When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 651

Elizabeth's list of reasons sounded neat enough, but none of them felt real to Anneliese.

She met Elizabeth's eyes. "Oh? That's strange. You used to favor Selina, didn't you? Don't tell me you never saw what she really was."

Her tone stayed steady, but there was an edge beneath it. "Selina's an illegitimate daughter who faked her way into a wealthy life. Her looks and skills are below mine, and her background and morals are worse. Yet you were satisfied with her. So let's not pretend those reasons you just gave are the truth."

Elizabeth hadn't expected her to hit that hard. Her gaze faltered for a split second.

Anneliese took a step forward. "Seems to me, you prefer a daughter-in-law you can control. Someone soft, someone compliant. If that's the case, my past and my background should make me a perfect fit. But you still want to tear us apart. Why is that?"

Her eyes narrowed slightly.

"Or maybe, Mrs. Fullbuster, you're scared. What exactly is it that you're afraid of?"

Elizabeth gave a short, icy laugh. "Afraid? Don't flatter yourself. I just don't like you. You've got a sharp mouth and no respect for me. Why would I keep someone like you around to irritate me?"

With that, she walked right past and into the villa.

Anneliese's brow furrowed as she watched her go.

She had been studying every flicker of expression on Elizabeth's face, but there wasn't a trace of panic or guilt.

Back when the fire happened, there had only been three people in the villa—Elizabeth, her husband, and Jonathan. If Elizabeth had nothing to hide, why get so defensive? Why push so hard to break her and Jonathan apart?

That made her very suspicious, though; it was still possible that Elizabeth just despised her.

Anneliese stepped inside as Jonathan came down the stairs with Zion.

"Jonathan, I need to speak to you privately. Let's go to the study," Elizabeth said as she moved toward the staircase.

Jonathan raised his hand, stopping her.

Elizabeth frowned, puzzled.

He didn't even look at her. His eyes went straight over her head, locking on Anneliese instead.

"Baby," he said, his tone low but firm. "Come here."

Anneliese picked up her pace.

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