Chapter 587
Bride Behind The Mask
As the evening wound down, the family of four stepped out of the restaurant, their celebration of the anniversary complete. Penelope was supporting Hackett as they walked ahead, while Yuna followed closely behind Robert.
Her status as the Fitzgerald familyâs golden girl had proven invaluable; she couldnât afford to simply hand that title back to Marguerite! So, seizing the moment to win Robert over was crucial. She couldnât let him continue his investigation!
Quickening her pace to catch up with Robert, she spoke in a soft, syrupy voice, her demeanor earnest, âRobert, I donât understand why you despise me so much. The issues between Marguerite and me are our own and they have nothing to do with you.
Your perception of me is limited to Margueriteâs narratives. Now that Iâm back home, I donât want any bad blood between us. After all, we must care for our aging parents together. If weâre at odds, the whole Fitzgerald clan will crumble.â
Robert stopped in his tracks, looking at Yuna with a mixture of amusement and incredulity.
This woman, foolish as she was, always fancied herself clever, attempting to drag everyone down to her level with her pitiful act. Pitiful, yet laughable.
âDonât think having our parentsâ approval means youâre in the clear. Iâm not that easily fooled, and Iâll get to the bottom of this,â Robert said, his voice smooth like polished stone, a gentlemanly smile playing on his lips.
But to Yuna, that smile was a chilling reminder of her precarious position, âWith a DNA test result, why canât you just believe me? I get that you hate me, thatâs your right! But you canât stop me from reuniting with my family!â
âWith your⦠talents, Yuna, tampering with a DNA test wouldnât be too hard, would it?â
Caught off guard again, Yuna took a moment to muster a response, her eyes downcast, stuttering, âThe DNA tests are nationally coordinated. How could I possibly manipulate that?â
Robert shrugged nonchalantly, hands in his pockets, ready to walk away, âYouâre adamant, but I have no interest in indulging in self-deception. Weâll see what happens.â
With that, he turned and headed toward the business-class van parked by the curb.
Meanwhile, Hackett, supported by Penelope, was bent over retching under a tree, feeling unwell from all the wine. Penelope constantly patted his back, trying to comfort him.
Just then, a womanâs arm reached out with an ecru handkerchief.
Penelope took it, about to express her gratitude, but froze when she turned to see Zoe.
The Lockwoods had taken the Fitzgeraldsâ treasured daughter, and with such a deep grudge, Penelope could never forgive her!
Yet, Zoe looked at Hackett with visible concern and said to Penelope, âMadam, best clean the masterâs mouth. Heâs drunk, and some honey water would help sober him quickly.â
Hearing Zoeâs voice, Hackett fought back the nausea, straightened up, and glared at her with fury in his eyes. Penelopeâs voice was cold, her tone displeased and distant, âIs there something you want?â
Zoeâs plea was pitiful, âMaster, Madam, we had an agreement. If you took Yuna back, we could visit twice a week. Iâve hurt you, but weâve raised Yuna for so long, weâre attached to her. I just wanted to see her todayâ¦â
Hackettâs gaze instinctively shifted to Yuna, who seemed utterly clueless about Zoeâs arrival.
Considering Zoeâs past nurturing role, Hackettâs response, while chilly and imperial, wasnât harsh, âTen minutes!â
With that, he turned to Penelope and ordered, âHelp me to the car and wait. Bring Yuna back after ten minutes!â