Chapter 181 A Clash at the Poolside
It didn’t play out the way Selina had imagined.
37
+5 Free Coins
In her mind, she should have been the one dazzling the crowd, holding Jonathan’s arm as she introduced him with pride, revealing his identity as the Fullbuster heir while everyone looked on with envy and awe.
Or, if not that, then at least when she fell into the water, he would have been the one to dive in and rescue her. He would see her as the woman constantly bullied by Anneliese, the one who had suffered quietly, and he would pity her, show her public affection, and erase all doubts cast by Anneliese’s slander.
Strong men always controlled public opinion–such had always been the truth. But now?
No! I went through so much trouble to invite Jonathan here, not so Anneliese could steal the spotlight!
Selina could hardly accept the reality staring her in the face.
She rushed forward, cutting Jonathan off, tears brimming in her eyes as she lifted her face toward him with fragile gratitude. “Mr. Fullbuster, you’re here. Thank you for accepting my invitation to my mother’s birthday banquet, and thank you even more for saving my sister just
now.
“She and I had a little misunderstanding. She lost her temper, broke the railing, and fell. We were worried sick, and my brother–in–law was so frantic he wouldn’t even come out of the pool.”
Selina convinced herself that Jonathan had simply arrived at the right time and happened to save Anneliese out of basic decency. What infuriated her was Zacharias. If he hadn’t insisted on rescuing her first, she would be in Jonathan’s arms now.
Turning, she waved him over. “Zacharias, Anne must have fainted. Come check on her quickly!”
She wanted Jonathan to know that Anneliese was married, wanted Zacharias to take his wife back immediately. Every extra second Anneliese spent draped over Jonathan’s arm burned Selina with jealousy.
But Zacharias was stuck on the other side. Melody and Lenora had dragged him aside the moment he climbed out, fussing with towels, scolding him for jumping into freezing water without regard for his own safety.
“Enough! I said enough!”
1/2
9:41 Thu, Sep 11
Chapter 181 A Clash at the Poolside
37
+5 Free Coins
When Selina turned to look at him, his hair was a tangled mess from their toweling, his expression grim. He tore the towel from Melody’s hands and threw it to the ground with such force that both women flinched back.
Striding forward, he reached out toward Anneliese and spoke coldly. “Mr. Fullbuster, thank you, but my wife is mine to save.”
He had never intended to abandon Anneliese. Even if Jonathan hadn’t jumped, he would have returned for her–he was sure of it. Jonathan had interfered where he shouldn’t have, with motives toward Anne that were far from pure.
Selina finally exhaled, convinced Jonathan would hand Anneliese over. But before Zacharias‘ hand could even touch her, Jonathan stepped sharply to the side. His gaze cut like a blade, and his lips parted only to utter two icy words. “Step aside.”
Anneliese had already been sick in Riveraton just days ago, her body not fully recovered. Now, after being submerged so long in frigid water, she was trembling violently in his arms, a bundle of ice beneath the blanket.
If they truly cared for her, they should be focused on warming her, not wasting time with arguments. Especially Zacharias–how dare he still call himself her husband when, in her moment of danger, he had chosen another woman first?
Selina stood there, stunned, unable to process what was happening. Zacharias knows Jonathan?!
Jonathan didn’t spare her a glance. His eyes were locked solely on Zacharias, every look and word clashing like steel.
Why does it feel as if the two of them were competing for Anneliese? She wondered. But that’s impossible!
The tension thickened. At that moment, Timothy and Melanie walked over. Timothy forced a polite smile. “Mr. Fullbuster, what an honor to have you here. Selina mentioned inviting you, but we never thought…”
Jonathan’s patience snapped. He could feel Anneliese shivering against him, and if her body dropped any further into hypothermia, it would be dangerous. Cutting Timothy off, he barked in a voice that brooked no refusal. “Hot shower. Show the way.”
His presence radiated authority, his command carrying the weight of someone born to be obeyed.
2/2
9:41 Thu, Sep 11
Chapter
