Chapter 82 The End of the Game
Chapter 82 The End of the Game
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But before Coral could get close, Zacharias pointed toward the couch area and said in a low voice, “Go sit over there. I have something to tell you.”
Coral froze, her expression stiffening. She bit her lip. “Zacharias-”
“Call me Mr. Shaw.” Zacharias cut her off again, his tone hard.
Tears clung to Coral’s lashes. “I’m sorry, Mr. Shaw. I only wanted to help you with the swelling on your face…”
Zacharias pressed his fingers to his brow and signaled with his eyes for her to move. She dared not disobey. Head lowered, brushing away tears, she walked over and sat down properly.
That couch was the reception area. Countless times, she had seen Zacharias receive clients there–sharp, precise, and utterly unyielding. Now, sitting there herself, her heart clenched with a heavy sense of dread.
Moments later, Zacharias joined her, crossing his legs as he sat in the single–seat couch opposite. He got straight to the point. “Take this card. The password is your birthday. There’s five million in it. Go pack your things and don’t come back again.”
Coral’s eyes widened. She never imagined the man who had kissed her passionately in the car earlier could turn around and say something so final and cruel. Her face went white as she shook her head. She tried to lean forward, reaching to embrace him, but Zacharias frowned and raised his hand, stopping her cold.
His expression was detached, calm as ever, and impossibly handsome, but there was no longer a trace of warmth or desire in his eyes.
She couldn’t accept such an abrupt end. Dropping to her knees, she threw herself against his legs, sobbing as tears rolled onto the fabric of his suit trousers.
“Zacharias, I don’t want the card, I don’t want the money. I only want you. I truly love you. I don’t need a title! I promise I won’t show myself in front of Madam, I’ll even quit the company. You can hide me anywhere you like, and as long as you visit me sometimes–just once a month would be enough…”
Her words spilled out in anguish, filled with devotion and desperation, as if the sky itself would collapse if she had to leave him.
For an instant, Zacharias‘ expression flickered. He raised a hand, brushing her wet cheek. But then Anneliese’s words echoed in his ears.
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Chapter 82 The End of the Game
“I am me, you are you. There hasn’t been an “us” for a long time, let alone a family.”
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He knew she truly meant it this time. Without real action, he would never win her back. And he could not afford to lose her.
Coral’s eyes lit up with hope. She tilted her head and tried to lick his fingertips. But Zacharias suddenly seized her chin. His grip was firm, forcing her head back until her neck strained, leaving her no choice but to look into his cold, merciless gaze.
“Coral, the game is over. Do you understand?”
A shiver ran through her. She didn’t understand, she didn’t want to.
But Zacharias had already pushed her aside and risen to his feet. He smoothed down the wrinkles on his trousers and looked at the woman crumpled on the floor. A flicker of pity crossed his eyes–gone almost at once.
Coral had been his first woman. He never loved her, but years of nights together had left their mark. Still, his voice was flat when he said, “Madison Villa will be transferred to your name as well. Coral, don’t make this harder than it needs to be.”
Meanwhile, at Maple Bay…
“I’ll handle the prep. Ms. Claude, with your hand injured, just guide me when it’s time to cook.”
When Anneliese arrived at the 26th floor and stepped into the kitchen, she found Zion in an apron, busy with ingredients.
She nodded without hesitation. “Alright. Just call me Anneliese–it feels awkward when you keep saying Ms. Claude.”
Zion smiled. “Then you should call me by my name too.”
“Okay, Zion.”
“Pleasure to meet you, Anneliese.”
They exchanged an easy smile. But suddenly Zion felt a chill crawl up the back of his neck. He turned and startled–his boss was standing silently behind them.
Following Zion’s gaze, Anneliese looked over and saw Jonathan watching them. His expression was calm as he crooked a finger at her.
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Chapter 82 The End of the Game
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“Come here. Time to change the bandages.” He spoke casually and walked toward the living room couch.
“Oh,” Anneliese answered obediently.
When she followed, Jonathan was already seated in the middle of the long couch, commanding and relaxed. An open medical kit sat on the coffee table before him.
“I can do it myself,” Anneliese said with a smile, a little uneasy about letting someone like him tend to her wounds.
But Jonathan’s glance at her left hand silenced her. “Both your hands are injured. You can’t manage it. And besides, it’s not like I haven’t treated your wounds before.”
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