Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 550

**Chapter 550: Seeking the Truth**

The air hung heavy with unspoken words as she paused, her thoughts swirling. Finally, she broke the silence, her voice steady yet laced with anticipation. “So… when are you coming back on the third?”

At the sound of her question, Jonathan felt an involuntary smile tug at the corners of his lips. It was a small gesture, but it held the weight of their connection, easing the tension that had settled on his brow like a storm cloud. “Not sure yet. I’ll come back as early as I can. Can you wait for me?”

“Yeah.” The simplicity of her reply resonated with hope, a promise of patience and understanding.

As the call ended, Anneliese turned to Jessica, her expression shifting from concern to reassurance. “Relax. He’s not telling Zane anything for now.”

Jessica nodded, resting her head against Anneliese’s shoulder, grateful for the comfort of her friend’s presence. “I kinda heard bits of it. Annie, I don’t know what happened between you two, but he really seems to care. Men don’t usually stay that patient during a fight.”

Anneliese felt a warmth spread through her at Jessica’s words, a flicker of reassurance igniting within her. “They don’t take the softer route or try to calm things down like that—especially someone like him who’s used to being in charge and having everyone fall in line. Whatever’s going on, you two should talk it out. Don’t let some dumb misunderstanding blow up on you.”

Anneliese squeezed Jessica’s hand, her heart racing with the possibilities of what lay ahead. “Yeah.”

Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding after all. I shouldn’t panic like that or take Elizabeth’s words at face value. Her intentions are so obviously spiteful…

Meanwhile, Jonathan hung up, his handsome features tightening with concern. If I still don’t pick up on Anneliese acting off, then I’m just way too oblivious.

He lowered his gaze, his mind racing back to yesterday’s events. He could pinpoint the exact moment Anneliese’s mood had shifted, like a shadow passing over the sun. With purposeful strides, he swung open the villa’s door and called out to a servant.

“Get everyone who was on duty in the villa yesterday afternoon.”

The servants scrambled to obey, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension. They lined up outside the study in two neat rows, exchanging anxious glances, each one wondering what could have prompted such an unusual gathering.

Jonathan was not a man prone to theatrics. He didn’t torment the staff for amusement, nor did he take out his frustrations on them.

To the casual observer, he exuded a stern, almost intimidating air, a presence that demanded respect. Yet, those who spent time with him knew a different side—a calm demeanor, a steady temperament, and a man perfectly content in his solitude. He preferred to handle matters himself, rarely needing to assert his authority over the staff.

For him to summon everyone like this, it was clear that something significant had transpired.

The servants stood on edge, murmuring among themselves, but the meaning of their assembly eluded them.

The study door swung open, revealing Jonathan dressed in a meticulously tailored Eastern-style suit. The crisp white collar of his shirt framed his face perfectly, and the absence of a tie or accessories only accentuated the subtle elegance of the embroidered cloud pattern along the collar, which caught the sunlight in delicate flashes of black and gold.

“I… I saw it too. Ms. Felyxia came down a little later, looking a bit off, and then Mrs. Fullbuster went upstairs. I happened to be going upstairs to grab something, and I think I overheard Mrs. Fullbuster and Ms. Anneliese arguing in the hallway…”

“Arguing? Do you know what about?” Jonathan’s voice darkened, his concern morphing into something more urgent.

The maid’s forehead glistened with sweat, her anxiety palpable. “Mr. Fullbuster, I swear I didn’t listen carefully. I really don’t know…”

Her expression was a mix of panic and unease, as if she feared Jonathan might not believe her.

Realizing there was nothing further to extract from them, Jonathan let it go.

Given Elizabeth’s fiery temperament, he could easily guess the nature of the conversation she might have had with Anneliese.

He waved for the servants to leave, and once they had scurried away, he retreated back into his study. Without hesitation, he made a call, his voice icy and commanding.

“Shut down the Azure Bay project with Holf Real Estate immediately. We won’t be renewing Cloudspire Gourmet’s supply contract next year, and we’re pulling AeroAir out of the deal.”

On the other end, Zion, who had been lounging with his family on White Sand Beach, shot upright from his chair, startled by the sudden shift in tone. The abrupt movement startled the two blonde, blue-eyed masseuses on either side of him, causing them to yelp in surprise.