When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 709

Adrian convinced himself that Pepper's words were just an attempt to calm the room and soothe Gianna's frayed nerves.

He knew another defeat to Anneliese would sting—not just for Gianna, but for the company's image. Bad press was the last thing they needed.

Turning to Gianna, he spoke with an encouraging smile, "Don't be so hard on yourself. You did great. You stayed calm out there."

In the first two rounds, Anneliese posted the fastest times with nearly flawless completion scores.

Yet, Gianna's performance was on par with Anneliese's in quality.

Moreover, everyone knew the first two rounds were merely a warm-up—the real test was still to come. The third round was imminent, expected to be the most difficult and intense. Everything would be decided there.

"Dad, really?" Gianna asked softly. "I worried you might be disappointed in me. I was so nervous up there, constantly fearing I would screw it up and make you look bad."

Her eyes welled with tears, and her gaze—so careful and trusting—sent a sharp ache in Adrian's heart.

He had loved her like his own for years, never hesitating to regard her as his daughter.

Earlier, he was upset about the tension between Gianna and Wendy, especially after Wendy stopped Gianna from calling her "Mom." Adrian felt Gianna hadn't handled it well.

After all, he saw Gianna as a buffer or a cover-up. As long as she kept calling Wendy "Mom," he could pretend everything was okay and continue fooling himself.

Now, with that last illusion stripped away, Adrian felt lost. The weight of helplessness pressed down on him, leaving him searching for a way to reach his wife.

Looking at Gianna, he saw the truth: she genuinely leaned on him, loving him as her father. Beneath her confident exterior, she was still searching for his reassurance.

Adrian reached out, ruffling her hair with a warmth that softened his features. "You're doing wonderfully. I believe in you. Give it your all in the final round. No matter the outcome, I'll always be proud of you."

Gianna had been terrified that losing to Anneliese again would make Adrian blame her. His words melted the tension inside her. Relief and gratitude shimmered in her eyes as a genuine smile broke through.

"If I win," she asked softly yet cautiously, "can you promise me something?"

"What is it?" Adrian replied. After all these years, indulging her had long since become instinct.

Gianna's smile grew broader. "Can you throw a big celebration party for me? Will you?"

If she took the championship, she would ensure everyone in her social circle knew about it.

Ellie saw Anneliese secure first place in both rounds, her cheeks glowing with excitement. She threw her arms around her neck and gave her two quick kisses, one on each cheek.

Anneliese chuckled and teased, "Let me guess—that's my reward? So whenever I win, I get your kiss?"

Ellie nodded shyly, then lifted both thumbs enthusiastically.

Anneliese gently squeezed her tiny fingers. "Oh no. What if I win again later? You won't have enough thumbs to show at once."

Ellie simply shook her head instead.

Anneliese blinked in confusion while Ellie kicked her legs joyfully, as if proudly reminding her that she still had two big toes to cheer with.

Anneliese and Wendy laughed. Anneliese tapped Ellie's nose lightly. "You little genius."

Then Ellie's eyes brightened as she moved past Anneliese's shoulder.

Anneliese turned around as Steven—tall and composed—approached them.