Chapter 309 The Little Princess
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Chapter 309 The Little Princess
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In the far corner of the restroom crouched a tiny figure–a girl of no more than five, bundled in a pink princess dress. She resembled a little mushroom hiding in the shade.
As soon as Anneliese stepped in, she spotted the girl. Initially, she figured the girl was just waiting for her mom. Yet after a while, it became clear that no one else was around.
“Hey, why are you hiding here all alone?” Her voice softened as she moved closer.
The little girl shrank away, burying her face deeper into her knees.
Anneliese couldn’t help but smile faintly. “Need to call your mom or dad? Feel free to use my phone.” She dangled her phone playfully, the peach–shaped charms making a crisp sound as they jingled.
Big eyes stared out at her, lashes thick and curled like a doll’s.
Anneliese blinked. “Wow… you really are a little princess. Do you remember your mom or dad’s number? I can call them for you.”
There was no response. The girl refused to speak. As Anneliese straightened, a tiny hand reached out and tugged on her skirt.
She froze, then stretched out her palm. “Don’t remember? That’s okay. Let’s go together. We’ll figure it out.”
The girl studied her face for a long moment before slipping her tiny hand into Anneliese’s. The warmth was so delicate it felt as if it would vanish the moment she let go.
Anneliese took her to the lobby manager, who quickly snapped a photo and sent staff to look for her parents. They tried to bribe her with candy and toys, but the girl wouldn’t let go, clinging tightly to Anneliese’s arm.
With no other option, Anneliese told the lobby manager, “I’m attending the Goldings‘ anniversary in Hall Three. She can stay with me until you find her parents. Call me once you do.”
She left her number and guided the girl into the banquet hall.
“Dessert?” she asked lightly.
Just as they began filling a small plate, a sharp voice rang out.
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Chapter 309 The Little Princess
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“Anne, is this your new husband’s kid? She’s so cute! How old is she?”
Selina came strutting over, two women following close behind.
The girl instantly ducked, pressing her face against Anneliese’s leg.
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Selina’s smile widened. In her eyes, the scene proved everything–Anneliese had chained herself to a man’s leftovers, playing the role of stepmother.
She leaned down, cupcake in hand, her tone sticky–sweet yet laced with venom. “Hi there, darling. What’s your name? I’m your stepmom’s sister. Call me Aunt Selina.”
Her two so–called friends—the same pair from the White estate dinner- hadn’t let go of that night when Jonathan carried Anneliese out. Earlier, they had been pestering Selina with questions. Now, they snickered behind their hands, whispering loud enough for Anneliese to catch every word.
“Mr. Shaw has the looks, the money, the whole deal… and he’s walking straight into the usual trap. Why take marriage so seriously? Becoming a stepmom in a second marriage? Total downgrade if you ask me.”
“Right? Word is she can’t even have kids. Better to latch on now and play stepmom than wait for him to sneak home a kid later. At least this way, she saves herself the drama.”
“Don’t say that. People live their own lives,” Selina cut in, lowering her voice as if she were coming to Anne’s defense.
Her smile never faltered. “Honestly, I think it’s perfect–getting to be a mom without going through the pain. Just look at her, glued to Anne like that… They could pass for real mother and daughter.”
Anneliese scoffed. She’s practically begging me to slap her.
Before she could respond, Zacharias walked in with two business partners.
Selina’s eyes sparkled the moment she spotted them. “Zach! Over here! Look–it’s Anne and she even brought her daughter!”
Zacharias stopped short. He had been waiting outside for her, but when she never came, he walked in with his associates. Now, seeing her with a little girl holding her hand, his chest tightened.
He knew Jonathan and Anneliese were married, yet the sight knocked him off balance. Jonathan never had a wife before her, so where did this child come from? Don’t tell me—she’s his hidden daughter.
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Chapter 309 The Little Princess
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For the first time, Zacharias felt like he had stumbled upon Jonathan’s weakness—maybe even the real reason Anneliese had married him.
He strode forward, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “Anne, you refused to take in Coral’s child, yet you’re perfectly fine playing mother to Jonathan’s girl. That says it all, doesn’t it? You love me–you always have. Not him.”
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