Anneliese would definitely go crying to Jonathan if she knew in advance.


    No. It''s better to let her get all dressed up, only to be denied at the door when she shows up for thepetition. That would be satisfying to watch indeed.


    "Understood, Ms. Malone."


    Much of the frustration in Gianna''s heart dissipated when she heard the confirmation from her father''s assistant.


    She hung up the phone and turned to see Pepper standing there.


    "Aunt Pepper?"


    She wasn''t worried that her aunt might have overheard the phone call. Compared to her mother, who was always cold and strict, her aunt had always loved her and spoiled her even cleaning up countless messes on her behalf.


    Five years ago, when she was still in high school, she had once "taught a lesson" to an annoying girl. Who could have predicted the girl''s psychological state would be so fragile? It had been just some mild bullying and istion, but the girl spiraled into depression and threw herself off a building.


    Though she survived the fall, she ended up paralyzed from the chest down. Her family had threatened to make a huge scene over the incident. Gianna had been terrified, certain her parents would learn about what she had done. But, in the end, it was her aunt who quietly "handled" everything.


    After that incident, she became even more dependent on her aunt.


    "Are you still feeling upset?"


    Stepping forward, Pepper embraced Gianna. Her hand gently caressed her niece''s cheek, which looked haggard fromck of sleep.


    Gianna gritted her teeth in fury. "That d*mned Anneliese and Jessica! They''re nothing but bottom-feeders from the slums. They''re absolutely disgusting! Why are Jonny and Zane attracted to trash like them? And my brother too-he even helped them bully me! I''m starting to wonder if he even considers me his sister!"


    Aplicated expression flickered through Pepper''s eyes—struggle, pain, conflict.


    Of course, she wasn''t Steven''s sister. She''s my daughter... and Steven''s cousin. How she wished she could tell Gianna the truth and openly acknowledge her daughter..... but the time wasn''t right.


    She silently reminded herself, Patience. I just need to wait until I''vepletely won over Adrian... then we''ll be a real family.


    "Gianna, Jessica isn''t worth your time. Getting your hands dirty fighting her will only lower your own worth. It''ll also make Zane think poorly of you. Focus on the man you love. As long as Zane favors you, other women don''t matter. Don''t lose sight of what''s important."


    Gianna pouted, sulking. "I want Zane to love me, I really do. But he''s always so busy! I barely see him! And he keeps treating me like a little sister. Now he''s distracted by that little tramp Jessica... I can''t get close to him at all!"


    "Then make her disappear." Pepper stroked Gianna''s hair gently. "Take advantage of the situation. When Zane starts feeling empty, you can step in and keep himpany instead."


    Gianna brightened at the suggestion. "How can I make her disappear?"


    "Don''t worry about that." Pepper smiled faintly. "I''ll figure it out."


    "Aunt Pepper, you''re the best! I love you the most!"


    Anneliese had been staying with Jessica for the past few days. But now that Jessica


    was hospitalized, she had to spend the night alone.


    She had not driven today—Jessica had, and her car was still parked by the


    restaurant.


    She didn''t bother calling a cab as she left the hospital. Strolling down the sidewalk, her mind reying everything her grandmother had said. The words echoed relentlessly.


    Was there really something more to the fire back then?


    Her thoughts spun wildly, a chaotic mess she couldn''t contain. Taking out her phone,


    she dialed the number of her father''s colleague, Brody Belmort.


    Brody had served as the deputy captain at the time, apanying Frederick on that mission Ten years. ago, he was promoted to the Chief of the fire department''s sub-bureau, but he had since retired.


    As the dial tone beeped in her ears, she suddenly realized it was already close to


    ten at night. The elderly often slept early.


    Knowing her timing wasn''t appropriate, she moved to hang up-but the call connected.


    "Anne? Is that you?"


    "Yes, it''s me, Mr. Belmort. I''m sorry for calling sote. I hope I didn''t disturb your rest."


    They briefly exchanged some polite greetings, then Brody got straight to the point. "Anne, you only call me when something''s wrong. What''s going on?"


    "I can''t hide anything from you, Mr. Belmort." She gave a smallugh nodding slightly. "I wanted to ask about the fire... the one where my father died. I want to know the details.


    He paused. "Why are you suddenly asking about this?"


    "I have my reasons, Mr. Belmort. If it''s not too much, could you tell me what happened?"


    Though he sighed, he began recounting the events.


    "So... the only people inside the vi that day were Keh Fullbuster, Elizabeth


    Holf, and their child, right? No one else came or went?"


    "Yeah, that''s right."


    "I heard from my grandmother that... the investigation concluded it was an idental fire."


    A long pause followed her question. His hesitation was obvious, but he eventually answered, "Anne, it''s been so many years. Digging up the past won''t change anything Neither you nor your grandmother should remain chained to that incident forever.


    "By the way, I heard your grandmother''s health has been declining recently, so you


    brought her to Oceaton to look after her. How is she doing now?"