Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 640

She looked at Jonathan, then down at their still tightly clasped hands. "This is what you call respecting me? Respecting my opinion?"

"Grandma, he—" Anneliese stepped forward, her voice tense, trying to defend him.

Before she could finish, Jonathan gently pulled her back. He moved in front of her, shielding her with his body.

"Anne is my wife," he said in a calm, steady voice. "No matter what happens or where we are, I'll never let go of her. Treating her as my only one is the best way to honor her—and the best way to show respect to the woman who raised and loves her. Don't you agree?"

Nishay's gaze flicked to the part of his shoulder blocking Anneliese from view.

Anneliese hadn't noticed it, but Nishay did.

Ever since that day she had slapped Anneliese, Jonathan always positioned himself between them, consciously or not.

Was he worried she'd hit her again?

A strange, heavy feeling settled in Nishay's chest. Her lips trembled before she spoke coldly. "You're quite the talker, aren't you?"

Jonathan smiled, completely composed, and picked up the insulated food container.

"There's something important we need to tell you," he said evenly. "Why don't you sit and eat first? You can listen—or keep scolding us—either works."

Anneliese feared Nishay had lost her appetite since hearing about Melody's arrest.

She slipped her arm through Nishay's and spoke softly. "Please try the food I brought. It smells amazing."

Nishay let her guide her to the couch. Jonathan was already opening the container.

Anneliese hurried to unpack the three tiers, setting them neatly on the table.

She ladled a bowl of soup and carefully handed it to Nishay.

When Nishay took it, Anneliese finally breathed a little easier.

Then came a sharp thump as Nishay set the bowl back on the table. The sound broke the silence.

Nishay's gaze locked on her. "Where did you sleep last night?"

Anneliese froze.

She had to admit, Nishay's intuition was razor sharp. There was no hiding anything from her.

"I—"

Before she could explain, Nishay cut her off. "You clearly didn't take a single thing I said last night seriously!"

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