15%
Cesar left the study, intending to return to the hospital, but before he even reached the door, he ran into Zora.
She
stood before him, radiant in a bright red dress, her beauty impossible to ignore.
Maybe it was the joy of a festive occasion, but her expression was full of delight, “Cesar, what’s wrong? Did something happen?”
Zora had already heard about Naya’s car accident, and her spirits were soaring.
She hadn’t expected Naya to fall so easily. She thought their battle would drag on much longer. But to her surprise, a simple allergy and one video had been enough to drive Naya out of the Harmon family.
And now, as if fate had intervened, Naya had gotten into a car accident, her condition unknown. It was, in Zora’s mind, a major obstacle neatly removed.
But as Cesar looked into her eyes and saw the unmistakable joy in them, his heart grew increasingly uneasy.
He had once been drawn to Zora because of her kindness and innocence.
But now, with news of Naya’s possible death, she showed no hint of sorrow, only thinly veiled satisfaction.
A flicker of something cold flashed through Cesar’s eyes. “The party’s canceled.”
“What?” Zora’s smile vanished. Her expression darkened with disbelief.!!
“I’ve been too busy lately. We’ll talk about announcing our relationship another time. Cesar pulled his arm away from her, his face weary and distant.
But Zora wasn’t ready to give up that easily.
She didn’t want to mess things up at the last minute, so she quickly grabbed his hand and said playfully, “Come on, Cesar. Everyone already knows we’re revealing our relationship at the party. If we cancel now, I’ll be the laughingstock. Just give in to me this once, okay?”
But Cesar didn’t budge. Instead, he stared at her, his expression unreadable, and dropped a chilling piece of news. “Zora, do you know what caused Abigail’s allergic reaction?”
Last night, when he couldn’t sleep, he kept thinking about the incident. He remembered how Naya had pulled out the anti–allergy medication the moment she noticed Abigail’s reaction.
If she had meant to harm the child, she would not be prepared with medicine.
So, he had Jules review the surveillance footage overnight. He needed to know what really happened.
Zora’s eyes darted as she avoided his gaze. “How would I know?” she said, then added quickly, “It must’ve been Naya. Abigail isn’t even her biological daughter!“&
Cesar didn’t say anything right away. He just kept staring at her. For the first time, he really looked at Zora and realized that although she appeared the same, it felt like he was seeing a stranger.
Oblivious to Cesar’s shifting attitude, Zora went on complaining about Naya, her words growing more venomous.
“I hope she dies,” she spat.”
The moment she said it, it hit Cesar like a knife to the heart.”
He cut her off coldly. “That’s enough. Naya isn’t the kind of woman you think she is, and don’t say such cruel things again.” Zora froze, eyes wide in disbelief. “Cesar… are you being mean to me? All because of another woman?*8
As she spoke, tears fell from her eyes like a broken string of pearls.!!
Seeing her cry only deepened the unease churning in Cesar’s chest. He stared at her, troubled.
In the past, he used to find comfort in Zora’s tears. Back then, he believed they were proof of how deeply she loved him. But now, they just made him feel… irritated.
Loosening his tie, he stepped forward and gently wiped her tears. “Don’t cry. Naya’s been caring for Abigail for a long time. I’m just worried you won’t adjust easily.“B
Hearing his softer tone, Zora’s panic quickly melted away.!!
She nestled into his arms and promised earnestly, “Cesar, don’t worry. I’m Abigail’s real mother. I’ll take good care of her.“X
