Chapter 88 The Breaking Point
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Zacharias still had enough pride left to release her.
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The moment Anneliese regained her freedom, she raised her hand and flung the cup of water straight into his face.
The liquid trickled down his handsome face, ruining the cold arrogance and refined dignity he wore like armor. His eyes shut, his expression dark with fury. “Anneliese, enough!”
For her to lash out at him again and again in front of others–he found it unbearable.
His voice was sharp, dangerous. Raven feared he might strike Anneliese in his anger, so she quickly pulled a few napkins from the tray, thrusting them at him while shielding Anneliese behind her. “Here, Mr. Shaw, wipe your face.”
When Zacharias refused to take them, she panicked and tossed the tissues at his face. One clung to his forehead, making him look all the more disheveled.
He yanked it away and scrubbed hard at his face before opening his eyes with a glare that could chill the air.
Anneliese remained calm. Her voice was steady, final. “We’re past the point of no return. Divorce is the only thing left to say. Sign the papers, and we’ll talk. Until then, don’t bother.”
With that, she pulled Raven along and walked out.
Zacharias stood frozen for two seconds, then suddenly spun around and kicked over a chair. It crashed into the table, knocking glasses and a decanter to the floor in a shattering mess.
He braced his hands against the table, lips curving coldly.
Ha. She’s acting as if she really means it. If I hadn’t known she spent the morning picking out suits and ties for me, I might almost believe she’s serious about divorce. This is nothing more than wounded pride- she just wanted me to coax her.
Whenever Selina’s name came up, she turned prickly, stabbing like a hedgehog at anyone nearby. But Selina never tried to fight her, even left the country, always putting her first. Why can’t Anneliese be more magnanimous, less petty?
Fine. I had concealed the truth this time, and my little game with Coral had hurt her. But her anger only proves how much she loves me, how much she cares. Just jealousy, nothing more. If I put in the effort, I’ll
win her back.
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Chapter 88 The Breaking Point
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With that comforting thought, Zacharias straightened, smoothed his suit, and regained his
composure.
Just then, Jackie called with a report. “Mr. Shaw, Madam’s wedding ring may have been found! It’s listed for auction this weekend under the Fullbuster Group.”
Zacharias‘ expression lit with joy.
She didn’t care for that diamond set, but the wedding ring was Anneliese’s most cherished piece of jewelry. He could never forget the tears in her eyes when he slid it onto her finger, the joy on her face as she choked up with happiness.
If I get the ring back, Anne will be delighted.
“Send me the picture now,” he ordered.
Jackie complied at once, and Zacharias tapped impatiently at his phone, opening the forwarded photo.
Someone might have dismantled the ring and sold the diamond loose–understandable. But how had it ended up in a Fullbuster Group charity auction? Their foundation was reputable, and every lot carefully vetted. For such a stone of unclear origin to slip through the cracks seemed impossible.
Then Jackie’s WhatsApp message came through. Zacharias opened the image and enlarged it.
It’s the same stone!
He recognized it instantly–the pink diamond he had fought to win at the Harborview auction. Anneliese had worn it daily for two years. He couldn’t be mistaken.
“Get me an entry ticket to the auction,” he ordered curtly.
He would reclaim that stone and put it back on her hand where it belonged.
“Anne, why are you two divorcing?” Outside the restaurant, Raven held her hand, pleading. “Don’t be upset with me for speaking up, but you two had such a strong relationship. You got through so many hardships together, and life is finally good. Don’t be so rash.”
Anneliese gave her a small smile, appreciating her good intentions, but did not hide the truth. “Raven, he cheated on me. He’s also lied to me about many things. He’s crossed lines I can never forgive. There’s no going back.”
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Chapter 88 The Breaking Point
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Raven’s eyes widened in shock. “Cheated? Are you sure? Couldn’t it be a misunderstanding? Mr. Shaw doesn’t look like the kind of man who’d do that.”
Anneliese gave a bitter laugh. She had to admit, Zacharias‘ public image as the perfect, devoted husband had been flawless.
She wouldn’t have believed he was capable of betrayal, either, half a month ago. But in just two weeks, Zacharias had become unrecognizable in her eyes.
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Chapter 89 No Turning Back
