Chapter 39
“Miss, let’s keep this reasonable. We’re just doing our job,” the giard said, pulling out a photo. “Sir, your car is parked illegally in the villa area. Since you’re not on our list of approved visitors, we’ve already contacted the police to tow it.
“We suggest you leave the property now to sort out your car and pay the fine. Otherwise, we’ll have to call the police if you keep disturbing the residents.”
The photo showed Zachary’s car, parked right at the entrance of the villa. The guards did catch him. And since Gwyneth was determined not to see him, Zachary clutched his aching hand and pressed his lips together. Tim leaving now,“
Thanks for cooperating. The guards stayed until they had escorted the two of them completely off Gwyneth’s property.
Zachary and Bella climbed back into the car
Bella glanced at Zachary’s injured hand, her eyes softening with concern. She leaned in. “Zachary, maybe we should just head back to Galvocity. Staying here is just going to make Gwyneth even more upset.”
I’ve got some business here in Joracity that’s not finished yet,” Zachary replied, not even looking at her. “If you don’t want to stick around, I can have someone take you back.
Bella’s expression turned stubborn. “I can’t leave you alone in a strange city. Let me stay with you.”
“Suit yourself” Zachary muttered, not wanting to waste energy on an argument
He pulled out his phone and called his assistant. “Get me two places to stay in Joracity. One should be close to Gwyneth’s place. The other,
whatever.”
Bella’s face immediately fell “Zachary, what if I get sick living by myself? I don’t know anyone here. She forced her eyes to look teary, playing the belpless card.
Zachary glanced at her during a red light, his heart softening despite himself. He couldn’t bear to see that happen. “Alright. You can stay with me for
Dow.
“Zacharyyy, you’re the best Bella’s voice was all sweetness, but for a second, a cold glint flickered in her eyes. She was determined to stay close to
him, no matter what.
back home, Gwyneth just wanted to catch her breath and rest for a moment
But Quentin’s call shartered the silence. “Where are you? You burned down the memorial hall and then just disappeared? The elders are furious. Get back here and apologize, now!”
“I didn’t burn down the memorial hall,” Gwyneth snapped, pressing her fingers to her forkhead. “Can’t you people hear me?”
Quentin’s voice role, dripping with anger. “I just had my men check. The fire started from inside. You were the only one there. If you didn’t start it then it must be your mother’s spirit causing trouble. Why else would it happen?
Get back here now, or I’ll exclude your mother’s portrait from the memorial hall and strike her name from the family records”
The line went dead. Gwyned’s eyes, already weary, blazed with defiance. Are they really trying to erase Mom’s contribution! Not on my watch; she thought and got up. Then she hailed a taxi and headed straight for the Jenkins residence.
The Jenkins family had gathered, and as she entered, every eye turned on her, filled with suspicion and anger. The room buzzed with whispers.
“Cursed thing,” someone muttered. “The memorial hall’s never been burned like this in its long story!”
“Disgrace to the family, another grumbled. “We should’ve never let those two in. They’ve brought nothing but trouble.”
Gwyneth walked straight–backed through the murmurs, her eyes set on Quentin.
He’stood with his hands behind his back, his gaze sharp and cold. “Did you do it?” he demanded. “If it wasn’t you, then it’s a sign. Heaven’s punishing us for your mother’s photo.”
“Someone else set that fire,” Gwyneth said, her voice steady. She glanced at Diana, lurking in the shadows.
Diana just smiled, a cold, challenging look in her eyes.
Then one of the elders, a family friend of Diana’s, stepped forward. “Who else could it be? You were alone in the hall. If it wasn’t you, it’s a sign We’ve had it checked–your mother’s photo is cursed. Keeping it here will bring disaster.”
He pointed at Gwyneth. “You and your mother ruined our family memorial hall”
Quentin nodded. The family has decided. Since you’re the one who caused this, you’ll pay for the repairs, 6 million”
6 million was a lot of money. Gwyneth could afford it, but she wasn’t about to be the fall guy. Diana had set the fire–why should she pay!
Gwyneth’s eyes were like daggers as she stared down Diana. “Why should I pay for a fire I didn’t start?” she scoffed. “Funny how the amount they came up with $6 million–matches my wedding gift to the penny. Convenient, isn’t it?”
People glanced around nervously. Gwyneth’s mom Peyton had died when she was just a kid, and Diana, her stepmother, had arranged her marriage to Harrison. Of course Diana knew every detail about the gift.
When the family decided on $6 million for the repairs, it was Diana who’d been pushing the idea behind the scenes.
The Jenkins family wasn’t stupid. Someone muttered under their breath, “What a coincidence–the wedding gift is exactly $6 million. This can’t be some fate stuff, right?”
Why are you all looking at me!” Diana’s voice wavered as she moved from the shadows to the center of the room.
She clung to Quentin’s arm, her eyes wide with feigned innocence. The $6 million is for fixing the memorial hall–what does that have to do with her wedding gift
up with $6 million now! Maybe… I
But Quentin, Cwyneth is still young. She’s already lost the company a fortune. How could she possibly come up could cover $3 million from my side to help her out,”
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she sobbed. “After all, I’m her stepmother. It’s my duty”
Quentin wrapped his arm around Diana, his voice dripping with sympathy. “You’re so selfless, my dear. Unlike this ungrateful girl–throwing our family’s fortune away and then expecting her stepmother to bail her out. What a disappointment.”
Someone nearby chimed in “Well, even Diana is willing to chip in Why’s the one involved still being so stingy?”
Gwyneth just laughed, “Since my dear stepmother is so generous, why not cover my share tool
“What do you mean–Diana’s face registered shock
Gwyneth continued calmly, “My mom was Harrison’s mother–in–law. You’re offering to cover half as my stepmother. Why not cover the remaining $3 million as a favor to the Lopez family? When Harrison gets here, he’ll owe you one. Sounds fair!”
1/22
