Chapter 38 Cutting Ties
The next morning, as Russell and Zoey were preparing to leave after breakfast, they were blocked by the sudden arrival of Jordan and Dahlia.
Despite Russell’s dissatisfaction with how they had treated Zoey, he extended the courtesy of inviting them inside.
The servants served tea and then quietly stepped away.
Jordan picked up his teacup, gently blowing on it, only to set it back down under Dahlia’s stern gaze. Clearing his throat, Jordan spoke, “We’ve come today to take Zoey back with us.”
Russell’s tone was cold. “Zoey is my wife. She belongs here at Serene Manor.”
Jordan continued, “The issue is that outsiders are unaware of Zoey’s status. If this gets exposed, her reputation will come under scrutiny.”
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Russell narrowed his eyes. “Weren’t you the ones who publicly accused Zoey of plagiarizing Ariana without any investigation? And now you’re suddenly worried about her reputation?”
Jordan faltered. “At the time, we thought… well, Zoey had only been at the company for a month. How could she possibly design something identical to Ariana’s work? Besides, we’ve never known Zoey to have any talent in design. Surely, her entry into Galaxy Studio was your doing?”
Russell let out a derisive chuckle. “Parents admitting they don’t
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know their daughter at all? That’s laughable. Zoey earned her place at Galaxy Studio through her own outstanding ability. It had nothing to do with me.”
Jordan was left speechless and turned to Dahlia for help. Dahlia cleared her throat. “Let’s not dwell on the past. What’s important now is that we bring Zoey back. After all, your marriage hasn’t been publicly announced, and people talk. This could ruin Zoey’s reputation.”
Russell’s lips curved into a cold smile. His eyes gleamed with icy disdain as he stared at the pair. “Taking Zoey away? That’s not happening.”
Dahlia pursed her lips, sensing Russell’s growing irritation. Taking a deep breath, she tried another approach. “Alright, since you’re already married, when do you plan to hold the wedding? As her parents, we need to ensure her reputation remains intact.”
Russell responded evenly, “Due to personal reasons, I can’t give Zoey a wedding right now, but I’ll make it up to her in the future.”
Dahlia’s eyes flickered as an idea formed. “If that’s the case, shouldn’t we at least discuss the bride price?”
Russell’s gaze sharpened. So, this was what they were really after.
“How much do you want?” he asked flatly.
Dahlia’s eyes lit up. “Raising a daughter and nurturing her to be so exceptional wasn’t easy for us. Some shares of Maddox Group should naturally go to the Harmon family, don’t you
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think?”
Zoey let out a soft laugh. “Raising me? Nurturing me to be exceptional?”
Dahlia frowned, clearly displeased by Zoey’s sarcasm. “Are you saying that’s not true?”
Zoey exhaled lightly. “I was cared for by Grandpa when I was sick as a child, not you. You took care of Ariana. It was always Grandpa who attended my parent–teacher meetings because you didn’t even know which class I was in, despite me being the top student in my grade every year. When I left for Corbourne at 14, you never called me, texted me, or gave me any living or tuition expenses. If it weren’t for Grandpa, I would’ve spent every New Year alone. Is that what you call raising me? You don‘ t even know what major I studied in college. How can you claim to have nurtured me?”
Dahlia’s lips trembled with anger. “Zoey, how can you be so ungrateful? I’m your mother! You were raised on my milk-
Zoey interrupted sharply. “When I was six, I overheard you telling someone that I was raised on formula while Ariana drank your milk. I’ve never understood why twins would be treated so differently. Am I even your biological daughter?”
Dahlia’s hand trembled as she clutched her teacup. “Of course, you are!”
“Then why, when Ariana put thumbtacks in my shoes, did you accuse me of lying, saying I staged it for attention? Why, when Ariana twisted her ankle, claiming I pushed her down the stairs, did you beat me with a belt without question?”
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“Why are you bringing up the past? Didn’t you and Ariana get along well later on?”
Zoey laughed bitterly. “Get along? Sure, I trusted her so much I never questioned her and Nelson’s relationship. I forgave her for stealing my designs to sign with an entertainment company as a voice double. I even worked at Born Beauty, drafting designs for her.”
“What are you saying? Designs?” Dahlia’s expression was incredulous. “What nonsense are you spouting?”
“I’m spouting nonsense?” Zoey smirked. “The truth will come out at the product launch. Ariana’s past deeds–I forgave them because I was deceived into thinking she truly cared for me. I craved familial affection so much that I ignored the truth. But it was all fake, wasn’t it? She just used me for her own gain.”
Having laid it all out, Zoey felt a weight lift. Her words made it clear: they were now enemies.
Turning to Russell, she said, “I’ll head upstairs for a moment.”
Russell nodded, watching her retreating figure with a heart full of pain. His girl had endured so much. Parents who treated her like an afterthought and a sister who exploited her.
Russell’s gaze turned icy as he looked at Jordan and Dahlia, who now appeared visibly uncomfortable.
Jordan laughed awkwardly. “There must be some misunderstandings. Zoey has always been headstrong, so she probably sees things too negatively.”
Dahlia chimed in nervously, “Yes, Zoey can be impulsive. You
Chapter 38 Cutting Ties
must forgive her for that.”
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Russell’s voice was cold as steel. “As parents, you’ve utterly failed. It’s obvious from how you keep saying ‘Zoey‘ and ‘Ariana‘ that Zoey is a distant thought to you. You’ve pushed her out of your inner circle and dare to call her impulsive? After today, don‘ t ever come to Serene Manor again, or I won’t hesitate to throw you out.”
At that moment, Zoey descended the stairs holding a
document. Sitting beside Russell, she placed the document on the table and pushed it toward them.
“Sign it.”
Dahlia picked up the document and her eyes widened. “You want to cut ties with the Harmon family?”
Zoey confirmed solemnly, “Yes, you read it correctly. I want to sever all ties with the Harmon family–and with you.”
Jordan frowned. “Zoey, what nonsense is this?”
“This isn’t nonsense. I’ve thought it through. Once you sign, you can leave.”
Dahlia wanted to lash out but held back, knowing they hadn’t secured the bride price yet.
“Zoey…” she began.
“Don’t call me like that,” Zoey interrupted. “It’s too intimate and gives me goosebumps.”
Dahlia forced a smile. “Don’t be like this. We’re family. Your father and I can change our ways if we’ve treated you poorly.”
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Zoey raised an eyebrow. “Is this warmth because you haven’t gotten the bride price yet? Fine. Sign the papers after you get the money.”
Dahlia sniffled. “We’re family-”
Zoey cut her off. “Still want the bride price?”
Dahlia realized Zoey was determined. Dropping the act, she sneered, “How much are we talking?”
