Built His Empire Then Watched It Burn When He Cheated novel Chapter 724

Gianna added, "Anneliese has only crossed paths with her a handful of times, yet Aunt Wendy treasures her to an absurd degree. If she truly acknowledges Anneliese as her goddaughter, and Ellie's illness is cured with her help, then where does that leave me in Aunt Wendy's heart?"

Gianna had been coveting Wendy's company for years. She had once believed Wendy to be her actual mother and had long behaved as though the bridal business already belonged to her.

Even after learning the truth—that she wasn't Wendy's biological daughter—the reality remained that Wendy had no real daughter, while Steven had chosen to devote himself to politics.

That left Gianna as Wendy's sole niece, a daughter in everything but blood. By all logic, the company should have ended up in her hands.

Anneliese, a complete outsider, had no right to interfere.

What troubled Gianna even more was Adrian's deep respect for Wendy. If Wendy began treating Anneliese as her own child, Adrian's attitude could easily shift as well.

If that happened, Gianna's position would only grow more precarious.

These were the dangers Gianna fixated on—obvious, immediate threats already looming before her eyes.

"D*mn it," she cursed aloud. "What exactly is so special about that b*tch Anneliese? She grew up in an orphanage, and she's divorced—used goods. Fine, maybe Jonathan fell for her act, but why are Aunt Wendy and Ellie acting like they're under a spell too?"

Her grip tightened around the glass until liquid sloshed over the edge, splashing onto her hand as it shook.

Pepper's gaze darkened. She calmly took the glass from Gianna, placed it on the bedside table, pulled out a tissue, and gently wiped Gianna's fingers before speaking.

"They haven't even acknowledged each other yet," she said quietly. "Why panic now? Losing your composure won't help. I won't allow that outcome."

Pepper spoke with such certainty that Gianna finally steadied herself and turned to look at her.

"Mom, what are you planning to do?"

Pepper gave her hand a reassuring pat. "There's always a solution. Now go wash your face. Once you've settled down, we'll head to the hospital."

"The hospital?" Gianna frowned. "Why are we going there?"

She had no idea that Adrian had been scalded after she stormed out earlier.

Wendy had informed her, "Your dad was injured. This is the perfect moment to show concern. Don't let the opportunity slip."

Those words immediately lifted Gianna's mood. She stood up at once and hurried toward the bathroom.

...

"It was just hot water," Steven cut in coldly. "How fragile would he have to be to end up hospitalized over that?"

His expression hardened, clearly unwilling to listen further. Pepper maintained her gentle, obedient demeanor.

"You're right," she said softly. "I let my worry get the better of me."

She even offered him an apologetic smile.

Adrian shot a sharp look at Steven. "Enough. You don't care whether I'm hurt, but you won't even allow your aunt and sister to show concern?"

Steven raised an eyebrow. "Of course not. Go home and enjoy that family warmth."

With that, he turned and walked away without another glance at Pepper or Gianna.

Jonathan's patience was thinning. He gave a quick nod. "My wife's waiting. I won't trouble your family any longer."

He followed Steven out. Watching them leave, Adrian clenched his fist—only to feel the burn flare with renewed pain.