Wendy knew exactly how to push Zoey over the edge, and the more she feigned innocence, the more Zoey seethed with rage,
tears streaming down her face uncontrollably.
Advancing with fury, Zoey raised her hand to slap Wendy, looking every bit the madwoman everyone perceived her to be, not even
Cornelia could hold her back.
There's a certain madness in a person when they lose all reason.
"Smack!"
The crisp sound of a slap anchored Zoey in place, her hand clutching her face as she turned to see who had struck her. It was Fitch,
his expression cold but his voice eerily calm.
"Have you caused enough of a scene? This is the Haskins residence."
All at once, Zoey's anger seemed to drain away, leaving her numb. She didn't even know how to react, feeling scool liquid
continuously dripping into the palm of her hand.
Fitch felt a sting in his gaze. Since childhood, he'd shouldered the responsibilities of the Haskins family, quickly rising to become
the heir, never once disappointing anyone.
No matter the crisis, Fitch always handled it best.
But now, Zoey's shattered, disbelieving, and hollow eyes pierced him. It was as if a black hole had opened within them, sucking
away all her emotions.
In an instant, she was numb, tears streaming down her face, unsure of what else to do.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtTaking a deep breath, Fitch looked away, avoiding her gaze and pointed towards the door.
"Get out."
Neither the Haskins nor the Bennitts would believe that someone as educated as Wendy would stoop to stealing a mutt, it was
utterly absurd.
Cornelia was so incensed by Zoey's treatment that she was about to retaliate, but Zoey grabbed her hand.
"Zoey?"
She called out softly.
Zoey's voice trembled, "Cornelia, let's go. | want to leave."
Cornelia felt a pang of distress so profound she could hardly bear it. She even glanced at Wendy, seeing the smug look and
provocative stance.
It wasn't just Zoey who was livid; even Cornelia, an outsider, was shaking with anger.
Wendy had indeed cto snatch Zoey's dog and had spewed provocative remarks, but besides herself, no one there believed
Zoey.
What's worse, Fitch had unhesitatingly sided with Wendy and even slapped Zoey.
It seemed like Zoey had never been truly loved in her life.
Her family, her ex, the man she loved now—everyone had abandoned her.
When she said she wanted to leave, it meant she was done fighting.
She was tired, so very tired. Why did life have to be so exhausting?
Always so weak, unable to protect anything she cared about.
"Alright, I'll take you away," Cornelia whispered hoarsely, her voice breaking with the overwhelming emotion that comes with
profound sorrow.
Zoey bowed her head, leaned on her cane, and turned to leave, but then the Bennitts chimed in.
"Hold on there, you think you can just walk away? You think this is skind of revolving door—cand go as you please? The
doctor will be examining Wendy shortly, and if there's any damage to her face, we'll see to it that you end up behind bars."
Mia had been biting her tongue all evening. If it hadn't been for the elders present, she would've slapped Zoey herself, not that she
hadn't done it before.
But seeing Fitch deliver the slap brought her an unprecedented sense of satisfaction.
Nothing could be more torturous for Zoey.
She eagerly piped up, "Exactly! Do you have any idea how much Wendy's face is worth? You're just jealous because she's about to
marry my brother, right? Lettell you, my brother never cared for you. He toldhimself—you're not even worth a fingernail
on Wendy's hand. You're disposable trash."
Fitch glanced at Mia when he heard this.
Mia just arched an eyebrow and pursed her lips, saying no more.
Zoey was speechless, not even looking at Fitch but instead gripping Cornelia's arm and hobbling towards the door with her cane.
The Bennitts attempted to follow, but Omar intervened.
"If there's an issue, call the cops. We'll hand over the evidence to the authorities when the tcomes. The security at that
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmcomplex is top-notch, thanks to Maja's efforts. If you decide to take this to court, just let us know."
Omar's words served as a reminder to Wendy that everything had been caught on camera. If that footage got out, the Haskins
would see her true colors.
Being a smart cookie, Wendy understood the stakes.
The evening's would end here, and that was best for her.
Arter all, both the Bennitts and the Haskins had now seen Zoey's meltdown. Any future attempt to enter the Haskins' good graces
would be nigh impossible.
With a forced smile and a pitiful tone, she conceded, "Let it go. | don't want to make a big deal out of this."
Since Wendy had let it slide, the Bennitts had little else to say.
Zoey, escorted out of the Haskins' mansion, still felt a chilling coldness.
"Zoey?"
Cornelia called out, but suddenly felt a weight on her hand—Zoey had fainted.
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