Chapter 205 What a Petty Man!
Chapter 205 What a Petty Man!
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The apple’s red skin and pale flesh framed Jonathan’s long, elegant fingers so perfectly that the sight looked like something out of a living art film.
Anneliese tried sneaking a glance to check for scuff marks on his trousers, but her eyes kept drifting back to his hands instead. She kept sneaking glances without meaning to. On the last one, she met his dark, steady gaze head–on.
“Want a bite?” Jonathan asked.
Anneliese flustered instantly, waving her hands in panic. “I… I…”
Penelope shot Jonathan a sharp look. “Really, Jonathan? You hand her this giant piece like it’s nothing? Even if Annie wanted some, she couldn’t manage it like that. Where’s your sense of care? You need to cut it into smaller pieces and stick a fruit pick in them.”
Jonathan’s lips curved faintly. “Yes, Grandma. You’re right.”
When he actually started reaching for the knife, Anneliese panicked and snatched the apple from him.
“There’s no need, Grandma. I can handle it just fine.” To prove it, she sank her teeth into the apple, the crisp snap echoing in the quiet.
Penelope beamed, delighted. “That’s more like it. As long as you’re enjoying yourself, I’m happy.”
With her cheeks puffed out from the bite, Anneliese’s eyes curved in a shy smile.
Penelope patted her shoulder before heading off to the bathroom.
When his gaze found hers again, Jonathan was wiping his fingers with a napkin. “Sweet?”
The apple was sweet–refreshingly so. But the way he asked it left her caught off guard, and she ended up choking a little on the juice that suddenly seemed too sharp, too sweet in her throat. Jonathan’s doing this on purpose–just because I turned him down yesterday. What a petty man!
Anneliese had just finished a big apple, and her stomach felt uncomfortably full.
Penelope exited the bathroom and announced that an old friend had asked her to join a card
game.
Anneliese walked her to the door, but Penelope waved her off, refusing to let her follow any
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Chapter 205 What a Petty Man!
farther.
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Jonathan slipped an arm around Penelope to steady her as they headed toward the elevator. The moment the doors closed, Penelope shot him a quick wink. “So? Did I pull it off–urgent enough, sharp enough?”
Jonathan gave her a silent thumbs–up.
She smirked. “See? That handsome face of yours isn’t worth much when it really counts. Lucky for you,
I’ve got it covered.”
But I can see why. Anneliese just got out of a failed marriage, so getting her to join our family as Jonathan’s wife isn’t exactly something she’s ready to jump into right now. Jonathan’s the one rushing it, sure. But honestly? I’m the one who can’t wait.
“Maybe I should fake an illness. Something dramatic, like terminal liver cancer. My dying wish would be to see you married.” Penelope’s eyes lit up as she spoke.
She was convinced it would work–Anneliese was far too soft–hearted to resist.
Jonathan stared at her, brows knitting as if he were looking at a full–blown drama queen about to take the stage. His voice dropped, stern and disapproving. “Grandma! That’s bad luck.”
Penelope, however, had lived long enough not to care about superstitions. After seeing Jonathan so anxious on her behalf, it actually warmed her. She chuckled and gave a little nod. “You’re right, not exactly the best omen. Then let’s make it your father with liver cancer instead.”
Jonathan arched a brow, playing along. “Sounds good to me.”
Penelope clapped her hands, sealing the deal. “If you still haven’t made progress, then that’s what we’ll go with.”
I’m no fool–I’ve been around long enough to see things for what they are. That sweetheart Anneliese- she’s not entirely immune to Jonathan. I wouldn’t be working this hard to play matchmaker if she were.
Jonathan pushed open the door and stepped inside. Anneliese was still in the kitchen.
He arched a brow, clearly surprised. “Well, that’s rare. Thought the place would be empty again.”
Anneliese froze, unsure what to say.
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Truth was, she had planned to slip out quietly. But Penelope had left earlier and taken the maids along with her. The table in the dining room was still a mess, with dishes and cutlery scattered everywhere. If she ate and ran, it would look terribly rude. So instead, she stayed behind to clean.
She turned, forcing a sheepish smile, something between apology and plea. “About last night… I should’ve said goodbye properly before leaving. That was my fault. It’s not that I didn’t want to help you. A month ago, I already promised my seniors that once the divorce went through, I’d head to Westrough to join Professor Clocke and their team. I’ve booked a flight for next week, so I’ll be leaving Oceaton soon. Bad timing, really. Otherwise, after all the help you’ve given me, I wouldn’t hesitate to return the favor.”
Jonathan crossed the room. At her words, his steps faltered–just a fraction, but enough to notice.
She’s
got a flight booked for next week? Perfect. Guess she really can’t wait to get out of here–no hesitation, no second thoughts, just dying to take off.
In a hospital ward.
Selina had been running a high fever that wouldn’t break. It took a full day in the hospital before she finally looked a little better. Her face was pale, and her frame thin and tired enough to stir pity in her family and smother the anger they still held over the embarrassment.
“It was my fault first,” she admitted softly. “Anne only made a scene at Mom’s birthday because of me. Even if she did steal the man I liked on purpose, I don’t hold it against her.”
Her sadness shifted into worry. “But why would Anne be so foolish? She actually divorced Zacharias just for Mr. Fullbuster. Zacharias will never forgive her for that.”
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