When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese and Zacharias) novel Chapter 780

Derek couldn't resist stealing a glance at Penelope beside him, his eyes almost pleading for approval.

Penelope immediately turned her head away.

If he hadn't handled things so unfairly back then, would I still be stuck in this mess, unable to even look Anne in the eye?

Yes, back then he acted for the sake of the Fullbuster family—but at the very least, he should have spoken to Anne's grandmother in private, explained the situation, listened to her side, and tried to gain her understanding instead of simply hiding everything.

Anne is soft-hearted. That's the only reason she's still showing him some respect right now. And he's actually taking pride in that.

Anneliese finally directed her first question at Gianna, her gaze steady and unreadable. "Gianna, are you aware that I can help Ellie recover?"

Gianna had already steeled herself. She knew whatever came next from Anneliese would not be gentle.

Even so, she hadn't expected the opening question to be so sharp it felt like it cut straight through her defenses.

If she admitted she knew, then the rumors she spread about Steven and Anneliese would immediately look like a deliberate attempt to interfere with Ellie's treatment.

Gianna opened her mouth, intending to deny everything. But then she suddenly recalled how attached Ellie had been to Anneliese earlier, something she had witnessed personally.

There was no way she could convincingly claim ignorance.

Almost instinctively, she glanced toward Adrian, only to meet his icy, penetrating stare as he assessed her in silence.

Anneliese is d*mn cunning. She's clearly trying to turn Dad and Steven against me!

Gianna's eyes welled up with frustration and grievance. "I did notice that Ellie became more cheerful around you, but you're not a certified child psychologist. I don't think you're truly capable of helping her. In fact, I'm concerned your unconventional methods might end up making her condition worse..."

Before Gianna could continue twisting the narrative, Anneliese interrupted her again without hesitation.

"Then, tell me, when you did all this, weren't you even slightly worried it would destroy Steven's future and tarnish the Malone family's reputation?"

Gianna's complexion drained of color once more, her entire body trembling.

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