Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 783

Gianna had always been good with words.

Even after turning on her own family, she could still wrap herself in excuses and make herself sound like the victim.

Anneliese almost admired the nerve of it.

Steven gave a dry, humorless laugh. "So I should be grateful, then? I never realized you cared so much about Ellie and me that you'd go this far for us."

The sarcasm in his voice was impossible to miss. He did not believe a single word she had spoken.

Jonathan laughed too, though there was nothing amused about it. "What about my side? Were you planning to tell me the rumors about my wife were also for my benefit? That you were only helping me see what kind of person she really is?"

Gianna's lips tightened.

That was exactly what she had wanted to say.

In her mind, Anneliese had never deserved Jonathan. Even if the rumors drove a wedge between them and ruined their marriage, Jonathan should have thanked her for exposing Anneliese.

Gianna lowered her gaze. "I know now that I misunderstood Anneliese and Steven. I'm willing to apologize properly. I—"

Anneliese interrupted before she could continue.

"Don't bother. I don't hear any sincerity in that, and I'm not interested in watching you perform. Keep going like this, and I might have to thank you next."

Her tone was light, but every word cut.

"By your logic, you had no evidence, misunderstood my relationship with Steven, and then kindly spread rumors so that Jonathan would divorce me and I could reunite with Ellie as mother and daughter. Is that the story you're going with?"

Anneliese rolled her eyes, then slipped her hand into Jonathan's. "Hubby, just ask someone to send her out. This is getting boring. She was right about one thing, though. I really don't care about her apology."

Jonathan agreed immediately. He put an arm around Anneliese and called for the butler, saying, "Show Ms. Malone out. Mr. Malone and this lady, Ms. Malone's birth mother, may leave as well."

Then his gaze shifted to Steven. "If you weren't one of the victims, you'd be leaving with them."

Steven was still a Malone, after all. In name, he was still Gianna's older brother.

Steven raised an eyebrow. "Maybe I should change my surname. Chalmont sounds pretty good."

As a young man, he didn't stay with the Malones out of desire. He stayed because he had no choice and felt responsible for protecting what belonged to his mother, his sister, and himself.

Now he was no longer that helpless child.

Even if he changed his surname, he was confident no one could take what was theirs.

There was no affection in his eyes now, not even a trace.

Her body shook as she turned toward Anneliese. Then she bent forward, forcing herself into a deep bow.

"I'm sorry. I apologize for spreading malicious rumors about you and Steven.

"Steven, I have hurt you, harmed your reputation, damaged Anneliese's reputation, and caused issues for the Fullbuster family.

"It was my fault. I'm willing to accept whatever punishment comes from this. I'm sorry."

Her bow was a complete ninety degrees. Her tone was humble, and her words felt genuine.

Tears dropped from her eyes and hit the floor beneath her.

This time, she was not acting.

The humiliation was real.

Having to lower her head in front of everyone, to apologize to Anneliese of all people, felt like being stripped bare in public.

Every bit of pride Gianna had clung to seemed to break apart, fall to the floor, and get crushed beneath Anneliese's feet.