Chapter 10
“What’s wrong?” Zina tried to stay calm, her fists clenched tight beneath her sleeves.
After a long silence, Yvonne finally spoke. “Is that really the kind of family you grew up in?”
Before Zina could react, Yvonne rushed forward and hugged her tightly, her voice trembling. “I knew things were hard for you, but I didn’t think they were that cruel to you… You must’ve suffered.”
“I–I’m fine.” Zina replied. It was all she could manage. But Yvonne shook her head and spoke with sudden sharpness.
“Don’t worry. I don’t believe a word they said,” she explained. “And you don’t need to explain anything. We can take care of you for life.”
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Zina had never been so firmly believed in before. Her heart wavered. She nodded. “Don’t worry. Their words don’t hurt me.”
What she didn’t say was that she’d long prepared her counterattack–she’d leave the Sinclair family no room to escape.
Yvonne didn’t know what Zina was thinking. Instead, her tone turned resolute. “Come downstairs. Everyone’s there. It’s time to talk about next steps.”
Downstairs, the Lambert family was gathered. Lydia was the first to approach Zina, eyes wide with fake concern.
“Zina, is it true? You were in prison?” she exclaimed. “Why didn’t you tell us? Did they treat you badly?”
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Her voice was a constant, grating buzz. Zina rolled her eyes. “I’m standing here fine, aren’t I?” She replied coldly.
Lydia flinched, glancing toward Richard and Yvonne–who didn’t react at all, let alone show disgust or anger.
“My poor girl,” Richard said, his voice full of guilt. “It’s my fault. I should’ve found you sooner. I let those people slander you.”
“Who says it’s slander?” Adrian, silent until now, suddenly cut in. His sharp words were aimed straight at Zina. “What if it was all true?”
“Don’t talk nonsense!” Richard snapped. He shot his son a warning glare and turned back to Zina. “Adrian didn’t mean it, Zina…
He trailed off, unable to finish the lie. Zina stepped in. “It’s just words. He has never been through anything like that, so I don’t blame him for being short–sighted.”
Adrian flushed. She was clearly calling him blind, and yet their parents said nothing to defend him. ‘No wonder Lydia said. Zina was manipulative, he thought.
“About the trending topic,” Zina then continued. “I’d like to handle it myself. I hope you’ll all stay out of it.”
“Are you sure?” Yvonne asked, concerned.
Adrian scoffed. “Yeah, right. And when you fail, you’ll come running back for help.”
“Adrian! What’s wrong with you?” Even Yvonne’s usual calm cracked. But Zina chimed in, unbothered.
“Mr. Lambert just hasn’t seen what I’m capable of yet,” she said. “And now’s a good time to prove myself.”
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Chapter 10
Even Adrian looked up, startled. Her confidence was cool and easy, drawing people in. Lydia, not to be outdone, put on a kind face.
“Zina, don’t push yourself.” She said, playing innocent. “If you need help, say so. While Adrian’s still around, he could lend a hand.”
Adrian’s expression changed–so that was Zina’s plan, to ask their parents after he left. But Zina smiled faintly and doged Lydia’s hand.
“I said I’d handle it. I won’t trouble anyone.” She said firmly. “And I won’t let this affect the Lambert family.”
Richard was visibly moved. He stepped forward and clapped her shoulder.
“I knew it. A daughter of mine wouldn’t be weak.”
The words were a blow to Lydia, who stood frozen, teeth clenched. She could only hope the situation spiraled out of control -so badly the Lambert family couldn’t fix it–so she could see Zina fall.
For now, though, she forced a smile. “I didn’t mean it like that. Of course I believe in you. You’ll definitely impress us all.”
Zina didn’t respond, just nodded and added, “I still need to retrieve some things from the Sinclair family. After that, everything will fall into place.”
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