Gianna added, "Anneliese has only crossed paths with her a handful of times, yet Aunt Wendy treasures her to an absurd degree. If she truly acknowledges Anneliese as her goddaughter, and Ellie''s illness is cured with her help, then where does that leave me in Aunt Wendy''s heart?"


    Gianna had been coveting Wendy''spany for years. She had once believed Wendy to be her actual mother and had long behaved as though the bridal business already belonged to her.


    Even after learning the truth-that she wasn''t Wendy''s biological daughter-the reality remained that Wendy had no real daughter, while Steven had chosen to devote himself to politics.


    That left Gianna as Wendy''s sole niece, a daughter in everything but blood. By all logic, thepany should have ended up in her hands.


    Anneliese, aplete outsider, had no right to interfere.


    What troubled Gianna even more was Adrian''s deep respect for Wendy. If Wendy began treating Anneliese as her own child, Adrian''s attitude could easily shift as well.


    If that happened, Gianna''s position would only grow more precarious.


    These were the dangers Gianna fixated on-obvious, immediate threats already looming before her eyes.


    "D*mn it," she cursed aloud. "What exactly is so special about that b*tch Anneliese? She grew up in an orphanage, and she''s divorced—used goods. Fine, maybe Jonathan fell for her act, but why are Aunt Wendy and Ellie acting like they''re under a spell too?"


    Her grip tightened around the ss until liquid sloshed over the edge, sshing onto her hand as it shook.


    Pepper''s gaze darkened. She calmly took the ss from Gianna, ced it on the bedside table, pulled out a tissue, and gently wiped Gianna''s fingers before speaking.


    "They haven''t even acknowledged each other yet," she said quietly. "Why panic now? Losing yourposure won''t help. I won''t allow that oue."


    Pepper spoke with such certainty that Gianna finally steadied herself and turned to look at her.


    "Mom, what are you nning to do?"


    Pepper gave her hand a reassuring pat. "There''s always a solution. Now go wash your face. Once you''ve settled down, we''ll head to the hospital."


    "The hospital?" Gianna frowned. "Why are we going there?"


    She had no idea that Adrian had been scalded after she stormed out earlier.


    Wendy had informed her, "Your dad was injured. This is the perfect moment to show concern. Don''t let the opportunity slip."


    Those words immediately lifted Gianna''s mood. She stood up at once and hurried toward the bathroom.


    Adrian''s burn was minor. The doctornced the blister, applied


    medication, and wrapped it neatly before discharging him. Jonathan and Steven escorted Adrian Out of the emergency room.


    That was when Gianna and Pepper arrived in a rush, their expressions strained with anxiety. Gianna''s eyes were bloodshot as she seized Adrian''s wrapped hand, tears streaming down her face.


    "Dad, I''m so sorry—this is all my fault," she sobbed. "I acted immaturely and ruined everything, and you ended up hurt. Is it serious? Does it hurt a lot?"


    Her distress looked sincere, her face filled with genuine fear.


    Since the injury, Adrian had been met with nothing but indifference. Even Steven,


    who had apanied him to the hospital, had spoken coldly.


    Now, seeing Gianna''s remorse and concern, Adrian felt a rare sense offort. At least this daughter hadn''t been raised in vain.


    Warmth spread through him, washing away his earlier resentment. He lifted a hand and gently patted her shoulder.


    "I''m fine," he said. "I knocked the cup over myself. How could that be your responsibility? Don''t me yourself."


    Pepper stepped forward as well.


    "You haven''t eaten yet," she said softly. "I had the maid prepare


    something light. You and Steve


    should head home to eat and rest And Mr. Fullbuster-sorry to trouble you. Would you join us?"


    Adrian nced at Pepper with appreciation. "You''re always so thoughtful. You''ve already been busy all morning-you didn''t need toe all the way here."


    Pepper smiled faintly. "If I don''t see you myself, I can''t feel at ease. What if you''d needed to be hospitalized?"


    "It was just hot water," Steven cut in coldly. "How fragile would he have to be to end up hospitalized over that?"


    His expression hardened, clearly unwilling to listen further. Pepper maintained her gentle, obedient demeanor.


    "You''re right," she said softly. "I let my worry get the better of me."


    She even offered him an apologetic smile.


    Adrian shot a sharp look at Steven. "Enough. You don''t care whether I''m hurt, but you won''t even allow your aunt and sister to show concern?"


    Steven raised an eyebrow. "Of course not. Go home and enjoy that family warmth." With that, he turned and walked away without another nce at Pepper or Gianna. Jonathan''s patience was thinning. He gave a quick nod. "My wife''s waiting. I won''t trouble your family any longer."


    He followed Steven out. Watching them leave, Adrian clenched his fist—only to feel the burn re with renewed pain.