The Real Heiress's New Family Adored By All novel Chapter 3

Chapter 3 What Kind of Person Am I, Exactly?

“But Zora just got back…”

Wendy frowned, hesitating.

It was true-since Zora arrived, the house had been full of fighting. Her three sons hardly stayed home

anymore.

But her daughter had only just come back. How could they send her away so soon?

“I think Anton’s right. Zora was raised badly in the countryside. She’s been fighting with Jolie nonstop. If she lives elsewhere, the house will be peaceful, and you won’t be so tired.

“I know you feel sorry for her, Wendy. But Zora’s too far gone to fix quickly. Staying here, neither you nor Jolie can rest. We’ll give her plenty of spending money and visit often. Maybe time apart will help her grow

“We brought her home suddenly; she never lived with Jolie. Of course she’s jealous and petty.

“Separate them, and she might come around. We can bring her back later.”

Wayne Knox studied his wife’s tired face. She’d stayed up with Jolie all night. Thinking of his difficult younger daughter made his head ache.

How had the babies been switched? If Zora had grown up with them, she never would’ve been such a worry.

“But…”

…” Wendy began again.

“Mom, it’s okay. She’s just young. She didn’t mean it. You should be with her now, not me. I’ve had you for years-of course she’s upset you still care about me.

“It’s fine. She’s just immature. Her pranks are nothing. Don’t worry about me.

“When Zora gets here, I’ll apologize to her. I shouldn’t have taken her place. I’m sorry.”

Jolie spoke softly, sweet and understanding.

“Don’t say that. You were a baby-you didn’t know. Zora’s the one with the attitude. School starts soon, and Cloudview Estate is empty. She sleeps in anyway; it’s closer to school.”

Yale Knox frowned.

They were both infants at the time. No one could have known about the mix-up.

If anyone was to blame, it was the incompetent hospital staff.

“Jolie, don’t talk like that. You were an infant. This isn’t your fault. We failed Zora, and she hurt you. Don’t worry-when she comes, I’ll make her apologize.

“And… I’ll talk to her. She can stay away for a while.”

Wendy’s heart ached at Jolie’s kindness. Jolie was the daughter she’d raised. To hear her talk this way broke

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Chapter 3 What Kind of Person Am I, Exactly?

her.

And Zora had hurt her. Zora owed Jolie an apology.

“Don’t bother. I agree to move out.”

A quiet, calm voice cut through the room.

Everyone froze and turned toward the door.

There stood Holden, tense and uncomfortable, and beside him-Zora, quiet and distant.

Holden hadn’t expected to walk in on them discussing sending Zora away.

She’d only been home two months.

He glanced automatically at Zora.

Her face was completely blank, like she didn’t care her own family wanted her gone.

A strange tightness twisted Holden’s chest.

She didn’t care at all, like she’d known all along.

He didn’t know why that thought unsettled him so much.

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Zora was too calm. She listened quietly as they called her wild, judged her, and disposed of her future like a piece of unwanted furniture.

Holden had frowned when he heard their father talking about sending Zora away. He’d hoped Yale would defend her, but Yale agreed too. Then he opened the door, and their mother’s voice reached their ears clearly.

“Zora… you’re here.”

Wendy felt guilty the moment she saw her.

“Yeah.”

Zora’s face was pale and clean, expressionless.

Wendy’s heart fluttered. She stepped closer to take Zora’s hand.

“Since you’re here, apologize to Jolie. Don’t just stand there like a statue. Raised in the countryside and you turn out like this-pushing people into pools? If something went wrong with Jolie, that’s attempted murder. You could go to jail.”

Anton glared at Zora, his voice cold, nothing like the softness he used for Jolie.

l’in

“Anton, it’s okay. She doesn’t have to apologize. I’m just glad she came to see me.”

Jolie stared at Zora’s face-so similar to Wendy’s-and forced a gentle smile.

Zora stepped back, avoiding Wendy’s hand. She ignored Jolie and looked steadily at Anton.

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Chapter 3 What Kind of Person Am I, Exactly?

“I didn’t push her.”

Her voice was cool and distant, nothing like the soft girl they’d seen before.

Zora glanced around the room, her cold eyes sweeping over each face.

Fousted

Her mother wanted her gone. Her father was fed up. Her eldest brother was distant and cold to her. Her second brother disliked her. Her third brother hated her.

None of her family loved her.

None of them believed her.

“If you didn’t do it, did Jolie jump in on purpose to frame you? Zora, you’re not just wild-you’re a liar too. How could someone like you be part of this family?”

Anton’s eyes narrowed, sharp and cold.

“What kind of person am I, exactly?

“Some hillbilly who can’t stand anyone else being happy?

“Jealous? Petty? Mean?

“Sick of Jolie having everything?

“An embarrassment to the family?

“If you already think that about me… why did you bring me home at all?”

Zora felt Anton’s hostility. She tilted her head, speaking slowly, quietly, without anger.

Her pretty face was empty. Her soft, lovely eyes were cold.

Only disappointment remained.

This family was so stupid.

Her words stunned everyone.

How did she know exactly what they thought of her?

“I said I didn’t do it. Believe me or not. The pool has cameras. Are your eyes just for show? Why don’t you

check?”

洄

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The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All