14:19 Fri, Sep 5
Chapter 53 Calling Them Out
Chapter 53 Calling Them Out
Instead of stopping, Jonathan merely cast a cold, warning glance at Zion.
“She’s just a little girl. What could I possibly do to her?”
He strode to the car, opened the back door himself, and got in.
Zion squinted.
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A little girl? She’s a married woman going through a divorce, possibly hopping into a second marriage. Which part of it makes her one?
Mr. Fullbuster, do you even hear the nonsense coming out of your own mouth?
Meanwhile, Anneliese was driving toward Astoria University.
Just as she neared campus, her phone rang abruptly.
The car in front of her swerved like a nervous rookie driver, jerking forward at times and slowing down suddenly.
She didn’t dare lose focus, afraid she might crash if the driver braked again.
Keeping one hand on the wheel, she answered the phone.
Perseus‘ stern voice came through.
“Anneliese, your parents and I are at the airport now. The plane’s about to take off.
“Hurry over to Donna’s Bakes in Calrough. We need you to pick up a pecan pie and some glazed donuts before coming to the airport.”
His tone was lofty and commanding, like it were only natural she followed his instructions.
Anneliese gripped the steering wheel even tighter.
She knew that pecan pie and glazed donuts were Selina’s favorites.
Just then, she remembered Lenora telling her that the White family was going to celebrate Selina’s birthday together.
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Chapter 53 Calling Them Out
Irritation and bitterness rose in her chest.
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She wasn’t even competing with Selina to win over the family’s favor, yet they constantly rubbed it in her face, seemingly as though her feelings didn’t matter.
“Are you there, Anneliese?” Perseus prompted after receiving no response from her.
“Sorry, but I don’t have time to head there,” Anneliese answered curtly.
Inside the VIP lounge at the airport, the entire White family was gathered.
Perseus had turned on the speakerphone. Hearing Anneliese’s indifferent refusal, Christopher was the first to snap.
“Anneliese, you’re just a housewife. Zacharias isn’t even around, so what are you putting on airs for?”
Anneliese could picture the cold, disdainful curl of his lips.
She knew it all too well.
“Does that mean you know where Zacharias is?” she asked with a faint smile.
“W–Where else would he be? He’s on a business trip, isn’t he?” Christopher’s voice faltered.
Naturally, he couldn’t reveal to her that Zacharias was with Selina.
If Anneliese made a fuss now, she’d ruin the birthday party Selina had been anticipating for
ages.
Melanie hurried to smooth things over. “Anne, your sister just called. She’s been craving the pecan pie and glazed donuts from Donna’s Bakes. We’re short on time, so could you get them instead?”
She added, “Think of it as a birthday gift for your sister, won’t you?”
“No” Anneliese refused immediately.
Melanie faltered, stunned by her daughter’s answer.
Anneliese spoke up again harshly.
“What has she ever given me for my birthday? Also, have you guys forgotten it’s also my
birthday?
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Chapter 53 Calling Them Out
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“Do you know what my favorite food is? Did you even get me a gift?”
Each question struck like a blow, as though aimed at their very conscience.
The lounge fell into a heavy silence.
Melanie’s eyes reddened as she snatched up the phone, rushing to explain.
“Anne, she’s your older sister!”
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Anneliese fired back. “Technically, I was born before Selina, so why does she get to be the eldest daughter of the White family just because she wants to?
“Either way, today’s my birthday too. Where are my gifts and blessings?”
When she realized she’d really forgotten Anneliese’s birthday, Melanie paled in horror.
Shame and guilt overcame her at once.
“I’m sorry, Anne. I’ve been so occupied these days.
“How about this? Once we come home with Selina, we’ll throw a party to make it up to you, alright?”
Melanie coaxed gently, convinced that such words would surely pacify Anneliese.
But the next second, what she heard was even colder.
“Oh. How thoughtful of you.”
“Of course, you’re our daughter. We’re all family, and we care for you, Anne.”
Anneliese chuckled. “If you say so. Anyway, I couldn’t care less about a late birthday party.
“But given the time difference, Selina’s birthday is a day behind. That means today is my birthday.
“I’ll forgive you this once if you celebrate with me now. What do you think?”
Hearing her words, the rest of the family fell silent.
They found it ridiculous.
Anneliese wasn’t surprised in the least. “Is anyone still there? Did I say something wrong?”
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Chapter 53 Calling Them Out
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“Happy birthday, Anne. We really want to celebrate with you, but preparations have been made for Selina’s party. We can’t pull out now.”
