Chapter 765
With rumors like this spreading, even if Anneliese proves through a DNA test that she has no relation to Ellie and clears her name, it’ll still leave cracks in her
relationship with Jonathan.
They might already be fighting.
The Fullbusters would believe Anneliese shamed the family. With her background and divorce, she’s already despised. After this, any respect she had would vanish.
What bothers me most is that Anneliese, who grew up in an orphanage, still acts so proud and dignified. On top of that, she’s lucky enough to be loved and protected by someone like Jonathan. I hate being outshone by a poor, divorced woman like her.
If Anneliese didn’t try to play hero by helping that mute kid, I wouldn’t go this far to ruin her. I can’t let Anneliese help Ellie and win the gratitude of Wendy and Steven. If that happened, even Adrian might start seeing her in a new light.
If Wendy actually did what she said at the restaurant and made Anneliese her goddaughter, Adrian might even go out of his way to treat Anneliese well just to please Wendy.
That would make her an even bigger threat to my place in the family.
Then, there is that mute child.
She is Adrian’s only real granddaughter. As long as she cannot speak, I can keep Adrian’s favor by acting sweet and making him happy.
However, once Anneliese helps her, and she is no longer “imperfect,” it becomes clear who Adrian spoils more. That’s why I have to keep Ellie and Anneliese from getting closer.
Now everything is perfect.
These rumors make Anneliese keep her distance to avoid suspicion. Even Steven and Jonathan’s relationship would be affected. It is a win for me in every way.
At that thought, Gianna scrolled through WhatsApp with a satisfied smile.
She felt a bit thirsty and was about to call a maid for some fruit when she heard a car brake in the courtyard.
She sat up and looked out the big window.
When she saw Steven’s usual car outside, she quickly logged out of her fake account, erased her tracks, logged into her main account, put on her slippers, and hurried to the entrance.
The moment Steven stepped inside, Gianna immediately greeted him with her brightest smile.
“Steven, didn’t you say you’d be busy these days? Why are you home at this time p>
As she spoke, she obediently opened the shoe cabinet, took out his slippers herself, and placed them neatly in front of him.
Anyone would think she was the perfect, considerate, and lively younger sister, always ready with emotional support and attentiveness.
Over the years, she had always played this role in the family—a good daughter, a good sister.
However, when Gianna lowered her eyes, there was only irritation and resentment in them.
Even if she wasn’t their biological child, since Adrian had taken her in since she was a baby, shouldn’t he have loved her unconditionally?
And Steven-
n-hadn’t she tried hard enough to please him all these years? Yet he always treated her with distance, as if there was an invisible wall between them, never letting her truly live freely in this family.
“Steven? What’s wrong p>
Snapping back to reality, she noticed the slippers were still untouched by his feet. He hadn’t moved at all. She looked up at him in confusion, but he simply stood there, silently watching her.
Behind his glasses, his gaze was calm and unreadable. That very calmness made
her feel an even deeper sense of unease, though.
The smile on her face started to stiffen. She licked her slightly dry lips. “Did you
forget some documents at home p>
Only then did Steven speak.
“Something did happen p>
He looked exhausted. Without even bothering to change his shoes, he walked over to the couch, sat down, and leaned back. Pressing his finger against his brow, he exhaled quietly, clearly irritated an and mentally drained.
At that, Gianna’s mind started to spin.
Wor
Is it because of the rumors? Has he already been investigated and suspended?
That must be it. Perfect-this only benefits me more.
She poured water, set it in front of him, and asked softly, “Do you want water? What happened? I’m really worried about you p>