Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 588

Since it was just an audio recording, there was no way to see Melody's face or read her expression. They couldn't tell if she was nervous or lying.

Jonathan already felt pretty sure Melody was involved in Nakala's death, but he needed solid confirmation before making a move. Otherwise, everything he had done until now would be a waste of time.

The audio didn't sound suspicious to them, but a professional could pick up on subtle pauses, breaths, and tone shifts that reveal if someone is lying, and give them a more accurate assessment.

"Understood, Mr. Fullbuster."

Zion knew Jonathan was always careful about everything, so he didn't say any more. He took the tablet and left.

With Zion gone, Jonathan was alone in the huge living room.

The Banyans was a five-story villa, and since he planned to move in with Anneliese after the new year, Jonathan had the whole place remodeled.

He had everything decorated to match Anneliese's taste—low-key luxury, elegant and refined.

When Anneliese transferred the Maple Bay apartment to Sylvia, she packed up all her things. Some of her belongings were brought upstairs, and the rest were delivered to this floor.

Two of Anneliese's things now sat on the shelf across from the couch.

One was an Emerald Meadow vase, filled with green lisianthus. It stood out as a decorative piece—impossible to miss.

Jonathan stared at it for a moment, then sighed, leaned back, and rubbed his brow.

Some things just don't go according to plan. Who knows when I'll finally have her here as the lady of the house?

His phone rang. Jonathan opened his eyes and checked the screen. It was Penelope. He quickly pulled himself together and answered.

"Grandma."

Penelope asked, "Jonathan, is Anne feeling better?"

Jonathan rubbed his brow. He honestly didn't know how Anneliese was doing. But when they left Maple Bay, she just looked a little pale. Other than that, she didn't seem too unwell.

"She's fine now, Grandma. Don't worry."

"Then put Anne on the phone. I want to hear it from her."

By the time her mother passed away and she returned to Lunasia, half a year had gone by. It had been months since the incident.

All Penelope noticed was that her grandson had become withdrawn. She'd asked Derek about it, and he'd only mentioned Baytree—not Anneliese's name.

Penelope had no idea there was such a deep connection between Anneliese and Jonathan.

She'd liked Anneliese from the start—she was sweet, gentle, and beautiful. And since Jonathan cared about her, that was good enough.

She never expected there was so much more to the story.

No wonder Jonathan had changed so much overnight.

Jonathan gave a helpless laugh when his grandmother caught on.

"Grandma, did you just call to rub it in?"

Penelope actually laughed. "Anne isn't with you right now, is she? Serves you right! You tried to hide something so big. That's basically tricking her into marrying you. No wonder Anne is mad at you!"