Chapter 99 The Truth at the Window
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Chapter 99 The Truth at the Window
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The events of the past were long behind them, and Anneliese’s health had nearly recovered. They were already preparing to have a baby, and soon enough, there would be a child. Why dig up old wounds?
From here on out, everything Zacharias had–his wealth and honor–would belong to Anneliese, his missus. As long as they lived happily, what had happened before should be left in the past.
What he owed Selina would never change, but Selina was about to finish her studies abroad and return. Her reputation was spotless, her future bright. How could she possibly be treated as a suspect now?
She was nothing like Anneliese–Selina had been pampered since birth, raised in constant praise. She would never be able to endure it.
Zacharias pressed his thin lips together, struggling for a long time before making a decision. “Anne, the case was closed four years ago. Even if I testified, there’s no evidence to overturn the ruling. Besides, we’re husband and wife. The police might not even take my testimony seriously. Why put yourself through this?”
Anneliese had already guessed this would be his answer. The reason she brought up this condition was that she knew Zacharias would never be able to do it. She hadn’t really meant to give him a chance, and his refusal only deepened her realization of just how hypocritical this man truly was.
She gave a half–smile, half–sneer. “At the end of the day, you just can’t do it. In that case, there’s nothing left to discuss.”
When she tried to get out of the car, Zacharias‘ heart sank. He pressed down on her shoulders, forcing her back against the seat. His brows furrowed. “Name another condition.”
Anneliese almost laughed at the sheer absurdity. “Alright. Die.”
Zacharias fell silent.
“Let me go!” She struggled against him, but he only tightened his grip, his handsome features set in cold determination.
“Jameson’s nose was broken, along with four ribs. The medical report classifies it as a level–nine disability, Jessica did it, didn’t she? If the Tates decide to press charges, with their influence, she could easily face a year or two in prison.”
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Chapter 99 The Truth at the Window
80
+20 Free Coins
“You’re threatening me again? Despicable!” Anneliese, furious, raised her hand to slap him.
Zacharias caught her wrist tightly. “How is that a threat? Whatever the Tates decide to do is out of my control. But if you refuse to spare Jameson, do you think they won’t fight back?”
Anneliese had no idea what had happened after she was taken away that night, and Jessica had never brought it up. But knowing Jessica’s temper, after seeing her bullied by Jameson like that, it wouldn’t have been surprising if she had castrated him.
Her worry clouded her judgment, and before she realized it, her gaze fell on the settlement agreement.
“Now, be sensible and sign it. I promise the Tates won’t trouble Jessica.” Zacharias handed the pen back to her.
The air felt heavy, and just as Anneliese hesitated to reach for the pen, someone tapped lightly
on the window.
A calm, clear male voice followed through the half–lowered glass. “Mr. Shaw, if you’re going to threaten someone, at least get your facts straight. Otherwise, you’ll only end up making a fool of yourself.”
Jonathan?!
Even without turning her head, Anneliese recognized him instantly. She was startled at how familiar his voice already felt.
Her body went rigid the moment she realized how humiliating the scene must look. Zacharias had her pinned against the back seat, his body half pressed over hers. After the struggle, their clothes were even a little disheveled.
Having Jonathan witness this made her cheeks burn with shame. She lowered her head, unable to look outside, and an ache rose in her nose for no reason at all,
Jonathan, however, hadn’t even glanced inside the car. Dressed in a black suit, he stood with his back partly turned, showing only the clean line of his jaw.
Zacharias, on the other hand, whipped his head toward the window immediately. When his gaze fell on that tall, unmistakable figure, his eyes widened.
Jonathan! What’s he doing here?
Shock flickered across Zacharias‘ face. In that moment, when Anneliese shoved him away, he finally moved aside. She quickly straightened herself, then pulled the car door open and stepped out.
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Chapter 99 The Truth at the Window
80
+20 Free Coins
“Mr. Fullbuster… What are you doing here?” Her embarrassment was clear, though her voice carried more surprise than anything else.
Jonathan’s eyes rested on her. After a quick sweep over her figure, he finally answered, “Detective Walen called me. I came to cooperate with the investigation.”
Patrick Walen had already taken Jonathan’s statement back at the hospital. Strictly speaking, Jonathan didn’t need to be here at all. But he had left Patrick his number, asking to be informed of any updates.
When Patrick called Anneliese, he had also called Jonathan.
Knowing how busy Jonathan was, Anneliese felt a surge of gratitude mixed with guilt when she realized he had come all the way here just to cooperate.
