When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 509

**Chapter 509: I Am Not Going to Run**

Anneliese deliberately adopted a biting, derisive tone, aiming to unsettle Selina.

“Ugh! Do you honestly think I care about your ridiculous necklace?”

Selina’s fury was palpable, twisting her features into a mask of rage. She swiftly turned and pressed the button to open the window, poised to hurl the necklace out into the void.

A flicker of excitement danced in Anneliese’s eyes. This was precisely the reaction she had been baiting for, hoping Selina would discard the necklace.

Perhaps it could serve as a breadcrumb, a potential clue left behind.

But just as Selina’s hand shot up, ready to release the necklace into the abyss, she suddenly clenched it tighter, shutting the window with a determined snap and pivoting back to face Anneliese.

“You’re not getting away. Don’t even entertain the thought of trying anything foolish.”

Anneliese felt a wave of disappointment wash over her as she witnessed Selina’s change of heart, the opportunity slipping away like sand through her fingers.

With a subtle smile, she remarked, “Actually, I was being dishonest earlier. Jonathan and I are merely in a contract marriage. If you’re contemplating kidnapping me to leverage against him, it’s really pointless. You should just let me go.”

“A contract marriage? You’re nothing but a liar!” Selina hissed, gripping Anneliese’s chin and raking her nails harshly across her cheek.

Deep down, Selina yearned for the truth of Anneliese’s words. The idea that Jonathan and Anneliese were bound by a mere contract was a comforting thought. Yet, after all the sacrifices Jonathan had made for Anneliese—including sending people to safeguard her while she was abroad—Selina could no longer deceive herself with false hopes.

What could possibly attract Jonathan to a divorced woman like Anneliese?

Was it her striking beauty?

With a fierce determination, Selina dragged her nails down harder, the sharp sting radiating across Anneliese’s face.

Anneliese squeezed her eyes shut, gritting her teeth against the pain, and decided it was best to cease her taunts.

In this moment, clarity washed over her. Selina and Timothy had devolved into desperate, reckless criminals. It was imperative for Anneliese to remain sharp and avoid unnecessary torment.

Her strength was waning. A throbbing ache pulsed in her head, and her stomach churned with unease. Closing her eyes to find a moment of respite was all she could muster.

There was little else she could do.

Anneliese managed a bitter smile, her mind racing with thoughts.

Since she hadn’t returned home, Jessica would likely realize her absence soon enough.

Jessica would undoubtedly alert the authorities and attempt to reach Jonathan.

He must have sensed something was amiss, right?

Regret had settled in his heart countless times. If he had only treated Anneliese with a modicum of kindness back when she lived with the Whites, perhaps he could have been Jonathan’s father-in-law by now. The Whites’ issues would have been trivial in comparison.

Timothy recognized Anneliese’s loyalty. Her unwavering dedication to her adoptive parents and her frail grandmother spoke volumes.

But it was too late for second chances. Timothy shot a glare at Selina.

Selina clenched her fists tightly, her mind racing. Then, as if a light bulb had gone off, she dashed outside.

They had already forged an agreement with Hiroto. They would abduct Anneliese.

Meanwhile, Hiroto would create a diversion, negotiate with Jonathan, and facilitate their escape from Oceaton.

Dividing their efforts would also mitigate the risks. Even if Jonathan’s associates managed to track down Hiroto, as long as Anneliese remained in their grasp, they would still hold the upper hand.

Inside the factory, the signal was nearly nonexistent. Selina stepped outside, irritation bubbling within her as she searched for a spot where her phone might work.

Her hatred for Anneliese was all-consuming, and a wicked idea began to take shape in her mind.

Simply allowing Jonathan to pay a ransom for Anneliese would be letting that woman off far too easily.

Anneliese would have to live her life perpetually on the run, hiding like a fugitive. So why should Anneliese enjoy the privilege of being the revered Mrs. Fullbuster, adored by a man like Jonathan?