She looked at Jonathan, then down at their still tightly sped hands. "This is what you call respecting me? Respecting my opinion?"


    "Grandma, he—" Anneliese stepped forward, her voice tense, trying to defend him.


    Before she could finish, Jonathan gently pulled her back. He moved in front of her, shielding her with his body.


    "Anne is my wife," he said in a calm, steady voice. "No matter what happens or where we are, I''ll never let go of her. Treating her as my only one is the best way to honor her—and the best way to show respect to the woman who raised and loves her. Don''t you agree?"


    Nishay''s gaze flicked to the part of his shoulder blocking Anneliese from view.


    Anneliese hadn''t noticed it, but Nishay did.


    Ever since that day she had pped Anneliese, Jonathan always positioned himself between them, consciously or not.


    Was he worried she''d hit her again?


    A strange, heavy feeling settled in Nishay''s chest. Her lips trembled before she spoke coldly. "You''re quite the talker, aren''t you?"


    Jonathan smiled,pletelyposed, and picked up the insted food container.


    "There''s something important we need to tell you," he said evenly. "Why don''t you sit and eat first? You can listen—or keep scolding us either works."


    Anneliese feared Nishay had lost her appetite since hearing about Melody''s arrest.


    She slipped her arm through Nishay''s and spoke softly. "Please try the food I brought. It smells amazing."


    Nishay let her guide her to the couch. Jonathan was already opening the container. Anneliese hurried to unpack the three tiers, setting them neatly on the table.


    Shedled a bowl of soup and carefully handed it to Nishay.


    When Nishay took it, Anneliese finally breathed a little easier.


    Then came a sharp thump as Nishay set the bowl back on the table. The sound broke the silence.


    Nishay''s gaze locked on her. "Where did you sleepst night?"


    Anneliese froze.


    She had to admit, Nishay''s intuition was razor sharp. There was no hiding anything from her.


    "I"


    Before she could exin, Nishay cut her off. "You clearly didn''t take a single thing I saidst night seriously!"


    Anneliese''sshes fluttered. "Grandma, I did listen—"


    "I was the one who brought her home," Jonathan interrupted. "Anne told me everything you said. I''ve already sent people to look into the cause of the fire back then."


    Before he could finish, Nishay''s expression turned darker, filled with anger and disappointment.


    She let out a bitterugh and looked at Anneliese.


    "Perfect. This is your idea of getting to the truth?"


    She pointed at Jonathan. "You let him investigate? How is that different from asking


    the thief to solve the robbery? What could he possibly uncover?"


    Her face was tight with fury. "You''ve really let him fool you, haven''t you? You''re helping him bury the truth even deeper! I never should''ve trusted you."


    Anneliese had known Nishay wouldn''t trust Jonathan, but the sting of those words still left her pale.


    "Grandma really do trust him," she


    said softly. "Just like you trust me. I believe he''ll find the truth and give us real answers Please just be patient Wait for the results before deciding anything."


    Nishay''s face hardened, all warmth gone. It was clear she had lost every bit of faith


    in Anneliese. She turned away without a word.


    "Grandma please," Anneliese said


    softly, her voice almost pleading At least listen to what happened with Melody. Maybe you''ll see it


    differently. She exhaled her shoulders tense.


    The hospital door burst open.


    A figure stormed in without warning.


    Anneliese''s eyes snapped toward the door, her brows furrowing tight. She shot to her feet. "What are you doing here? You''re not wee!"


    Zacharias stood there looking like a wreck. His hair was a mess, his face pale and furious He didn''t even took at her. His bloodshot eyes locked straight on Jonathan.


    "You paid Roretha to frame my mother! You''ll do anything to cover your own guilt, won''t you? You''re sick!"


    His words came out like venom as he grabbed Jonathan by the cor and swung his fist at him.


    Jonathan didn''t move. He didn''t even try to block it.


    A heavy sound filled the air as the punchnded against the corner of his mouth.


    The impact echoed in the quiet room.


    "Zacharias! Have you lost your mind?"


    Anneliese''s fury red. Without thinking, she snatched the bag from the chair and rushed at him, swinging it over his head.


    The metal-cornered bottom cracked against his forehead with a harsh sound, leaving a fresh gash across his skin.