If Zane returns now, he might see Jessica. If he waits until evening, it will be toote.


    ...


    Zane frowned. "What do you mean? Exin—"


    Before he could finish, Jonathan lost patience and hung up.


    Zane''s brow furrowed as he instinctively dialed again.


    Jonathan hung up for the second time.


    On Zane''s third try, an exmation mark appeared on screen.


    Zane froze, thinking, Jonathan wouldn''t act this way unless something is wrong with Jessica.


    Instinctively, he pushed back his chair and stood up. He hurried to the restaurant where two assistants entered, holding documents. "Mr. Shayman, our first review found no loopholes. Last night, we found something new."


    The assistants'' words stopped Zane. He reached for the documents.


    After their exnation, he traced the suspicious transaction. "This is unusual. Let''s visit Hunts Group before the hearing."


    Ten minutester, Zane was dressed and sitting in the car.


    As the car pulled out, he paused.


    The assistant looked surprised. "Mr. Shayman?"


    Zane pressed a hand to his chest before continuing with his instructions.


    Just now, my heart raced, unsteady and chaotic, he thought. My mind went nk for


    over ten seconds. Yet, this case has been taken as a favor. I can''t fail.


    Even if I''m a dayte, it''s fine. Anneliese is there, and Jonathan can help. Nothing serious will happen.


    Once his thoughts settled, Zane regained his usualposure.


    He didn''t know he was about to miss an opportunity he would regret forever.


    ...


    Meanwhile, at Riverview Court, after eating, Anneliese and Jessica changed into matching sleepwear and settled on the bed to chat.


    However, Meatloaf prowled under the window, wing at the wall and pawing at the ss.


    "Meatloaf, didn''t we go for a walk


    this afternoon? Why do you


    night stroll?oneet


    t be the wildest old dog ever!"


    Anneliese got out of bed and rubbed Meatloaf''s head to calm him.


    Meatloaf pawed at the window, tearing a gap in the curtains. Anneliese squinted outside.


    She noticed a familiar Cullinan under the tree, with a shadow in the driver''s seat.


    "What''s wrong?"


    Jessica noticed Anneliese lingering at the window and sat up.


    Anneliese closed the curtain. "Nothing."


    She returned to bed with Meatloaf and opened her WhatsApp chat with Jonathan.


    ''You didn''t leave?''


    The message was sent, but no reply came.


    Uneasy, Anneliese nced at Jessica.


    "Jess, I''ll take Meatloaf out again, or he''ll disturb your sleep."


    She left with Meatloaf.


    Jessica started to speak, nced at the window, and stayed silent.


    After the door closed, she got out of bed and peeked through the curtains.


    She clicked her tongue. So, Jonathan''s been waiting here. And Anneliese calls him understanding? She underestimates how possessive her husband is.


    Downstairs, Anneliese ran to the Cullinan and knocked on the passenger window.


    The car was silent.


    She circled the car, saw Jonathan inside, then knocked on the driver''s side.