Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 539

**Chapter 539: Coming Home**

A member of the household staff stood dutifully at the entrance, his posture straight and professional.

“Sir, the car is ready,” he announced, his voice steady but respectful.

“I got it,” Jonathan replied, dismissing the staff member with a wave of his hand.

Once the staff member had departed, Jonathan turned his attention back to Anneliese, whose expression was a mix of determination and concern.

“Your body isn’t in good shape. You should…” he began, but the words faded as Anneliese interrupted him.

“I’m fine. I can keep resting in the car on the way back. I’m really worried about Grandma,” she asserted, her voice firm and unwavering.

Jonathan could see the resolve etched on her face, and he recognized that further persuasion would be futile. He understood how deeply Nishay meant to her. Beneath her soft and gentle exterior lay a fierce stubbornness. Once Anneliese made up her mind, it was nearly impossible to sway her.

With a gentle sigh, Jonathan bent down and lifted her into his arms, cradling her with care as he stepped outside. The world around them felt distant; the only thing that mattered was the warmth of Anneliese against him.

As he carried her, Anneliese gazed up at him, her eyes tracing the sharp contours of his jaw. When her lashes fluttered down, she closed her eyes, surrendering to the moment.

He had never answered her earlier question, and now silence hung between them, a heavy but unspoken agreement.

Jonathan made a brief stop to bid farewell to Derek and Penelope, their expressions a mix of concern and relief. Then, he carefully placed Anneliese inside the RV, noting the slight frown that marred her delicate features. He attempted to engage her in conversation, but each time he opened his mouth, Anneliese swiftly cut him off, insisting she felt uncomfortable.

Eventually, she surrendered to fatigue, her eyelids growing heavy until they finally fluttered shut. Jonathan, recognizing her need for rest, lay down beside her, pulling her gently into his embrace. He adjusted their position to minimize the jostling of the vehicle, ensuring she could sleep peacefully.

By the time they arrived back at Maple Bay, the sky had surrendered to darkness, the stars twinkling like distant memories.

The car door swung open, and Anneliese, with a surprising burst of energy, climbed out on her own. Jessica had received the news in advance and was already waiting at the steps, her face a mixture of relief and worry.

“Annie, you’re finally back! Let me look at you. You really didn’t get hurt? I swear, the White family is awful!” Jessica exclaimed, rushing toward her. She lifted her arms, yearning to embrace Anneliese, but hesitated, unsure if her friend was up for it.

“Um… Annie, I’ll go inside first,” Jessica stammered, feeling the weight of Jonathan’s gaze. She released Anneliese’s hand and hurried inside, eager to escape the palpable tension.

Outside, the world had grown quiet. Most families had settled in for the evening, their laughter and chatter filling the apartments above, while the parking garage stood empty, save for Anneliese and Jonathan, who faced each other in silence.

His gaze bore down on her, steady and intense. Anneliese pressed her lips together, feeling the pressure of his scrutiny.

“Grandma is waiting for me. You should go home too. You’ll miss dinner with your family,” she said, her eyes drifting to his chin, unable to meet his gaze for fear of unraveling.

Exhaustion weighed heavily on her; she didn’t want to engage in a conversation that could lead to emotional turmoil. She was deliberately avoiding it, convincing herself that they could discuss everything after the New Year.

But Jonathan, determined to connect, gently lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze. “Are you trying to send me away? Look at me,” he urged, his voice soft yet insistent.

With a reluctant flutter of her eyelashes, Anneliese finally locked eyes with him. The moment felt electric, her breath catching in her throat, her heartbeat fragile and unsteady.