Zoe was terrorized by Landonâs wrath. She had witnessed him teaching Donna and Gary a lesson. He hadnât even spared Gary, who had been serving him for years. The punishment he had inflicted on Gary seemed almost fatal.
All of this chaos was because of Lauren. Zoe couldnât fathom why Landon would go to such lengths for an idiot. In comparison, she felt that she had been reduced to a joke as his sister.
After leaving the villa, she returned to the Harper Residence with a resentful scowl. Throughout the journey, she couldnât hold back her tears when she reminisced about how Landon had used to spoil her.
Amidst her anger, Zoe made a resolute decision. No matter what, she was determined to come between Landon and Lauren. She would never accept Lauren as her sister-in-law.
âZoe, youâre finally home!â Penelope called out. She teared up after a long separation from her daughter and came out to hug Zoe.
âMy darling. I thought your flight had landed earlier. Why are you only home now? I was so worried.â
âMomâ¦â Zoe teared up at the sight of her mom and the injustice that had befallen her.
âWhatâs wrong, my dear? You look upset. Did someone bully you?â Penelope inquired âWhereâs your brother? Did he pick you up? Why didnât he come home with you?â
Zoe stared at her feet and shook her head pitifully.
Penelope grumbled, âWhatâs gotten into Landon? Heâs always pampered you, but he was ready to send you to Yoarkley over that Beckett girl incident.
âAnd now, when youâve finally come home, he couldnât even be bothered to pick you up from the airport at night! I just donât understand him.â
Then, she caressed Zoeâs chilly cheek with concern. âLandon hasnât been home in the past few days. I know heâs busy, and heâs always done things his way.
âBut in the past, he never disappeared without a trace, no matter how busy he was. Now, he doesnât come home and doesnât seem to care about his sister. I wonder whatâs going on in his mind.â
Zoe blurted out, âI know why heâs not home.â
âWhat? You know?â Penelope exclaimed in surprise.
Zoe clenched her fist, her voice growing somber. âMom, Iâll tell you something, but promise me youâll stay âWhatâs wrong? Please donât give me a heart attack.â
âLandon is dating Sophiaâs youngest daughter now,â Zoe stated through gritted teeth.
âWho? Sophia Kirkman? The youngest daughter of that bitch? Penelope gasped, her jaw dropping.
âYes, heâs dating Bettyâs sister, Sophiaâs daughter!â Zoe confirmed and grabbed Penelopeâs arm.
She complained, âMom, whatâs he thinking? Sophia and Betty caused a scene at our place, slandered me, and even wanted to send me to jail!
âAll of this happened recently, and yet, Landon ended up dating Lauren. How can he do that to me?
Doesnât he care about me anymore?â
Penelope felt uneasy upon hearing the news, even though the Becketts were a prestigious family and Jasper was Landonâs best friend. After all, Landon was a proud and accomplished man.
Nevertheless, she tried to comfort Zoe. âI donât like Sophiaâs daughter either, but you know your brother. Heâs a ladiesâ man, and heâs been involved with more than half the young women in Solana City. However, heâs never brought any of them home. Most of the time, heâs not genuinely interested.
âItâs possible heâs taken an interest in Jasperâs sister because he spends so much time with Jasper. I believe heâll grow bored of her soon, just like he has with others in the past-
âNo, Mom! Itâs different this time!â