191
But the moment the call connected, she was met with Cesar’s icy voice. “Zora, come to Montclair Villa. Now.“E
Zora’s heart skipped a beat. He hadn’t said anything else, but she could sense something was wrong.”
Cesar wouldn’t have chosen Montclair Villa without a reason, that place marked the beginning of their relationship.
Without sparing another glance at Abigail, she turned to leave the kindergarten.
But before she could take a step, Abigail clung tightly to her leg, sobbing. “Mom, don’t go! Tell them I’m not a mistress’s child. I’m yours and Dad’s real daughter!”
Her voice cracked with desperation. For the first time in her life, Abigail saw her mother as someone less than Naya.
Naya wouldn’t let other kids bully her. She wouldn’t call her troublesome just because she asked for a nice meal. Naya always made her feel special; dressing her in pretty clothes, styling her hair, showing her off proudly.
But Zora had no time for any of that.
She shook off Abigail’s grip, called the nanny over, muttered a few rushed instructions, and made for the door.
Abigail’s voice rose behind her, sharp with heartbreak. “You’re not my real mom. I want Naya to be my mom!” Zora shot her a cold glance. “Ungrateful brat,” she muttered before speeding off to Montclair Villa.
When she arrived, a chill ran down her spine. The villa was eerily quiet. Empty wine bottles and cigarette butts were scattered on the floor.
Cesar’s eyes were bloodshot, his expression dark and unreadable.
Startled, Zora rushed over and threw her arms around Cesar. “Cesar, what’s wrong? Why do you look like this? Don’t scare me with that face!”
“Scare you?” Cesar let out a low laugh, as if he’d just heard the most absurd joke.
He reached out and clamped his hand around her neck. “Zora, a woman as cruel as you can still feel fear? Tell me, what happened with Abigail’s allergy? And those videos? Why did you send them to Naya?”
Zora’s face flushed red as she struggled, clawing at his wrist. “Cesar… let go… it’s not what you think…
Tears slid down her cheeks, falling onto his hand. Cesar gave her a disgusted look before finally letting go. He stepped back, his gaze icy. “Start talking.”
Still coughing, Zora dropped to her knees and grabbed hold of his leg. “You heard something, didn’t you? That bitch Naya… she’s back, isn’t she?!”
She tried to look confused and afraid, but inside, she was burning with hatred. She had no idea what had set Cesar off, but she was certain it had something to do with Naya.
Cesar, seeing her still playing the innocent, sneered and tossed a tablet at her. “See it.”
Zora’s hands trembled as she scrolled through the screen, watching the videos and listening to the recordings.
“Cesar, please, I can explain! I’m Abigail’s mother, how could I let her eat peanuts? That video is fake, it’s been edited!!!
“And those recordings, they’re not real either! And the screenshots… I only said those things because I love you! I couldn’t bear to live in the shadows anymore. I just wanted to be with you.”
Zora screamed at the top of her lungs, her tear–streaked face twisted in desperation. She looked at Cesar with a pitiful gaze, hoping to stir his sympathy.”
But Cesar’s expression remained ice–cold. He grabbed her chin and forced her to look at him.
“I know
Abigail?”
you resent Naya. I know you hate me,” he said, his voice low and trembling with fury. “But why did you take it out on
He glared at her, his bloodshot eyes burning. “She’s only three, Zora. And you gave her peanuts. So many of them. Were you trying to kill her? Were you hoping she’d die from an allergic reaction?”
He paused, trembling with anger. “Even a tiger doesn’t harm its own cubs. But you… you poisoned a child just to frame Naya. And worse, you hired someone to kill her.”
He took a step closer. “You knew she only married me to cover up our affair. You knew she was innocent. So why? Why try to kill her?”
Zora stared at the man before her, suddenly finding him unfamiliar. His face distorted with grief and rage. For a moment, she was stunned.
Then, looking into those burning eyes, Zora burst out laughing, loud, unhinged, and wild.
“Cesar,” she shouted, pointing a shaking finger at him, “you’re feeling sorry for her now, aren’t you? You’ve fallen for Naya. haven’t you?”
She laughed again, louder this time, her voice on the edge of madness. “You think she’ll come back from the dead like I did?
12:29 PM
You want her to accept your apology, to play house with you and live happily ever after?”
Zora’s laughter cracked through the room. She jabbed her finger at him, her tone shrill. “Let me tell you something, it’s impossible! Naya’s dead. Forever.”
She leaned in, spitting her words. “And even if she were alive, she’d never forgive you. So give up.
And with that, she laughed again, louder, crueler, spitting curses at Naya between her gasping breaths. Cesar’s restraint snapped.
