When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 625

Anneliese would definitely go crying to Jonathan if she knew in advance.

No. It's better to let her get all dressed up, only to be denied at the door when she shows up for the competition. That would be satisfying to watch indeed.

"Understood, Ms. Malone."

Much of the frustration in Gianna's heart dissipated when she heard the confirmation from her father's assistant.

She hung up the phone and turned to see Pepper standing there.

"Aunt Pepper?"

She wasn't worried that her aunt might have overheard the phone call. Compared to her mother, who was always cold and strict, her aunt had always loved her and spoiled her—even cleaning up countless messes on her behalf.

Five years ago, when she was still in high school, she had once "taught a lesson" to an annoying girl. Who could have predicted the girl's psychological state would be so fragile? It had been just some mild bullying and isolation, but the girl spiraled into depression and threw herself off a building.

Though she survived the fall, she ended up paralyzed from the chest down. Her family had threatened to make a huge scene over the incident. Gianna had been terrified, certain her parents would learn about what she had done. But, in the end, it was her aunt who quietly "handled" everything.

After that incident, she became even more dependent on her aunt.

"Are you still feeling upset?"

Stepping forward, Pepper embraced Gianna. Her hand gently caressed her niece's cheek, which looked haggard from lack of sleep.

Gianna gritted her teeth in fury. "That d*mned Anneliese and Jessica! They're nothing but bottom-feeders from the slums. They're absolutely disgusting! Why are Jonny and Zane attracted to trash like them? And my brother too—he even helped them bully me! I'm starting to wonder if he even considers me his sister!"

A complicated expression flickered through Pepper's eyes—struggle, pain, conflict.

Of course, she wasn't Steven's sister. She's my daughter… and Steven's cousin.

How she wished she could tell Gianna the truth and openly acknowledge her daughter… but the time wasn't right.

She silently reminded herself, Patience. I just need to wait until I've completely won over Adrian… then we'll be a real family.

"Gianna, Jessica isn't worth your time. Getting your hands dirty fighting her will only lower your own worth. It'll also make Zane think poorly of you. Focus on the man you love. As long as Zane favors you, other women don't matter. Don't lose sight of what's important."

Gianna pouted, sulking. "I want Zane to love me, I really do. But he's always so busy! I barely see him! And he keeps treating me like a little sister. Now he's distracted by that little tramp Jessica… I can't get close to him at all!"

"Then make her disappear." Pepper stroked Gianna's hair gently. "Take advantage of the situation. When Zane starts feeling empty, you can step in and keep him company instead."

Gianna brightened at the suggestion. "How can I make her disappear?"

"Don't worry about that." Pepper smiled faintly. "I'll figure it out."

Was there really something more to the fire back then?

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