Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 722

Anneliese's voice carried a gentle warmth that wasn't intentional, yet Wendy felt it deeply and found herself smiling.

Ellie had no clue what was amusing everyone. She wiggled her little bottom and joined in the laughter anyway.

Just then, the server arrived, carrying the food.

Anneliese's lips curved into a smile. "Madam Chalmont, there's far too much here. We won't be able to finish it. How about we pack some for Steven and Jonathan, so they won't have to wait when they get back?"

Hearing that, Wendy felt even more at ease, realizing Anneliese didn't treat her as an outsider. She nodded in agreement.

"You really know how to care for people. Jonathan is lucky to have you."

Anneliese stayed composed despite the teasing, smiling gently as she asked the server for a few takeaway containers.

The trio—Anneliese, Wendy, and Ellie—ate quietly, occasionally commenting on the dishes, teasing Ellie a bit, and finishing the meal in high spirits.

Yet Steven and Jonathan had still not returned. Ellie sat in the private room, absorbed in a puzzle the server had brought for her.

After the meal, Anneliese and Wendy shared some fruit and then settled on the couch by the window, chatting comfortably.

"Madam Chalmont, is there something special about that wedding dress design?"

Anneliese had noticed the subtle shift in Gianna's expression when she first glimpsed the sketch—shock mixed with envy.

It was obvious the dress design wasn't ordinary.

Wendy pulled up the sketch on her phone. As she looked at it, her face softened, tinged with sadness.

"This sketch... it wasn't drawn recently. The concept and first draft were made five years ago. I designed it for my daughter."

"Oh..." Anneliese's surprise left her momentarily speechless.

She hadn't known Wendy had a daughter. The Malones were only supposed to have Steven and Gianna.

Wendy clearly had no child with her, and the daughter she mentioned wasn't Gianna.

Anneliese didn't fully understand but could sense the grief that suddenly shadowed Wendy.

She reached for Wendy's hand. "Madam Chalmont, if it's too painful to talk about, I—"

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