Gianna unlocked her phone and pushed it toward Steven, sping her hands as if begging, ying up the vulnerable angle.


    She was referring to the online chatter-people doubting her abilities and specting she had manipted the game to hold Anneliese back.


    In reality, she had already shed tears over it in the car, right in front of Adrian on the way here.


    Adrian had instructed the PR team to manage the gossip and contain any coverage outside the venue, ensuring nothing damaging reached her.


    With Adrian handling it, Gianna wasn''t concerned about the situation spiraling.


    Her aim was simply to get Steven''s pity-and maybe a bit of affection. Since Anneliese was involved, she assumed Steven would automatically take her side, perhaps even resent Anneliese.


    But that didn''t happen.


    She pressed her hands together, looking pitiful, yet Steven ignored the phone. He turned to face her, his eyes cool andposed behind the sses, radiating a calm authority that made Gianna''s chest tighten.


    His tone was icy. "If you''re going to do something, take responsibility. Don''t leave openings for others to exploit. Thinking everyone''s a fool doesn''t make you clever— it makes you a fool."


    Gianna''s cheeks med. She gripped the edge of the table just to keep from springing up and stomping out.


    ...


    Meanwhile, even though the restaurant charged at least five figures per guest, Anneliese stuck to her habit of rinsing utensils carefully, especially with Ellie beside her, who required extra attention.


    Just as she lifted the pot, a slender, long-fingered hand reached for it effortlessly.


    Jonathan had removed his jacket, revealing the elegant line of his shirt cuff.


    His eyes focused on the task. His long fingers steadied the cdon pot as he poured fresh water, rinsing tes, bowls, and cups in sequence. Steam curled around him, softening his sharp profile.


    He ced the cleaned set before Anneliese with his usual poise,pletely at ease despite the onlookers.


    Anneliese offered a small smile and transferred the set to Ellie.


    She then ced Ellie''s original set in front of Jonathan, silently inviting him to continue.


    "Didn''t see thising, Jonathan. You''ve got a real nurturing side," Adrianmented from across the table, unable to resist teasing after finishing his discussion with others.


    Jonathan gave a small nod. "My wife is mine to pamper. If she storms off, who else am I supposed toin to? Right?"


    Adrian sensed the sarcasm, though he couldn''t call it outright.


    He instinctively nced toward Wendy, sighing. "Fair enough. If only I had been as sharp back then things might have turned out differently..."


    It was clearly a jab aimed at Wendy, looking for a reaction.


    However, Wendy kept her eyes on her phone, scrolling steadily, offering no response.


    Adrian felt slightly ufortable.


    Next to him, Pepper quietly set a


    rinsed set in front of Adrian "Adrian, your stomach was upset a couple of days ago. Take it easy."


    >


    Adrian diverted his gaze from Wendy and gave Pepper a small nod. "Appreciate it."


    He epted her gesture without protest.


    Anneliese couldn''t figure him out. He''d just been cozying up to Wendy, appearing to want reconciliation.


    Yet momentster, he was being called "dad" by Pepper''s daughter, moving freely around her, showing closeness publicly.


    What exactly is he trying to do?


    "Careful, it''s hot," Jonathan warned, sliding thest cup forward and filling it with water.


    Anneliese came back to reality. She touched the cup, feeling the warmth seep through the porcin. Perfect.


    "Thanks, Hubby," she said with a smile directed at Jonathan.


    The contrast struck her-her luck had finally shifted. She had truly found a treasure.


    Her eyes gleamed, emotions written clearly on her face. Jonathan raised a brow, leaned in slightly, and spoke in a lowered tone.


    "Honey, take it easy."


    That yful look of hers stirred heat in his chest, making him want to pull her close


    and kiss her immediately.


    Gianna sat stiffly, her mood plummeting.


    Watching Anneliese and Jonathan


    exchange nces openly. Seeing a


    man so cold and untouchable, the ong who usually stayed distant, lowered himself to care for Anneliese like this.