âMr. Salvador, your wisdom knows no bounds!â
Ian could not help but break into a nervous sweat as he cautiously asked, âGiven Young Madamâs
unpredictable nature and her relentless tactics, do you think she might actually steal Ada away? Maybe
we shouldâ¦â
âWhat?â Justin interrupted, his eyebrow furrowing in response.
Ian grinned, revealing a set of gleaming white teeth. âWhy not let Young Madam have her way this
time? Anyway, itâs not the ultimate showdown. Itâs just a welcoming banquet. A real man shouldnât
compete with a woman, especially considering you two used to be marriedâ¦â
âNo way!â
Justin cut him off decisively and frowned. âSince the plan with Alexa is not feasible right now, we have
to start with Ada Wang. If Bella can think of it, it means her situation is similar to ours. At this critical
moment, any small progress could change the situation dramatically. I wonât let her have the upper
hand. By any means necessary, Ada Wang must attend our welcoming banquet!â
Having declared this, the imposing boss entered the luxurious car with a grave expression.
Ian stood frozen in place. His expression gradually turned mournful. âOh my, Mr. Salvador seems to be
made of reinforced concrete. How can someone so utterly stubborn win back the young madamâs
heart?â
At this moment, Justin leaned back in the car seat and took a deep breath. âShould I do as Ian
proposed and let Bella have her way?â
From the divorce to now, Justin has never defeated Bella once. She had always been riding high,
overwhelming and crushing him completely.
Justin was astonished to realize that Bella was no longer the calm, gentle, and simple woman he once
knew during their marriage. She had become intelligent, outstanding, and shrewd. She seemed
increasingly unattainable.
Justin genuinely yearned to defeat her, as if winning just once could bridge the distance between them.
Late at night, Ryan headed out to ACE for some entertainment. With only Mrs. Hoffman and Zoe left at
home, Zoe entered her motherâs room, climbed onto the bed, and acted coquettishly.
Reflecting on the dinner table scene earlier, Mrs. Hoffman couldnât help but comment, âZoe, why did
your attitude toward Justin become so affectionate tonight? You made him feel awkward.â
Mrs. Hoffman sighed with a hint of frustration. âYouâre not a child anymore, and Justin is not the big
brother who used to play with you. Heâs now the president of the Salvador Corporation and a person of
stature. Every move he makes is scrutinized by many, so you must watch y actions. It might not be
appropriate for you to act coquettishly toward him in the future. I think you should stillâ¦â
âMom.â Zoe suddenly sat up and looked her mother in the eye. âIâm not acting like a spoiled brat, and I
never regarded Justin as my brother.â
âWhat are you saying?â Mrs. Hoffman looked confused.
âWhy do you think I turned down the Royal Symphony Orchestra of Inalia and gave up my great future
to return to Savrow? Itâs all for Justin. I want to marry him and be his wife!â
âWhat?!â
Mrs. Hoffman sat up abruptly, staring at her daughter with astonishment. âAre you out of your mind?
Heâs your brother!â
âHeâs not my biological brother anyway!â Zoe retorted. Her eyes sparkled at the thought of Justin. âIâve
waited for so long, and Justin has finally broken up with Rosalind. Now, no one can stop me.â
Faced with her daughterâs wishful thinking, Mrs. Hoffman became particularly conflicted.
âMom, whatâs wrong? Why do you look like that? Donât you want me and Justin to be together?â Zoe
furrowed her brow and shook her motherâs hand.
âNo, itâs justâ¦â Mrs. Hoffman hesitated for a moment and expressed her concern. âJustin is indeed an
outstanding person, but heâs not a suitable match for you. Itâs not just about Rosalind. As your eldest
brother mentioned, Justin was married before. Oh, Zoe, youâre so kind and innocent. The situation in
the Salvador family is complicated. Iâm afraid youâll be treated unfairly or even bullied if you marry
Justin.â
Zoe chuckled in her heart. âIâm innocent? I think Bethany Salvador is the real simpleton! If I marry
Justin, I will definitely play around with the women in the Salvador family. Mom is underestimating me!â
âMom! I am the heiress of the Hoffman family. We are no less than the Salvadors, and with your and
Ryanâs support, anyone from the Salvador family who dares to mistreat me wonât get away with it!â
âBut feelings have to be mutual. Even if you want to marry, Justin has to be willing!â Mrs. Hoffman felt a
sense of helplessness with her wayward daughter.
Zoe smiled confidently. âWith you and Ryanâs backing, I already have an added advantage over others.
As long as I can prove to Justin that Iâm no longer the child I used to be, that I hold value to him, and
that I can stand by his side, he will surely notice me!â
âButâ¦â
âOh, no buts, Mom. In any case, I wonât marry anyone but Justin in this lifetime!â