174 Shares and Schemes
Chapter 174 Shares and Schemes
38
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But watching Selina’s nervous, defiant look–as if terrified she might really claim those shares –Anneliese decided perhaps her announcement of cutting ties with the White family could wait.
She winked at Selina, then turned to Timothy with a bright smile. “Thank you, Dad. Where’s the transfer agreement? Let’s sign it right now.”
Selina was rendered at a loss for words, and so was Timothy.
Timothy had made that decision on the spot, of course, with no prepared documents. His expression stiffened for a moment before he turned to his eldest. “Perseus, the transfer papers are in the study. Take your sister up to sign them.”
Timothy no longer wanted to see Anneliese standing in the hall. In fact, he wished she would disappear altogether.
Anneliese’s lips curved as she looked at Perseus, her eyes gleaming. “Let’s go, big brother.”
It was an unexpected boon. She’d have been a fool not to grab it before Timothy changed his mind.
Perseus shot her a glare but still strode upstairs. Anneliese turned to follow, but as she passed Sonya, she suddenly stopped and looked back at Timothy. “Dad, I think Sonya owes me a public apology. Don’t you agree?”
Sonya shook with fury. She was the one splashed in champagne, humiliated in front of everyone–why should she apologize? Sure, she had thrown a few insults, but Anneliese had exposed her abortion in front of all the guests.
She opened her mouth to protest. “Uncle Timothy, I-”
Timothy’s sharp gaze cut her off. “Sonya, Anne is your cousin. You spoke out of line. Apologize, now.”
Sonya’s eyes filled with tears of humiliation as she looked desperately toward Selina. But Selina turned her head, refusing to meet her eyes. She knew perfectly well Timothy’s concessions were only to smother the scandal of the recording.
Sonya’s parents depended on the Whites. When Timothy ordered, they gave her a hard shove. With eyes red, she choked out, “I’m sorry.”
Anneliese’s half–smile lingered as her gaze flicked between Sonya and Selina before she
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Chapter 174 Shares and Schemes
followed Perseus upstairs.
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38
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“Tonight is my wife’s birthday. Let’s return to the celebration, shall we?” Timothy called, and music swelled again as the guests drifted back to the dance floor. The hall filled with a false, glittering cheer.
Selina and Christopher joined the dancing as if nothing had happened, but both felt the weight of eyes that followed them, skeptical and prying.
“Chris, you were too careless. I don’t know how I’m supposed to face anyone now,” Selina whispered, unable to hold back her resentment.
Christopher swallowed his temper and murmured a few words of comfort. But the mood soured, and halfway through, they abandoned the floor.
As Selina headed upstairs, she overheard two young women at the dessert table.
“Something recorded in secret–it’s probably true.”
“I think so too. No way Anneliese could make all that up. Hard to believe Selina turned out to be that kind of person.”
“Exactly. It’s awful enough that she hurt her sister, but to seduce her brother–in–law too? Better keep our distance.”
Selina’s nails scraped hard against the banister, leaving deep marks in the wood.
No matter. A recording alone isn’t enough to convict me. And it’s already been deleted. In this circle, reputation is nothing–power is everything. People bow to strength and trample the weak.
Once Jonathan comes, once I become Mrs. Fullbuster, those same people talking behind my back will crawl to please me. And then, I’ll make them pay.
With that thought, she glanced again toward the entrance, anxious. He’ll come, won’t he?
Her fingers trembled as she composed a message and sent it out on WhatsApp.
Jonathan’s phone chimed just as he neared the White estate. He had chosen to attend only after learning Anneliese would be there, adjusting his schedule at the last minute. He’d left the office late and been delayed by traffic.
Ever since adding Anneliese on WhatsApp, he had developed the habit of checking her
messages first. Pulling out his phone, he tapped open the app–but the latest message wasn’t from her.
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Chapter 174 Shares and Schemes
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38
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It was a stranger’s profile picture. A flicker of disappointment crossed his eyes as he opened it.
‘Where are you now? I’m worried you might get lost since it’s your first time here. Do you want me to come out and meet you?‘
Following the message was a cat–raising–paw GIF.
Jonathan frowned at the familiar tone that made no sense to him. He didn’t reply. Instead, he backed out and opened his chat with Anneliese, scrolling through their thread without
thinking.
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