When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 32

Chapter 32 Confusing Appearances

Anneliese’s eyes glimmered with recognition.

Prof. Clocke… could it be Professor Alexander Clocke, my mentor?

“Are you from Astoria University?” she asked softly.

Zion’s eyes widened. “Yeah! I did my undergrad at Astoria! Wait, how did you know? Don’t tell me… You studied there, too?”

Anneliese nodded, lips curving. “What a coincidence. You’re my senior, then.”

Zion laughed, delighted. “No way! Ms. Claude, let’s add each other on WhatsApp?”

He lifted his phone, the QR code glowing on screen. Anneliese leaned closer to scan-

“Perfect,” Jonathan’s voice cut through, smooth and commanding. “You’ve been of great help today. Let’s add each other on WhatsApp, and I’ll have Zion prepare a proper gift as thanks.”

His gaze flicked sideways at his aide. Zion stiffened instantly, heat rushing to his ears.

Zion realized, with a sudden jolt, that he’d been so absorbed in chatting with Anneliese that he had nearly sidelined Jonathan entirely. Heat crept up his neck as he scrambled to fix the slip.

“Ha, yes–a grand gift, of course. The trouble is, I don’t know Ms. Claude’s preferences. Perhaps she could tell you directly, Mr. Fullbuster, and then I can follow your instructions?”

Anneliese had just been lifting her phone to scan the code when the subject shifted without warning. She paused, lips parting in surprise, then offered Jonathan a light smile and shook her head.

“There’s no need. I only happened to be in the right place. It wasn’t anything extraordinary, and besides, I’ve already caused you some inconvenience. Let’s call it even.”

Jonathan angled slightly toward her, his deep voice steady, pressing. “Each matter stands on its own. Tell me what do you like?”

–

Standing beneath his towering frame, nearly six–foot–three, with that composed certainty rolling off his words, Anneliese felt the weight of it.

She hesitated, brow furrowed, then admitted softly, “I can’t think of anything just now.”

Jonathan’s mouth curved into the faintest smile. “That’s fine. Let me know when you do.”

“Alright.”

The word slipped out before Anneliese realized something.

Wait, didn’t I just refuse?

Jonathan didn’t give her time to dwell on it. His voice was calm, almost casual.

“My WhatsApp is the same as my number.”

She blinked. She already had his number saved. Without thinking too much, she nodded again. “I’ll add you later.”

The elevator chimed, doors sliding open to the first floor.

Jonathan strode out, coat sweeping behind him.

Anneliese followed, only for him to stop abruptly just two steps outside.

She nearly collided with his back, stumbling to a halt.

If you don’t like being called that, just say it plainly! Why the cryptic, intimidating way of putting things? And honestly, some people just have a presence. Can you blame me?

The way he said her name respectfully made Anneliese’s skin prickle.

But wait… Jonathan actually knows my professor?

She was surprised, though on second thought, perhaps it wasn’t strange at all. As the CEO of AeroAir, it made sense that he would have connections everywhere.

Out of curiosity, she pulled up his WhatsApp profile. His display name was simply Jonathan Fullbuster, neat and direct.

But the profile picture–a large dog that looked uncannily like Meatloaf–caught her off guard.

So, he likes dogs?Hmm… Appearances can be misleading…

Anneliese smiled faintly, shaking her head.

She sent over a text. Unsurprisingly, with his schedule, there was no response.

She didn’t mind and closed the app, about to tuck her phone away–when it suddenly buzzed again. Melody’s name lit up the screen.

Five minutes later, inside the hospital ward, Melody still seemed half in disbelief.

“Are you really going to go through with a divorce?”

Anneliese nodded, calm but firm.

“Whether I’m serious or not, why don’t you bring your paperwork and come with me to City Hall? We’ll find out together.”