Chapter 157 Sugar–Coated Trouble
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“Yeah? Want me to show you how to snap a neck with my bare hands?” She pressed her palms together, making her knuckles crack.
Jonathan chuckled and pulled one hand out of his pocket, holding it open in front of her. “Go ahead. I’ll tip you.”
She looked down and saw a piece of hard candy in his palm. The shiny wrapper glimmered under the streetlight, almost as if it whispered: Don’t be upset anymore after eating me.
It felt like he was coaxing a child.
Anneliese couldn’t help laughing. Strangely enough, her mood lifted. She plucked the candy from his hand, unwrapped it, and popped it into her mouth. It was lychee–flavored–sweet and surprisingly good.
Jonathan noticed the way her fingers brushed his palm when she picked it up, leaving a faint, ticklish sensation. When she bent her eyes in a smile, the candy between her lips, the feeling reached its peak.
His fingers curled slightly, his thumb rubbing against his palm, and for some reason, the heavy knot in his chest from the moment she had transferred him money loosened.
“What’s up with Meatloaf?” he asked.
Anneliese’s tone was full of accusation. “You really have to ask? Ever since it met you, this dog hasn’t been the same. I was about to sleep earlier when it started pacing by the door, pawing at it.
“I thought it had to poop, so I took it downstairs–only for it to plant itself here, staring at your floor without moving an inch. Two days without seeing you and it’s acting like it’s lovesick!”
She glared at Jonathan, then turned that glare on Meatloaf. The dog stuck out its tongue pitifully before nestling against Jonathan’s leg.
Jonathan bent down to rub its head, and Meatloaf wagged furiously, spinning in circles with delight. The sight made Anneliese’s chest ache with frustration.
Jonathan lifted his eyes to her. “Why glare at him? Meatloaf’s got more heart than you.”
Anneliese fell silent. Me? How do I not have a heart?!
“Quit dodging the question. Tell me–what exactly did you do to my dog?” she demanded.
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9:35 Thu, Sep 11
Chapter 157 Sugar–Coated Trouble
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“Even if you suspect me of seducing you, surely you don’t think I’ve seduced your dog too?” Jonathan asked dryly.
Anneliese rolled her eyes. She wasn’t nearly vain enough to imagine Jonathan would seduce her. What woman hadn’t a man like him–brilliant, powerful–met already?
Even earlier that day, when she met India, she had to admit she was instantly charmed. Someone like Jonathan could have any woman he wanted. Why would he bother with her, a woman still legally married?
She forced a laugh. “That’s not what I meant. I’m just saying Meatloaf really likes you.”
Jonathan tightened his grip on the leash. “Come on then, I’ll help you walk it.”
Relieved, Anneliese let out a breath. She truly had no way of dealing with this moody dog. “Won’t that trouble you?”
Tilting her face up, she glanced at him. Jonathan’s eyes cut sideways to hers. “Why? Planning to wire me another dog–walking fee? My time’s expensive, but I’ll give you a discount–half an hour for just one million. Surely, to you, that’s nothing.”
Anneliese gaped. She looked from Jonathan to Meatloaf and back again. “Are you short on pets? I’m abandoning Meatloaf–you can have it.”
“Awroo!” Meatloaf whined, as if it understood, pitiful eyes trained on her.
Jonathan flicked his finger lightly against her forehead. “I’ll discipline her for you. Heartless witch.”
“Woof woof!” Meatloaf barked in triumph, chest puffed with pride. To Anneliese, it looked like some scheming traitor reveling in his victory.
She groaned inwardly. This stupid dog is hopeless! Jonathan hit me, and it’s actually happy about it!
Click!
The sharp snap of a camera shutter cut through the air, followed by an angry voice.
“Anneliese Claude! You tell me you two are innocent?!”
Zacharias stormed toward her, face dark with rage, phone clutched in his hand. He nearly shoved the screen into her face, showing the photo he had just taken.
He had rushed back from Riveraton on the first flight, desperate to see her. Even though Jackie assured him she was fine, he hadn’t been able to rest until he laid eyes on her himself. But
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9:35 Thu, Sep 11
Chapter 157 Sugar–Coated Trouble
what did he see?
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Her, with Jonathan–late at night, laughing together, their eyes meeting with unspoken meaning, the air thick with intimacy. Standing side by side, walking the dog… they looked like a family.
That sight dragged old memories up to the surface, ones Anneliese didn’t know but Zacharias remembered all too well.
9:35 Thu, Sep
