hapter 9 Recover the Ring at All Costs
Chapter 9 Recover the Ring at All Costs
“Tll go with you. I swear I’ll beat the crap out of Slenderb teh!” Jessica rolled up her sleeves like she was ready to throw hands right then and there.
She was petite and delicate, barely five–foot–three, with a baby–faced sweetness–round cheeks, wide eyes, soft curls, and naturally arched brows.
She looked like the type who’d be easy to push around, but her temper was explosive, and she could seriously throw down.
Back at the orphanage, it had always been Jessica who stood up for Anneliese.
The kids there were rough and wild, but Jessica had no problem taking on three or four boys at once. Even if she ended up half–dead, she’d still sink her teeth into someone’s neck and tear off a chunk..
That was the kind of girl she was–fierce to the bone.
Anneliese felt a rush of warmth in her chest and gave Jessica a tight hug. “No need. What’s the point of hitting her? She’ll just go crying to Zacharias and milk it for sympathy–and probably walk away with a chunk of the marital assets, too.”
Jessica paused, thinking it over, then frowned. “So, what’s your plan?”
Anneliese lowered her eyes and thought for a moment. “Whatever I do, I need solid evidence of Zacharias cheating. Without that, I’m always on the back foot.
“Covert photos don’t hold up in court. And those texts and pictures we just got–there’s no clear shot of Zacharias‘ face, and that phone number might not even be Coral’s. It’d be too easy for their lawyer to throw out”
“What now?” Jessica was getting agitated. She offered, “Want me to get you in touch with a divorce lawyer? Let the pros handle it?”
Anneliese shook her head. Zacharias had some real pull and a decent network of connections.
And then there were the Whites.
Back when Zacharias had nothing to his name, Anneliese had insisted on staying with him, and the White family had been furious. They’d even kicked her out of the house.
But after Zacharias built up his company and proved he had a future, the Whites changed their tune and started valuing him as their son–in–law.
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They wouldn’t just sit by and let her get divorced now. The Whites had connections everywhere, and Christopher himself was a partner at a law firm.
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It she went looking for a lawyer now, the Whites and Zacharias would know by the next day.
She turned to Jessica. “Jess, when I meet with Coral later, I’ll need you to handle something for
me.”
Anneliese stepped into Bluestar Cafe, nestled in the middle business district.
of the
She was just about to find a seat when she spotted Christopher walking in with two men in sharp suits. Clearly, they were here for a meeting too.
“What are you doing here?” Christopher frowned at her, his disdain seeping through as naturally as breathing.
Anneliese had removed her name from the White household. As far as they were concerned, she might as well have been a stranger.
She kept her voice flat. “You can pretend you didn’t see me.”
Annoyance prickled at the back of her mind. She couldn’t let Christopher find out about her meeting with Coral.
She started to turn, planning to step outside and message Coral to switch locations. But just as she turned around, Christopher yanked her arm hard.
Pain shot up her arm, and Anneliese turned back, furious. “Hands off?”
One of the men beside them quirked a brow and gave Christopher a teasing look. “Ex- girlfriend, Mr. White? She’s pretty. You should be nicer to her.”
“Don’t be ridiculous, Christopher snapped, “She’s my sister. You two go on ahead to the private lounge. My sister makes a mean cup of coffee–way better than your average barista. I’ll have her personally brew you a few in a bit.”
Sister? The two men visibly paused, glancing at each other before exchanging a knowing look and grinning with unspoken understanding. A lover–to–be–sister, surely.
Christopher babied his sister. He even kept multiple framed photos of her on his desk. Moreover, the real White heiress had attended several White Inc. galas in the past–she looked nothing like this woman. Sure, Selina was attractive too, but nowhere near as jaw–droppingly
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gorgeous as the woman before them.
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And really, who would ask their biological sister to brew coffee for business guests the moment. they met?
This wasn’t their home–it was a public cafe. A host entertaining guests in their own place was one thing. But in a coffee shop?
They left, and Anneliese shook off Christopher’s grip.
After being pushed away several times, Christopher’s frown deepened. He looked like he was about to scold her, but when he saw her rubbing her arm, he held back.
Maybe he had grabbed her too hard just now, but she wasn’t Selina, pampered from birth, and couldn’t take a bit of pain.
“Do you know how upset everyone was after you suddenly left yesterday?
“Selina felt guilty. She thought she ruined dinner for all of us and hung up not long after. I tried calling her this morning, and she didn’t even pick up. You should call her later and apologize.
“Also, I’ve got an important business meeting–1 need you to brew some coffee and bring it to the Pisces Lounge.”
With that, Christopher turned to leave.
Anneliese almost laughed at how absurd it was.
He expects me to apologize to Selina without even asking what happened–and on top of that, he wants me to go make coffee? What, does he think I work at this cafe?
She couldn’t help thinking back to the Whites‘ obsession with coffee.
When she first returned to the family, she didn’t even know the difference between a mocha and a cappuccino. They’d mocked her for it and acted like she was beneath them.
Then Selina had set her up and made a public joke out of her, and to this day, people still called her a backwater bumpkin.
Trying to redeem herself and win their approval, she’d put serious effort into learning. She even got certified as a barista. For a while, she made custom coffees every morning and evening for each member of her family.
Eventually, she realized that all that effort meant less than nothing–she’d have been better off
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Chapter 9 Recover the Ring at All Costs
giving her love and loyalty to a dog.
At least a dog would wag its tail in gratitude at her.
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With that, she pulled out the National Family Registry from her bag and slapped it against Christopher’s back.
He caught it. “Transferred the property already?”
Anneliese smiled and nodded. “Yeah. First thing in the morning–I couldn’t wait.”
Satisfied, Christopher tucked away the registry. “That’s more like it. I’m going to entertain the guests. You better get moving–make the coffee and bring it over.”
Seeing her so obedient, he figured if she did well later, he could formally introduce her to his business partners.
With that thought, he stepped into the private room.
When a server came in to take their order, he waved him away.
This cafe prided itself on its personalized service. If a customer wanted to make their own coffee, that was perfectly fine. And with Anneliese there, what was the point of ordering?
The server looked a little confused but didn’t say anything and left.
Half an hour passed, and not only was there no coffee, but there wasn’t even a glass of water.
His business partners were clearly annoyed. Christopher finally stepped out to check, only to find that Anneliese was long gone.
Realizing she’d played him, Christopher was livid, and he immediately called her.
The call didn’t go through. Meanwhile, his guests walked out one after the other.
d called Zacharias, “Zach, Anneliese is getting Christopher, seething, kicked over a chair more and more unbelievable! She made Selina cry yesterday, and now today she acted like nothing happened–then ditched me and ruined my meeting! This is all because you spoil her! Cut off her allowance and let her learn a lesson.”
Without money, he wanted to see if Anneliese would come crawling back to their family.
That idea had actually come from Selina. Just the day before, she had suggested giving
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Anneliese more money.
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“Anne’s not like me. I’m graduating soon and already getting offers from top companies. She never even went to college–she’s completely dependent on you, Zach. And you don’t even. love her, so she’ll definitely put up with anything.
“She only lashes out at home because she’s unhappy. If she had more money, she wouldn’t cause so much trouble, and Mom and the guys wouldn’t have to deal with her cither. Money solves a lot of problems. Why don’t I give her half my allowance?”
See? So thoughtful and considerate.
Which was exactly why Anneliese couldn’t be spoiled any
further.
Before the call went through, Zacharias was in his office giving Jackie strict instructions to track down the missing wedding ring.
“Have someone keep an eye on secondhand sites, auction houses, and luxury resale stores. You can also post a high–reward notice online. I don’t care what you do–that ring back as soon as possible.”
Jackie felt the pressure mounting. But this is like searching for a needle in a haystack!
He really couldn’t wrap his head around it. Mr. Shaw is already with Coral–clearly, he doesn’t care about Madam anymore. So, why go through all this trouble over a wedding ring?
“Why not just buy her a better one?” Jackie suggested carefully.
Zacharias‘ expression darkened. “And what–call that a wedding ring too? Do you think it would mean the same thing? Are you trying to teach me how to do my job?”
It was clear how much the loss of that ring bothered him. Jackie didn’t understand it, but he dared not press further. Bowing slightly, he said with reverent urgency, “Understood, sir. I’ll recover it–no matter what it takes.”
Just then, Christopher’s call came in. Zacharias waved Jackie off and gestured for him to leave.
the room.
He answered and listened as Christopher ranted on the other end.
In the past, hearing that Selina had been brought to tears might’ve made him agree with Christopher and give Anneliese a warning. But this time….
He kept thinking about the look in her eyes last night. About how strange her behavior had been the past two days. And deep down, he felt the urge to make things right with her.
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He said in a low voice, “Christopher, Anne’s my wife. If she’s out of spending money, that reflects badly on me. People will think Clauderias Tech is going bankrupt. Let’s leave it for now! -I’ve got another meeting. Talk later.”
Christopher stared at the phone, stunned by the sudden hang–up–then furiously kicked over
two chairs.
Back in his office. Zacharias set the phone down… but not for long.
A moment later, he picked it back up and refreshed WhatsApp.
Still no message from Anneliese.
Strange. She should’ve been up and out by now. Maybe she hadn’t gone into the kitchen? Maybe she didn’t see the breakfast he left her? That had to be it. There’s no way she would’ve ignored it completely. She must’ve missed it.
With that thought, he texted her. ‘Breakfast’s in the kitchen. Still sleeping, honey?”
But the message just sat there, unread. No reply. Zacharias frowned, growing restless. She used to reply to him within seconds.
By the time Anneliese received the message, she was already seated in a private tea room. And across from her sat Coral, all dolled up in a sleek Chanel set and holding a milkshake- white Hermes Constance bag, her smile openly provocative as she looked at Anneliese.
“Ms. Claude, I truly admire Mr. Shaw. I’m not trying to compete want to ruin your marriage. All I’m asking is to stay by his side.”
with you, and I certainly don’t
Just beyond a thin decorative screen, two tall figures sat at another table.
The scent of sandalwood curled through the air, but Coral’s slightly shrill voice pierced
straight through the screen and landed directly in the ears of the man sitting with his back to
- it.
