When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 726

"Zane, did you actually come back just to watch me compete? I... I feel awful. I completely messed it up..."

Gianna remembered that Zane had left for a business trip across the border a few days ago. She had sent him an invitation for today's competition and even called him multiple times, whining and pleading for him to attend.

During the event, she scanned the stands, hoping to spot him. He wasn't there, and a pang of disappointment hit her.

Still, after performing so poorly, she felt a strange relief that he hadn't witnessed her failure firsthand.

And now, unexpectedly, Zane appeared at the Malone Residence, though he was supposed to be overseas. He must have hurried back for her match, missed it, and come here to offer support.

That was the only explanation she could think of.

Her heart softened, and a sweet, bright smile spread across her face.

At last, something positive had happened today—something that genuinely deserved a smile.

"Zane, I'm so glad you—"

Gianna moved around the coffee table toward the couch, ready to sit beside him, curl against him, and soak up his warmth and comfort.

She never got the chance. Zane suddenly rose and gripped her wrist with sudden force.

"Where did you take her?"

"Ah!"

She hadn't anticipated it. His hold was so tight it felt as if he might crush her wrist. The pressure lifted her toes from the floor.

She yelped, shocked and in pain, glaring up at him. "Who? You're hurting me, Zane. Let go!"

"Gianna!"

At that moment, Pepper and Adrian walked in, just after changing their shoes.

Pepper froze at the sight of Gianna being yanked by her wrist, gasping before rushing to her side.

Adrian's expression hardened instantly, and he barked, "Let go of her! Zane, you have no right to hurt anyone here!"

Zane finally loosened his grip. Gianna sagged onto the couch, her legs trembling.

Pepper quickly pulled Gianna back. "Breathe, Gianna. Your dad's right here. Nobody can come in and hurt you in this house."

Gianna sank to the side, wiping her tears, silent but burning with suppressed anger.

Adrian sat down firmly. "Zane, you will not leave this house without answering me."

Zane met his gaze, standing tall before the couch. His broad shoulders blocked the light, his presence dark and imposing.

"Mr. Malone, I never consented to any marriage between our families. And now my girlfriend is missing because Ms. Malone set her up. If anyone owes an explanation, it's her—to me."

Adrian's eyes turned cold as ice.

"The elders from both families already agreed to this. And now you claim you don't accept it? Do you think my family is here to entertain you?"

Zane's lips tightened, and he glanced at Gianna briefly.

"My marriage is my decision, not theirs. Forcing me into a marriage is illegal. I'm a lawyer—being shoved into an arranged engagement would be ridiculous."