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Chapter 39 Moving Out
Chapter 39 Moving Out
Did they go too far this time? Zacharias wondered.
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His expression darkened when another notification popped up–three million spent at a jewelry store.
He froze mid–sentence, raised a hand to pause the meeting, and stepped outside with his phone.
He dialed his mother immediately. Melody picked up almost at once.
“Zach, why are you calling now? I-”
“Mom, you and Lenora need to stop!” His voice was sharp, cutting her off.
Startled, Melody sucked in a breath. “What on earth did we do?”
Zacharias‘ brow furrowed. “Aren’t you both out shopping?”
Melody and Lenora were, in fact, at home. But guilt pricked her conscience, and she answered too quickly. “Yes, yes… We’re shopping.”
“You’ve bought enough already. Anne has apologized and shown goodwill. Don’t push her too hard.”
The moment he defended Anneliese, Melody’s tone soured.
“How are we pushing her? Did she run crying to you again? Zacharias, we are your own mother and sister!
“Even if she pays, it’s still your money. Do you begrudge the woman who raised you?”
“Mom, that’s not what I said!” He exhaled, annoyed. “Forget it. Just… don’t be too harsh, and let her come home early.”
He hung up before she could argue further, irritation simmering as he turned back toward the
conference room.
But his phone buzzed again.
One glance at the screen made his jaw tighten–a Maserati purchase had just gone through at the dealership. Perfect.
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Back at home, Lenora lounged on the couch, idly crunching chips while a variety show blared.
Her phone pinged with a new WhatsApp message. She tapped it open–and shrieked.
“Ah! Argh!”
Melody rushed over in alarm. “What happened? What’s wrong?”
Lenora’s face darkened as she clutched the phone.
“Mom! Look at my brother–he just snapped at me for no reason! And now he’s saying I won’t get my allowance this month! What’s wrong with him? Why is he acting like this?”
Elsewhere, Anneliese eased her brand–new sports car into the driveway of Sunrise Residence, an SUV following close behind.
As she stepped inside the villa, Zoey appeared at the entrance to greet her.
“Welcome back. And… this is?”
Her eyes shifted to the two tall men trailing behind Anneliese, confusion flickering across her face.
“They’re here to collect some things I’m donating,” Anneliese replied smoothly. Her tone was calm, almost detached. “Zoey, I’ll handle dinner tonight. You can head home early.”
Zoey hesitated. Normally, she stayed until late, but Anneliese didn’t like her privacy invaded- especially when it came to matters involving Zacharias.
The lady of the house always preferred to handle those herself.
Not thinking too deeply about it, Zoey slipped off her apron, grabbed her bag, and left.
Anneliese had been sorting her belongings over the past few days. It took less than half an hour to direct the movers as they boxed up everything that was hers and carried it out.
Meanwhile, at Clauderias Tech, Jackie stepped into the CEO’s office carrying a bouquet. “Mr. Shaw, the flowers for Mrs. Shaw have arrived.”
Zacharias looked up, his gaze lingering on the roses wrapped in fine paper. They were
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Chapter 39 Moving Out
Anneliese’s favorite.
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The recent cold war between them had worn him thin, leaving him restless and irritable.
But the thought of surprising Anneliese tonight lifted his mood.
He could already picture it–her eyes lighting up, her arms flung around his neck, her lips. pressing against his.
She was simple to please, really. A little gesture was enough.
Anticipation warmed his eyes as a faint smile tugged at his lips.
“Just put it there.”
Jackie carefully placed the bouquet on the desk and turned to leave, but Zacharias‘ voice stopped him.
“How’s the search for the wedding ring going?”
“Mr. Shaw, we’ve already put out notices through local news and inquired across second–hand markets, but no one has reached out yet…”
Zacharias‘ brow creased. “Put more effort into it.”
The plan was to surprise her the moment the ring resurfaced.
“Yes, sir.”
Jackie left quietly.
A buzz cut through the silence. Zacharias‘ lips curled upward–surely Anneliese was asking when he would be home, dinner waiting on the table,
He unlocked the screen, but his expression changed when he saw the caller ID.
For a moment, he hesitated, thumb hovering, before tapping twice to answer.
Selina filled the screen. Arms folded tightly around herself, her face was ashen, eyes swollen and red–rimmed.
“Selina, what happened?” Zacharias‘ voice dropped, taut with alarm.
“Zacharias, I… I’m sorry. Am I disturbing you? I just… I didn’t know who else to call…”
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Chapter 39 Moving Out
Her voice cracked, trembling, the image of her strength gone.
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A flicker of shock pierced through him. In his memory, Selina had always been radiant- poised, fearless, sunlight wrapped in elegance.
But now, watching her break in front of him, Zacharias‘ composure slipped. He surged to his feet without thinking, urgency flashing across his face.
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