Created 584
Chapter 584 Shadows of the Past
Zacharias froze, his breathing catching, eyes wide in shock.
After a moment that felt like an eternity, his shock gave way to a furious outburst.
“Impossible! Jonathan, you’re talking nonsense! You’re framing me!”
Zacharias couldn’t accept it.
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“My grandmother hated you and refused to accept you as her grandson–in–law, so now you want to transfer her hatred onto my mother and family? Don’t even think about it!”
How could my mother be involved?
She had always been close to Anneliese’s mother–surely she would never have done such a thing. Jonathan must be lying, completely shameless.
“Are you angry because you’re embarrassed or because you can’t accept the truth?” Jonathan sneered.
Zacharias swung at him.
“Ridiculous!”
Jonathan sidestepped, catching Zacharias‘ fist in his large hand. His sleeve strained over defined muscles.
“I only say this because Roretha can serve as a witness.”
Jonathan caught Zacharias‘ punch and pushed it back firmly.
Zacharias staggered, pale, startled by Jonathan’s certainty and the terrifying possibility he had just revealed.
Suppressing his shock and anger, he spoke coldly.
“Hah! If you bought one or two witnesses, they’d say whatever you wanted. If this were true, why didn’t Roretha speak up back then? Ridiculous! If you had proof, you could have called the police directly!”
Exactly. If Jonathan had proof, he would have called the police long ago to clear his name with my grandmother. Why accuse my family now? What’s his motive?
Is he trying to alert the enemy?
No–there’s definitely no such thing.
“I will report it to the police. So, you’d better take good care of your mother lately. After all, the attempted murder of my mother–in–law resulted in two deaths. I’m just kindly reminding you–the good days like this won’t last long.”
Zacharias ground his teeth, glaring at Jonathan.
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Chapter 584 Shadows of the Past
“Hah! Framing, playing tricks–it’s all misdirection! I’ll wait!”
He turned and strode away.
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Jonathan raised his hand at the bodyguards by the door, but they did not stop Zacharias this time.
Zacharias left, disappearing into the private room. Only then did Zion step in and nod toward Jonathan.
“Everything’s fine, Mr. Fullbuster.”
Zacharias sped off, running red lights to get back to his villa.
The servants rushed over in alarm, seeing his disheveled clothes, bruised face, and overall battered
appearance.
“M–Mr. Shaw, do you need the police?”
Zacharias didn’t even look at them, storming upstairs with a dark expression.
He paused, then turned back and ordered the servants, “You’re not needed here today. Go home immediately!”
Seeing his icy expression, the servants nodded without question, remoyed their aprons, and left.
Upstairs, Melody and Lenora were in Lenora’s room. Lenora lay crying on her mother’s lap.
Though they had been bailed out from detention, the case still loomed over them–they weren’t allowed to leave Oceaton.
Lenora had reached her limit. Today, she had gone to meet a few so–called friends, only to be mocked mercilessly.
Everyone looked at her with disdain, as if she were a criminal.
Trying to please them, she had spent a lot of pocket money buying each a purse. Yet when she returned from the bathroom, they were publicly humiliating her.
“A prospective criminal thinking she’s a lady, how laughable.”
“The Shaws have no real background. She’s just a nouveau–riche younger sister. Do you think we haven’t seen the world? That bag’s worthless–wouldn’t even give it to our maid.”
“I heard ever since Anneliese divorced Mr. Shaw, Clauderias Tech has been declining.”
“Yes, Mr. Shaw has repeatedly made poor decisions, losing several big deals. AI competition is fierce these years; the Shaws won’t stay prominent long.”
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Chapter 585 Humiliation and Reckoning
Chapter 585 Humiliation and Reckoning
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“I agree. Everyone in Oceaton knows Mr. Fullbuster and Zacharias don’t get along. Anyone thinking of cooperating with Clauderias Tech has to think twice. If the Fullbuster family retaliates, it’ll be a huge loss.”
“Huh? Where’s Lenora? Did she slip away knowing we disdain her?”
“If she ran, maybe she would understand her shame. If she’s sentenced later, her disgrace could affect us too. She’s ruthless–no wonder she did such terrible things!”
Hearing the cruel mockery, Lenora couldn’t bring herself to go inside. Overwhelmed, she cried all the way home.
Melody tried to comfort her, but in the same situation, she felt powerless herself. She could only say, “Lenora, hold on a little longer. Your brother won’t abandon us. He’ll find a better lawyer and protect us. Ignore what they say.
“They’re just jealous of your brother, who accumulated in a few years what others never could. Their harsh words don’t matter.”
Doesn’t matter? Lenora thought, feeling suffocated. She remembered Anneliese from the past. Wherever Anneliese went, she faced mockery and scorn. She was never as good as Selina, and her personal life was always under scrutiny.
People said marrying Zacharias made her seem more human, but being childless meant they’d eventually
cast her out.
Lenora sometimes knew Anneliese was nearby and would provoke others into speaking ill of her.
Each time, Anneliese stood up to them–sometimes she won, and sometimes their mockery grew. Even when she won, she rarely seemed happy.
Back then, Lenora, watching coldly, felt satisfaction. Now, she was the one being humiliated, and the pain was unbearable.
Lenora had relied on sleeping pills and antidepressants. Watching Anneliese endure hardship made her strangely envious.
Just then, bang–the door was kicked open with force.
“Zach, what are you doing! You scared me!” Lenora screamed and dove into Melody’s arms.
Zacharias‘ dark expression unsettled her. Once, her brother had protected and loved her, but now, after all Anneliese had done, he only got them bailed out and found a lawyer–nothing more.
Zacharias ignored Lenora entirely. He yanked her from her mother’s arms and said coldly, “Get out! I need to speak with Mom!”
Lenora rubbed her arm, staggered, and said, “Zach, you hurt me! What are you talking to Mom about? This is my room–how can there be anything I shouldn’t hear?”
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Chapter 585 Humiliation and Reckoning
Zacharias‘ eyes turned sharp. “Out! Don’t make me say it a third time!”
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Frightened by his rage, she ran out, forgetting to close the door, her footsteps thudding down the stairs.
“Zacharias, why are you so harsh with your sister? She’s already upset–what if something happens?”
Melody got up, worried, but Zacharias blocked her, demanding, I need to ask you something!”
She looked puzzled–then noticed his bruised face. “Zacharias, your face…”
He cut her off, asking directly, “Mom, tell me honestly–did you have anything to do with Anneliese’s foster mother’s death?”
Melody hadn’t expected him to bring it up. She froze, then instinctively shook her head. “Zacharias, what nonsense are you talking about? Her foster mother died so many years ago–I’ve nearly forgotten her. How could I possibly be involved?”
Though she spoke calmly and convincingly, he noticed the flicker of guilt and evasion in her eyes.
Sara Lili
Sara Lili is a daring romance writer who turns icy landscapes into scenes of fiery passion. She loves crafting hot love stories while embracing the chill of Iceland’s breathtaking cold.