Winston held Bill Harper, the father of Landon and Zoe, in high regard, and the two were best friends.
Winston even grieved for a while after Bill lost his life in a plane crash.
If Bill were around, the Harpers would have reached greater heights, and there wouldnât be a place for the Schmidts. Besides, Landon wouldnât have been placed in a difficult spot in the Harper Group.
âLetâs move on. We should be enjoying the annual horse racing event. Our family wouldnât want to dampen the mood or divert the attention from the event.â Winston stood with his hands on his back, looking gracious. âMr. Cornelius, just have Zoe apologize to Lyse, and weâre good.â
Upon hearing that, Zoeâs mind went blank. It would kill her to apologize to Alyssa.
Cornelius coldly urged her, âZoe, apologize to Alyssa!â
Zoe, gritting her teeth and trembling, mustered all her energy to mutter, âIâm sorry. Itâs all my fault.â
A captivating smile bloomed on Alyssaâs lips. She replied, âIâm cool as long as you know your fault. I just hope you wonât repeat the same mistake. Your reckless behavior might ruin someoneâs reputation.
After all, not everyone has the clout to confront the Harpers.â
Alyssaâs subtle jab left onlookers stunned.
Simultaneously, two hashtags, #ZoeHarperSlapped Herself, and # ZoeHarperApology, quietly trended on Twitter. Netizens reveled in the spectacle.
âHahaha! I almost spit out my drink! Zoe Harper slapped herself?â
âYeah, whatâs that, a new performance art style? Is she starting a new trend?â
âI think she might have some mental issues. The Harpers should get her checked and treated soon.â
Zoe found herself once again subjected to humiliation, dragging down her familyâs reputation.
Cornelius gave her a disappointed stare before leaving. Penelope, hugging Zoe, trailed behind Cornelius dejectedly as Preston supported them.
Penelope teared up in gratitude. âPreston, thanks for helping Zoe.â
âDonât mention it. Weâre all family. Itâs what I should do for her as an uncle,â Preston replied nonchalantly.
Penelope sobbed when she was reminded of her late husband. She lamented, âAfter Billâs death, thereâs no one left to protect me and Zoe. Landon doesnât come home anymore now that heâs held up by that Beckett girl. He no longer cares about me and Zoe. What are we supposed to do?â
âPenny, please donât say so. Landon is a good man. He wonât abandon his family for his spouse,â
Preston reassured, his eyes gleaming. âBesides, he needs your blessing to get married. If you refuse, thereâs no way Lauren Beckett could marry him. You have to assert your authority.â
Hearing that, Penelope clenched her jaw and nodded resolutely.
Ignoring the surprised glances, Winston put an arm around Jamesonâs shoulder with an approving smile..
He began, âJimmy, I owe you thanks. Lyse would have been much to protect her image and the familyâs reputation. How can I repay your favor?â
Staring at the indifferent look on Alyssaâs face, Jameson humbly replied, âUncle Winston, donât mention it. My feelings for Lyse have never wavered, and Iâll always stand by your side. I must intervene when Lyse is mistreated. Even if sheâs at fault, I will staunchly support her. If you insist on repaying my favor, just allow me to meet with Lyse. Thatâll be enough for me.â