When His Perfect Mask Shattered I Awoke (Anneliese) novel Chapter 517

**Chapter 517: Unexpected Guests**

Wendy exhaled a deep, weary sigh, her brow furrowing in concern as she turned to her daughter. “Gianna, you need to understand something crucial. If you decide not to come home for New Year’s, it will break your grandparents’ hearts. They look forward to this time with you, and I know you wouldn’t want to see that disappointment in their eyes.”

The shadows of their tumultuous past loomed ominously, particularly the disapproving glare of Adrian’s mother, which seemed to haunt Wendy. The divorce had left a bitter aftertaste, and Adrian’s choice to remain single while neglecting his responsibilities as a father only fanned the flames of resentment. It was a suffocating tension that hung in the air, thick and unyielding. Wendy couldn’t shake the gnawing fear that if Gianna chose to stay away, Adrian would inevitably find a way to show up, further complicating an already strained family dynamic.

She was desperate to avoid any unnecessary drama that might arise.

In Gianna’s presence, Wendy felt an overwhelming sense of obligation rather than joy. The only reason Gianna seemed inclined to spend the holiday at home was Adrian’s influence. Had it not been for him, Gianna likely would have opted to stay away, avoiding the heavy atmosphere that clung to their home like a persistent fog.

The spirit of New Year’s that usually filled their suburban house felt starkly absent, replaced instead by an icy void that made Wendy yearn for the solace of solitude she had grown accustomed to during these chaotic times.

Gianna, meanwhile, was grappling with her own emotions. A sense of obligation twisted in her chest, fueled by the nagging thought that her mother wasn’t fully present for her. When she had suggested they spend the holiday together, Wendy’s response had been anything but welcoming. Instead of embracing the idea, Wendy seemed to push her away, leaving Gianna feeling undervalued and invisible.

The chill in the air mirrored the frostiness of their exchanges, and Gianna found herself battling a rising tide of frustration. Every attempt she made to connect with her mother was met with indifference, and that was a heavy burden for a young heart to bear.

In a moment of defiance, Gianna leaned against Wendy’s shoulder, playfully rubbing it as she adopted a spoiled tone. “I don’t care! I’m spending New Year’s with you, Mom. But right now, I’m going to my room!”

With that proclamation, she released her grip and dashed up the stairs, her footsteps echoing through the otherwise quiet house like distant thunder.

Wendy was left in a whirlwind of emotions, feeling the weight of her daughter’s words. Before she could gather her thoughts, her friend Pepper approached, her expression filled with concern.

“Wendy,” she began cautiously, “you know Gianna only came here because Adrian asked her to. After all these years, there have been countless beautiful women vying for his attention. Just the other day in Oceaton, I spotted the young heiress of Andora Logistics practically clinging to him. Yet, through it all, he still wants to remarry you. Men like that are rare. What happened back then wasn’t entirely his fault. So, why do you—”

Wendy’s smile faltered, a flicker of guilt and pain flashing in her eyes.

She quickly masked her emotions, cutting Pepper off with a calm, almost rehearsed tone. “Have you eaten dinner yet?”

Pepper sighed, her shoulders slumping slightly under the weight of unspoken words. “Wendy, if you can’t move past this, you need to talk to Adrian. Be clear with him. He needs to let go, or Gianna will find herself caught in the middle, unsure of what to do…”

Wendy frowned, her mind racing as she considered the implications. Just then, a sharp voice from upstairs sliced through her contemplation.

Gianna was clearly in the throes of a heated argument with someone.

Without a moment’s hesitation, Wendy turned and hurried up the stairs, with Pepper trailing closely behind her, both women propelled by an urgent sense of dread.

They arrived at the first bedroom on the left, where they found Gianna gripping Anneliese’s arm tightly, her agitation palpable and fierce.

Anneliese had merely wanted to use the bathroom, but as she tried to rise slowly, Gianna stormed in like a whirlwind, her expression fierce and unyielding.

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