Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 538

**TITLE: Created 538**
**Chapter 538: Hidden Questions**

Anneliese cast her gaze downward, her eyes settling on the man standing before her. His strikingly handsome features were marred by a deep concern that etched lines across his forehead. She could feel the weight of his attention as he focused on her hands, which were stained a vivid red. The long, dark lashes framing his eyes could not conceal the warmth and tenderness that flickered within them. In that moment, it felt as if she were a rare gem, a treasure he had unearthed, and she was the sole focus of his universe.

Yet, despite this seemingly affectionate gaze, Anneliese found it impossible to connect with any remnants of her former joy. Each time the thought crossed her mind that Jonathan’s kindness might stem from his lingering feelings for another woman, a sharp pang of anguish pierced her heart. The notion that she could merely be a stand-in for someone he truly desired was a bitter pill to swallow, and it left her feeling as though her chest were filled with needles, each one a reminder of her inadequacy.

With a sudden motion, she withdrew her hands from his grasp, feeling the emptiness of his palm as she did so. “I’m fine,” she managed to say, though the words felt hollow and unconvincing.

Jonathan’s gaze lifted, only to find that she had turned her back on him, her form retreating toward the bed. He felt an unsettling chill in the air as he watched her, a moment of frozen disbelief before instinct kicked in, and he quickly followed her.

“What’s wrong?” he asked, concern lacing his voice as he approached her.

Anneliese settled on the edge of the bed, her eyes rising to meet his. Inside her, a storm brewed; she yearned to seize him by the arm and drag him into the adjoining room, demanding answers to the questions that tormented her. Yet, the words lodged in her throat, thick and bitter, refusing to come forth.

The symptoms of her concussion loomed over her like a dark cloud. A dull ache throbbed in her head, and dizziness washed over her, leaving her feeling weak and powerless. The strength to confront him seemed to slip away with each passing moment.

She forced a faint smile, her pale lips barely lifting. With a quiver of uncertainty, she asked, “When can I go home?”

Home. The word echoed in her mind, a beacon of hope amidst the chaos.

Jonathan’s heart sank as he observed the deterioration of her complexion. After a brief rest, she appeared even more fragile than before, her delicate features drained of color. He moved closer, sitting beside her, a protective instinct surging within him.

“Are you still feeling unwell? I can call Carter to take a look at you,” he offered, his voice laced with concern.

As he reached for his phone, Anneliese instinctively grabbed his wrist, her grip firm yet trembling. “Don’t. I’m fine. I’m just worried about Grandma. I want to go home soon.”

Jonathan studied her small hand resting on his arm, a flicker of relief washing over him. Just a moment ago, he had feared she was pushing him away, but now he realized that it had merely been a figment of his imagination.

He took her hand gently, his thumb brushing over her knuckles. “I’ll make sure they get the car ready. We’ll head back to Oceaton,” he assured her, recalling their earlier agreement to spend New Year’s with her grandmother.

She averted her eyes, unable to bear the intensity of his gaze.

“Why would you ask that?” he pressed, his own eyes narrowing slightly as he searched her expression.

Anneliese felt her heart plummet, as if she were standing on the edge of an abyss, with nothing solid beneath her. The dizziness intensified, causing her to sway slightly.

“Baby!” Jonathan exclaimed, panic lacing his voice as he caught her before she could falter.

She closed her eyes, willing the disorienting sensation to pass. When she opened them again, she found him watching her with the same tense expression he wore whenever she was in distress.

Before she could articulate her thoughts, a soft knock echoed through the room, breaking the charged silence.

**Chapter 539: Coming Home**