Chapter 163 The Weight of Apologies
Chapter 163 The Weight of Apologies
The smile faded from Selina’s face.
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Just a few nights ago, she had fallen down the stairs and hurt herself, yet Zacharias hadn’t called her once to ask how she was. Now that he finally had, he was only asking about the bracelet.
She took a deep breath before forcing a smile. “Yes, it’s here. Don’t worry, I’ve kept it safe. Tomorrow at Mother’s birthday banquet, I’ll put it on Anne’s wrist myself and apologize properly. That should be enough, shouldn’t it?”
Her tone grew increasingly pitiful, waiting for Zacharias to comfort her. Instead, his voice came stern. “That won’t do. Selina, speak with your parents and brothers. When everyone apologizes to Anne tomorrow, they should each bring her a gift as well. Can you do that?”
Selina nearly smashed her phone in fury. The next day was supposed to be her stage, her grand return to society with the birthday banquet as her backdrop. Apologizing was bad enough–but to bring gifts for Anneliese too? Did she deserve that?
Still, she had always crafted her image before Zacharias as tolerant and kindhearted. She let out a soft laugh. “Zacharias, if you spoil Anne like this, you’ll ruin her. Fine, I understand. I’ll tell Father.”
After hanging up, Selina slammed the phone onto the table. She picked up the bracelet from the jewelry box and dangled it loosely from her finger, eyes glinting with mocking coldness.
“Selina, you look stunning.”
Melanie entered then, beaming at her daughter in the purple gown.
Selina quickly wiped her eyes and turned to her with reddened rims. “Really?”
“What’s wrong?”
“Nothing…”
“Don’t tell me ‘nothing.‘ You’ve been crying–what happened? Do you want to drive me crazy with worry?”
“Mom, it’s really nothing. Zacharias just called and said Anne still refuses to forgive him, that she’s still kicking up a fuss. He wants each of us to prepare a heavy gift and apologize on our knees…”
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Chapter 163 The Weight of Apologies
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Melanie cut her off in outrage. “What? Kneel? We’re her parents! Isn’t she afraid that making us kneel will cut her own life short?”
Seeing her fury, Selina quickly patted her chest to calm her. “No, Mom, you misunderstood. You and Dad won’t need to–just me and the guys. As long as Anne forgives us, I’m willing. I’ll persuade Perseus and Christopher.”
Selina started toward the door, but Melanie caught her arm. “No! You and your brothers won’t either. Don’t mention this to your father.”
“But Zacharias…” Selina hesitated.
“Listen to me.” Melanie patted her hand firmly.
Perseus, Christopher, and Selina were the flesh of her heart. How could she allow them to kneel before Anneliese? Timothy, however, valued Zacharias highly and might actually consider it. That was exactly why Melanie wouldn’t let him know.
“Alright, if you say so.” Selina nodded anxiously.
Melanie then asked, “Will Mr. Fullbuster truly come tomorrow?”
A blush rose to Selina’s cheeks as she nodded shyly. Melanie lit up with excitement. “That’s wonderful! The Fullbuster heir from Halden at my birthday banquet–what an honor! People will envy us to no end. I’ll have so much face tomorrow.”
Though the White family was wealthy, in Oceaton–let alone in Halden–they were nowhere near the Fullbusters‘ level. Melanie looked at her daughter with pride and satisfaction, imagining her future as Mrs. Fullbuster.
“Mom, I’ll introduce you to him tomorrow.” Selina slipped her arm through her mother’s, smiling sweetly.
At Maple Bay, Zion had already arrived early in the morning, bringing Jonathan breakfast.
While Jonathan tidied his appearance, Zion stood by to deliver the day’s work reports. When he finished, he handed over a gilded invitation. “This was sent by Madam. Tomorrow is Mrs. White’s birthday banquet. She asked that you attend on her behalf to deliver birthday wishes, since Ms. White once helped her.”
Jonathan adjusted his cufflinks without lifting his head. “Not going.”
Zion wasn’t surprised and tucked the invitation away without protest.
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Chapter 163 The Weight of Apologies
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Jonathan reached for his suit jacket, then seemed to reconsider. He tossed the jacket to Zion. “Hold this.”
Zion caught it awkwardly, only to freeze in shock as he watched Jonathan pull off the tie he had just finished knotting in front of the mirror.
9:37 Thu, Sep 11
Chapter 164 The Wrong Message
