The Flower That Grew from Ashes novel Chapter 86

By the time Annelise returned to the Lehman Estate, the cold thrill on her face had long vanished, replaced once again by her usual docile and calm demeanor.

Playing the part of the dutiful daughter-in-law, she accompanied Lizzie and Clarissa as they discussed wedding invitation designs, acting as if her moment of realization outside the boutique had never happened. The wedding preparations hummed along like a well-oiled machine within the estate.

There were only ten days left until the absurd "wedding."

That evening, Annelise was in the corner of the garden, pruning her white daisies.

Felix, the butler, appeared silently behind her, his voice as devoid of emotion as he was.

"Madam, the master has requested your presence in the glass tea room."

Annelise put down her pruning shears, wiped her hands, and nodded.

"Understood, Felix."

The Lehman family's tea room was set in a detached glass sunroom on the east side of the main building.

Barnum Lehman, dressed in a dark gray traditional tunic, sat behind the rosewood tea table, leisurely preparing tea.

Annelise walked in and sat quietly on the cushion opposite him. "You asked to see me?"

Barnum didn't speak immediately. He used bamboo tongs to pick up a tiny teacup, rinsed it in boiling water, and then poured the first wash of tea over the tea pet. The protective prosperity figurine carved from purple clay instantly gleamed, nourished by the tea.

Only after completing the complex and meticulous ritual did he lift his eyes—eyes that looked gentle but were actually sharp and calculating—and let them fall on Annelise.

This time, he didn't beat around the bush. He pulled a prepared document from the file folder beside him and pushed it across the table toward her.

"Take a look at this."

Annelise lowered her eyes. The title of the document wasn't the share transfer agreement she had anticipated. Instead, a few bold words made her heart jolt.

The Supplemental Premarital Property Agreement.

She didn't reach for it immediately. She just looked up and quietly watched Barnum.

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