Chapter 721
Adrian’s affection for Gianna extended naturally to her biological mother as well.
Got to admit, Pepper had nailed him perfectly. Over the years, Adrian had always treated her with a subtle difference.
At least he never restricted Pepper’s visits to the Malone Residence and helped her whenever possible.
Watching Pepper suffer humiliation now, Adrian set his cup down with a soft thud.
“Wendy, if you have grievances, take them out on me. Pepper and Gianna haven’t done anything wrong, and they’re the ones closest to you. Don’t aim your frustration at them p>
Wendy finally gave him a frosty glance, paired with a faint, detached smile.
“I’m not aiming my anger at them. She’s the one complaining her daughter lacked a mother’s love, isn’t she? I returned Gianna to her real mother. I made it happen. How is that suddenly my fault? If you think I haven’t done enough—that Gianna deserves a more complete, happier family—then fine, I genuinely wish you p>
Before she could finish, Adrian accidentally knocked the water glass over.
Scalding water spilled onto his legs, and the cup hit the floor, ceramic cracking and sliding, cutting Wendy’s words in two.
“Oh no! Adrian! Are you burned p>
Pepper panicked, grabbing a napkin to dab at his soaked pants, tugging at the damp fabric.
Adrian pushed back his chair, frowning as he gently blocked her hands. Instinctively, he looked toward Wendy, hoping to catch even a flicker of concern.
There was none. Wendy spun the celadon cup idly, seemingly far more interested in its pattern than in his burn or Pepper’s fussing. She didn’t even glance at him.
Adrian’s face paled. He gently pushed Pepper aside, who still wanted to check him, and said, “I’m fine. Go find Gianna. Make sure nothing else happens to her p>
Pepper opened her mouth to argue but froze when she met the steely look in Adrian’s eyes. She could only nod.
“Alright, I’m going. Adrian, have Steven take you to a doctor immediately. That coffee was boiling p>
She grabbed her bag and hurried off to find Gianna.
Adrian was a mess; everything was already ruined.
Steven couldn’t ignore his father. He stood and moved closer. “Come on, let’s get you checked p>
Jonathan rose as well, grabbed his suit jacket, and said to Anneliese,
“I’ll go with them. You eat and relax. I’ll come back for you later p>
Anneliese nodded, feeling a little guilty that her man might miss his meal. As for Adrian, she had zero patience for him.
Still unwilling to relent, Adrian approached Wendy.
“Wendy, can we speak privately p>
His right hand was flushed and blistering. He hoped she’d notice, see his pain, and relent.
Wendy didn’t budge. Her gaze fell on his injured hand.
“There’s nothing to discuss. Go get treated p>
Her icy refusal pricked his chest, the
fact that she insisted he get
medical attention sparked a tiny
glirîmer of hope,
He held onto the belief that Wendy still cared, even if only a little; her years of
remaining single were proof enough.
But that fragile hope crumbled the instant she spoke again.
“You caused this yourself. Don’t ruin
dinner with Jonathan
1 son’s p>
with
Theyre not like you tent
people who genuinely
Ellie backed her grandmother flawlessly, kneeling on the chair and puffing her cheeks at Adrian.
Clear enough-Steven might miss dinner, but his daughter and mother were concerned.
If Jonathan missed his meal, Anneliese cared.
Adrian was the only one in that room, with nobody to notice him.
It was a harsh reality.
He remained silent, forced a tight, bitter smile, and exited.
Quiet returned. Anneliese still held Wendy’s hand.
Wendy flipped her grip and gave a squeeze back, smiling. “Sorry you had to witness that p>
At first, Anneliese felt awkward, like she’d intruded on a private family moment—but the scene quickly turned amusing.
Especially watching Gianna sulk—it honestly lifted her mood.
She shook her head with a smile at Wendy “You told me I’m not an outsider, so why would
You say th07
Madam Chalmont, I actually find you really kind and approachable too p>