Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 536

**Chapter 536: Anneliese’s Heartbreak**

Elizabeth’s gaze was sharp, a glimmer of disdain flickering in her eyes. “You’ve already faced betrayal once, and yet here you are, none the wiser. It’s no surprise you’re so easily led astray.”

Anneliese felt a tremor of indignation at Elizabeth’s words. The older woman continued, her voice dripping with condescension, “In comparison to his flirtatious father, Jojo embodies loyalty and devotion. It’s unfortunate that he and that girl were never destined to be together. Would you like to hear their tale?”

Anneliese struggled to maintain her composure, forcing a serene expression onto her face, though the chill in her gaze betrayed her true feelings. “There’s no need for that. I’ll speak to Jonathan directly.”

Deep down, she was acutely aware of Elizabeth’s ulterior motives—her words were always laced with venom or cloaked in malice. Anneliese had no desire to hear more; she craved solitude, a moment away from the toxic atmosphere.

As she turned to leave, Elizabeth’s voice rang out, heavy with scorn. “I disapprove of your relationship—not merely because of your humble origins or your previous marriage. As a mother, I refuse to let my son become ensnared in a web of false, delusional emotions.”

False emotions? The term struck Anneliese like a physical blow. It dawned on her that Jonathan might see her as merely a replacement. He longed for the woman he truly loved, while Anneliese was just a stand-in, the embodiment of an affection that was anything but real.

A wave of hurt washed over her, but she quickened her pace, desperate to escape the conversation.

Elizabeth observed Anneliese’s retreating figure, a mixture of satisfaction and concern flickering across her face.

I speak the truth. They are not meant to be together.

Jonathan’s kindness toward Anneliese stemmed solely from guilt. Guilt, plain and simple.

A marriage rooted in guilt is doomed to collapse. I will never permit my son to sacrifice his happiness for a lifetime.

Without Anneliese, I will find someone more fitting for him—gentle, considerate, someone who truly deserves Jonathan’s love. As his mother, everything I do is for his well-being.

With that thought crystallizing in her mind, Elizabeth took a deep breath, allowing herself to relax before exiting the room.

He tapped his fingers on the couch, a spark of realization lighting up his face. “Maybe you’re just jealous that Grandma isn’t around, and you can’t stand seeing me happy with my wife?”

Derek bristled at his grandson’s laughter, a deep desire to kick him surfacing. “Stop joking around! Marriage is a serious commitment. You didn’t inform the family, and it’s been months since you brought her home. You think no one can rein you in?”

Jonathan noticed the way Derek’s beard trembled with barely contained rage. Fearing for his grandfather’s health, he stood up, moving behind him to gently pat his back. “Grandpa, you and Grandma know what I want. I thought you’d be anticipating this.”

Derek froze, the weight of Jonathan’s words sinking in.

He was well aware that his grandson had always treated this girl differently—and that she was the daughter of the brave firefighter who had saved him during the Baytree incident years ago.

Back then, he had traveled to Baytree to retrieve Jonathan, who had locked himself away for two long days and nights in silence.

When Jonathan finally emerged, he knelt before his grandfather, his eyes filled with determination. “Grandpa, she lost her parents because of me. I can’t bring them back, but I want to give her a home—a life together.”