. Giannaughed and quickly added, “Okay, okay! I take it back! You''re both equally handsome. You have that elegant,posed kind of handsome, while he''s more of the sharp, charming type."


    "That''s better," Adrian replied, visibly pleased. "Now, remember-when you see your motherter, keep up the sweet talk. And more importantly..."


    Before he could finish his thought, Gianna interrupted him, her eyes sparkling with mischief.


    "You want me to sing your praises so you can win her over, right? Don''t worry, I''ve got this!"


    She linked her arm through his and led him toward the door, eager to get moving.


    As soon as they stepped into the main hall, a graceful woman with a gentle demeanor appeared at the entrance.


    "Aunt Pepper!" Gianna eximed, her face lighting up with genuine joy as she dashed over. "I had no idea you were in town!"


    The woman standing before her was Pepper Chalmont, Wendy''s twin sister.


    Though they shared the same blood, they were fraternal twins, and their appearances reflected that distinction.


    Pepper may not have possessed the striking beauty of her sister, but she had aged with grace and dignity. Even now, her figure was well-maintained, and her calm, elegant manner echoed Wendy''s gentler side.


    "I''m here for my nephew''s wedding,” Pepper replied, her smile warm and inviting. “I thought I''d drop by for a little visit. Adrian, are you two heading out?"


    Adrian returned her smile, his eyes twinkling. "Yes, we''re on our way to see your sister."


    "Oh, it''s been far too long since Ist saw her," Pepper remarked, a hint of nostalgia in her voice.


    Gianna seized the moment,tching onto her aunt''s arm eagerly. "That''s perfect then, Aunt Pepper! Come with us! Stay the night, please! It''s been ages since we shared a room. We can return to Halden together!"


    Her excitement was palpable, a genuine delight that radiated from her.


    When Gianna was younger, her parents'' divorce had left her feeling adrift.


    Wendy had left both her children in the care of the Malone family while she pursued her career overseas.


    Although Adrian frequently took Gianna to visit her mother abroad, Wendy rarely agreed to see him.


    Her father would often remind her to be understanding, to make her mother happy, and to foster a closer rtionship with her.


    But for Gianna, that was no simple task.


    Her mother felt like a distant figure, cold and seemingly uninterested in her and her brother.


    What kind of mother would abandon her own children like that?


    Even for her son''s sake, shouldn''t Wendy have considered reconciling with Adrian?


    Yet here they were, more than twenty yearster, and her mother stubbornly refused to even entertain the idea ofing back.


    Fortunately, her father was a devoted man, steadfast in his love and patience.


    All these years, he never strayed, never fathered any illegitimate children, and always showered Gianna and her brother with affection.


    In Gianna''s heart, it was her mother who was selfish and unreasonable, blind to the goodness that her father embodied.


    She often found herself wishing that her aunt could be her true mother instead.


    Pepper turned her gaze to Adrian, her expression thoughtful. "Adrian, would it be alright if I joined you?"


    Adrian smiled warmly, waving his hand in a weing gesture. "Of course, you''re family! It''s no trouble at all. Join us! Perhaps we can finally convince Wendy toe home for the holidays this year."