Chapter 761
It was Ellie.
“Ah!” Anneliese saw Ellie immediately and gasped in surprise, twisting Jonathan’s ear as a warning.
Jonathan, who had been denied a kiss, looked disappointed.
He reluctantly put Anneliese down. The moment she landed, she crouched to comfort Ellie. Rubbing his burning ear, he silently decided to delay any thoughts of having a baby for now.
I want a few more years alone with my wife. Kids become less lovable once they start acting like third wheels.
Even the quiet Ellie became restless after two hours of drawing.
So, Anneliese took her hand and brought her into the garden to pick flowers and play on the swing, while Jonathan stood on the second-floor balcony watching them from above.
His phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and answered lazily.
“So, the great Mr. Malone finally remembers to call me? When are you coming to pick up your daughter p>
The call was from Steven. Hearing Jonathan’s teasing and irritation, Steven loosened his collar before replying, “I only just found out about the rumors. Your wife wasn’t affected, was she p>
Work had resumed after the holidays, and it was the busiest period of the year, filled with nonstop meetings.
Steven had just finished one when his secretary informed him about the shocking gossip. He immediately called Jonathan, a cold edge flashing behind his glasses.
Most likely, the rumors were directed at him.
As a politician, he could not afford any scandal tied to his name, yet he had a daughter whose mother remained unknown.
Over the years, many political opponents had tried to use Ellie as a weak point against him, but this time was the most ridiculous-it even dragged Anneliese into it.
There was an apology in Steven’s voice.
As Jonathan’s close friend, he knew how much effort Jonathan had put into winning Anneliese. The last thing he wanted was for his own matters to affect his friend’s marriage.
If that happened, he would never forgive himself.
“I’ve already sent people to investigate. Anyone spreading those photos and rumors has been warned p>
At that moment, his secretary came in to report that all the photos online had aheady, been removed and the most active group chats spreading the gossip had been shut down.
Steven nodded for the secretary to leave before asking, “Was that your doing p>
Jonathan scoffed. “Who else would it be? Of course, I’m protecting my wife. If I’d waited for you, the rumors would’ve evolved into several versions by now.
“It’s already generous enough that your family isn’t repaying kindness with hostility by coming here to interrogate my wife p>
Steven fell silent. That temper of his really never changes.
“Sorry. Did my dad say something?” he asked, immediately understanding Jonathan’s implication.
Jonathan gave another cold laugh.
“If you really feel sorry, then tell me who exactly is Ellie’s mother p>
Steven tightened his grip on the phone for a moment before relaxing again. “Why bring this up suddenly? Don’t tell me even you were influenced by the rumors p>
Jonathan snorted. “My wife and I are perfectly fine. Completely loyal. I’m just curious p>
Anneliese’s marriage to Zacharias had only been in name. I am the only man she has ever truly loved. We are completely devoted to each other.
No one understands that better than I do, so there’s no way I’d believe those
rumors.
Hearing the obvious pride in his tone, Steven knew Jonathan truly wasn’t suspicious. He finally relaxed. “It’s a long story. I’ll tell you when there’s a chance p>
Even now, he still refused to say it clearly.
Jonathan’s curiosity deepened, but he didn’t press further.
His gaze drifted back to the garden below, where Anneliese was laughing while chasing Ellie among the flowers her long hair flowing in the wind. His expression softened:
He knew today had been difficult for her.
First, the sudden rumors. Then, Elizabeth brought her to the Fullbuster family home for
questioning And finally, the tunet
came out that his grandfather had intentionally hidden the fire years ago for the sake of the Fullbuster family’s reputation and interests.