Prestonâs expression twisted as he exited Corneliusâ place. His shocked secretary trailed closely behind and questioned, âMr. Preston, I overheard most of your conversation with Mr. Landon in the study. Why would you support Ms. Zoeâs marriage to Mr. Beckett? You clearly knew that-â
âAnd do you really believe Jasper Beckett would marry Zoe?â Smirking, Preston added, âJasper has gotten himself into trouble many times because of Alyssa Taylor. Not long ago, he even risked his life to save her from an attack.
âThose two are obviously involved with each other. Zoe is deluded in this one-sided love. I am certain Jasper Beckett will not agree to marry Zoe, and that is precisely why Iâm endorsing the marriage. I plan to exploit the strain between Landon and Jasper for my benefit.â
âThatâs clever!â the secretary praised. A glint appeared in Prestonâs eyes. âRomance has always been the most effective tool to pit two men against each other.â
Just as he prepared to descend the stairs, an idea struck him. He whispered, âBy the way, whatâs the name of the woman living with Landon? The one Zoe mentioned before?â
âLauren Beckett.â
âKeep a close watch on her. Sheâs our ace card when the time comes.â
âOuch, Landon! It hurts! Let go of me!â Zoe yelped.
Ashen-faced, Landon seized Zoeâs arm and pulled her into an empty room. As the door closed behind him, he tossed her onto the ground.
âOuch!â Zoe winced in pain from the fall. Her arm was bruised from Landonâs grip.
âZoe Harper, tell me the truth about what happened at the hotel!â Landon struggled to contain his anger.
With anyone else, he would have unleashed his fury.
âWhat about it? I donât know what youâre talking about!â she stubbornly insisted despite the pain.
âYou lack the wit for a complex scheme. Donât you dare lie and say thereâs no one helping you!â He closed in and leaned over her, staring right into her eyes.
He demanded, âTell me! Who set this up?â
Zoeâs heart raced, and sweat covered her forehead. There was no way she would confess to Landon.
Gritting her teeth, she replied, âNo one! It was all my plan!â
âHow dare you lie at this point?â
âWhatâs with that expression?â Zoe mocked, further fueling Landonâs anger. âOh, youâre upset? Beat me up, then!â