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Chapter 103 Misplaced Apologies
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Stephen couldn’t shake the feeling that the name sounded familiar, though he hadn’t yet recalled who it was.
But before he could, Leah sneered, “Who do you think you are to bark at us? Mr. Shaw, your wife found herself a lover right under your nose, and you’re just sitting there?”
Anneliese blinked in disbelief. What? Is my life worth nothing? If you wanna die, go ahead; why drag me along? Who am I to make Jonathan my lover?!
“Enough!”
Leah never expected it. Before Zacharias could explode, her own husband struck first.
“Honey? You–ah!”
The sharp slap left her stunned, ears ringing. She turned, dazed, to see Stephen already bowing repeatedly in front of Jonathan, his tone filled with desperate apology. “Mr. Fullbuster, I—I’m terribly sorry. My wife has clearly lost her mind. Please don’t take her nonsense to heart. You’re a generous man, don’t lower yourself to her level.”
With that, he yanked Leah forward. “Well? Apologize to Mr. Fullbuster!”
Leah still hadn’t fully processed what had just happened, but even she wasn’t foolish enough to miss that she had offended someone untouchable. Face swollen and pride shattered, she bent reluctantly at the waist, forcing out an apology.
Jonathan, indifferent, didn’t even glance at them. His voice was calm and measured. “I’m not the one who deserves the apology.”
Stephen froze, then quickly understood. He turned and bowed toward Anneliese.
“Mrs. S―no, Ms. Claude, I’m sorry. We failed to keep Jameson in line. We’ll deal with him when we get home. As for what my wife just said, you’re a person of integrity. Please don’t hold it against her. Come on! Apologize to Ms. Claude!”
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Chapter 103 Misplaced Apologies
He shoved Leah hard, silently cursing her stupidity.
Can’t you tell Jonathan’s here to back Anneliese up? Blind, brainless woman!
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Leah nearly stumbled onto her knees in front of Anneliese. Her face burned red, humiliation cutting deep. In the past, because the Tates and the Whites were old acquaintances, she had looked down on Anneliese–the daughter brought back halfway through life, never truly favored. And now she had to bow her head to her? A woman young enough to be her daughter?
“Hurry up!” Stephen barked, slapping her again. Finally, Leah gritted her teeth and forced out, “I’m sorry.”
Anneliese was still reeling from Leah’s earlier accusation of a “lover,” unable to recover from the sheer awkwardness.
This is so awkward… And the Tate couples are suddenly almost kneeling at my feet! This… I… This only makes it look even more like I really have Jonathan’s support and that he’s really my lover! What the hell?!
Meanwhile, Zacharias‘ expression had grown beyond dark. His wife, in front of him, was being shielded by another man without hesitation. She hadn’t even bothered to deny it. Did she take him for a dead man?
He sneered. “Clearly, there’s been a misunderstanding, a false accusation against my wife. My wife loves me very much. Everyone in Oceaton knows we have a happy marriage. To slander her like this–who would believe it?”
Before Anneliese could speak, Zacharias slipped an arm around her shoulder, pulling her close. His eyes narrowed as he smiled thinly at Jonathan. “Isn’t that right, Mr. Fullbuster? To claim my wife and you share anything beyond propriety -that would be laughable.”
Jonathan met his gaze, his own lips curving faintly. “Happiness isn’t proven with words. If people find room for gossip, it only shows you haven’t done enough.”
“Duly noted,” Zacharias replied darkly, his fake smile tight. He caressed Anneliese’s shoulder and added softly, “Honey, I’ll do better from now on. I’ll love and treasure you more, so no one can find the slightest flaw to use against us.”
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10:53 Sat, Sep 6
Chapter 103 Misplaced Apologies
45
+10 Free Coins
Anneliese loathed his empty performance. She shoved her chair back and rose. “Detective Walen, I do not agree to mediation. Handle the case as it should be handled.”
Even if Jameson and Melody would eventually be released for lack of evidence, at least they would spend some time in custody and pay some price.
With that, she strode out of the mediation room without hesitation.
Zacharias‘ expression sank as he instinctively started to follow, but Stephen and Leah held him back.
10:53 Sat, Sep 6
