The Hoffmansâ household staff gasped and covered their mouths in shock.
Knowing that Gregory would act in her favor, Shannon tried to push the blame on the Hoffmans.
Everybody, including a wide-eyed Mrs. Hoffman, looked at Zoe in unison.
âIs that true, Zoe?â
Zoe played it innocent and refuted Shannonâs accusations with furrowed brows. âI would never do such
a thing, Mommy. Bethany was the one who came up with the idea to give Ada Wang counterfeit
jewelry.â
Bethany was furious with Zoe for twisting the facts. She glared at
Zoe and shouted angrily, âYouâre lying, Zoe! You suggested the idea to help me win Ada over and
defeat Bella in the process.â
âBella? Are you talking about Bella Thompson? What does she have to do with anything?â Mrs.
Hoffman asked in surprise.
âI-â Speechless, Zoe broke out in a cold sweat.
Bethany, the pea brain, threw Bellaâs name out. She must be determined to end their friendship.
âWhere do you think you are, Mrs. Salvador? This is not a place for you to raise your voice.â
A chilling voice echoed through the room, startling Bethany.
Ryan approached from the main entrance with a smirk.
âI donât have a problem with you embarrassing yourselves, but donât drag my family down with you.â
âYoung Master Ryan!â The butler and other household staff greeted him.
âRyan!â Zoeâs eyes welled up as her hero came to save the day.
Ryan could not stand Bethany to begin with. Since Ryan adored his sister unconditionally, he would
definitely take Zoeâs side, no questions asked.
âYouâre great friends with Justin, Ryan. Our families have a long- standing relationship. How can you be
disrespectful to me?â Shannon was furious.
âJustin and I are buddies, and thatâs between us. What does our friendship have to do with you? You
didnât give birth to or raise Justin.â
Tilting his head, Ryan smiled and added, âYou have never been nurturing to Justin, so donât use that on
me now.â
It never occurred to Shannon that Ryan was so two-faced. He was courteous when he was at the
Salvadorsâ residence, but on his turf, he did not hide his contempt and disgust for her.
That was only because Gregory backed her up. Should one day
Gregory lose interest in her, Shannon would probably become a nobody in her social circle.
Shannon felt chills down her spine.
She had been Mrs. Salvador for over two decades. She seemed like she had it all, but she could not
even get the basic respect.
âBethany went too far. She tried to drag me into her own mess and frame me, Ryan!â
Zoe threw herself into Ryanâs embrace and wrapped her arms around him. âI was wrong, Ryan. You
told me to stop hanging out with her, but I didnât listen. I realize now that I was dumb enough not to take
your advice. I will never act on my own again. Iâll stop being stubborn and listen to you for once.â
âIs it true what Bethany said, Zoe?â
Ryan stared at Zoe as if to see through her, his voice strained with emotion. âDid you have the jewelry
forged with the intention of harming Ms. Thompson?â
âNo! It wasnât me! It was Bethanyâs idea.â With a pale face, Zoe shook her head in a panic.
âStop talking your way out of it, Zoe!â
Bethany pointed at Zoeâs face with rage. âThe man who forged the jewelry is Alexaâs apprentice, and
heâs from Inalia. Even if I wanted to seek an imitation, I wouldâve found someone locally on short notice.
Why would I get someone from Inalia?â