Chapter 799

Jonathan's desire to rush the banquet wasn't born from the same pressure Derek felt regarding the rumors.

He wanted this event so he and Anneliese could officially debut as a couple in their social circle, making it crystal clear to everyone that she was his wife.

If they had made a formal appearance earlier, people wouldn't have failed to recognize her as Mrs. Jonathan Fullbuster, and those ridiculous rumors in the group chats wouldn't have gained a shred of credibility.

In fact, back when Anneliese was competing in the challenge, and Jonathan appeared as the mysterious guest to present her award, he had considered congratulating her as her husband in front of the entire internet.

He wanted to tell the world how proud he was of her.

But the moment he held that championship trophy and prepared to hand it to her, he changed his mind.

That was Anneliese's moment. It was her personal spotlight-her chance to prove herself through her own hard work after being away from her dreams for three years.

He wanted everyone to recognize her for her own brilliance. He wanted them to know her as Anneliese, not as Mrs. Jonathan Fullbuster.

So, he had said nothing then, witnessing her glory merely as a guest.

But this latest wave of rumors was more than Jonathan could stomach. He was determined to have a grand debut with his wife and let everyone know that she was his, and she was his alone!

Facing Jonathan's exaggerated interrogation, Anneliese couldn't help but find it funny.

"What? I never said that..." She blinked, looking perfectly innocent.

She hadn't denied him official status; they'd had the marriage certificate for ages. How could he say he lacked status? Why was this man acting so aggrieved?

"So, you're agreeing, honey? Perfect. Your grandma is being discharged soon, too, so the banquet can also serve as a celebration of her recovery." Jonathan's lips curled into a smirk.

Anneliese nodded. "Let's ask Grandma tomorrow. She doesn't like crowds, so she might not be into the idea."

Jonathan had no objection to that, then turned back to Wendy.

"Madam Chalmont, how about your ceremony taking place after the Fullbuster banquet is finished?"

Perhaps, by then, it wouldn't be about recognizing a goddaughter but a biological one.

Wendy had no problem with that; a later date would give her more time to prepare thoroughly anyway.

With the adoption ceremony settled, the atmosphere at the dinner table became even more jovial.

...

While the Fullbusters were enjoying a harmonious evening, the atmosphere at the Malone Residence was at sub-zero levels.

Adrian sat on the couch with his legs crossed, his expression dark and heavy. Gianna and Pepper stood in the living room, their faces equally pale and streaked with tears.

They had thought that the public apology and being sent abroad were already severe enough punishments.

Since Adrian had decided to protect them, they assumed they were just paying the price, and the matter would eventually blow over.

But upon returning home, Adrian hadn't hesitated for a second.

His first words through the door were to tell the servants to pack their bags and the butler to book their flights immediately. His urgency felt like a total betrayal, as if he couldn't wait to throw them out like trash.

How could the mother and daughter accept this?

"Dad, I'm begging you! I really know I

was wrong promise I'll stay in line from now on. Please just let me

поихо

me

stay. I want to make it up to Steven. Give me a chance to redeem myself, okay? Please Dad don't throw away..."

Gianna collapsed to her knees, sobbing, and crawled toward Adrian until she could grab his pant leg.

She looked so pitiful and disheveled that Adrian felt a momentary pang of hesitation.

Pepper also wiped away tears, looking deeply ashamed.

"Adrian, it's all my fault. If I hadn't

been so desperate for Gianna to

recognize me as her mother, she wouldn't have felt so insecure. She wouldn't have had this sudden change in personality and made these mistakes. But as for impersonating Mrs. Shayman-that was entirely my doing. Gianna knew absolutely nothing about it. She's innocent..."

Adrian rubbed his aching temples.

"Enough. Regardless of the reasons, what you two did was far too much and incredibly stupid. If you don't leave, I have no way to give the Fullbuster and Shayman families an explanation. Besides, the gossip out there is ugly right now. Sending you and Gianna abroad is also for your own good-to stay out of the spotlight until the rumors die down. That's final."