Female Novel
Chapter 557
In the study of the Shurmer residence, Waverly threw the newspaper onto the table angrily and yelledat Steven and Zeke, “Look at this! Should we even let her return to the family? She embezzleddonations from the public, and now, the entire world is boycotting her. How do you plan to protect her?”
Steven narrowed his eyes, and his gaze fell upon Zeke, who sat beside him.
Zeke reached up to massage his temples. Although his head ached, determination could be seen in hiseyes.
“We should proceed with the press conference. I'll call Bay immediately and have her get to the venue.We can't give up on her because of such news. Besides, this looks like someone had set her up. Shewould never embezzle donations.”
Waverly smacked the table and snapped, “Things have come to this, yet you still want to protect her.Are you trying to piss me off, Zeke? Fine. You can let her return to the Shurmer family, but kick me outfirst. I don't want to watch her ruin the Shurmer family name.”
“Don't say that, Waverly.” Steven sighed as he stared at his wife in dissatisfaction. “I know you'rereluctant to let Zoey go, but Bay is our biological daughter. I also know you have many unhappymoments together, but you shouldn't hold grudges against each other.”
Waverly glared at him, not wanting to take a step back. Her voice was firm as she said, “Whatever. Ifshe returns to the Shurmer family today, then I'll leave. Do as you see fit.”
The phone on the table rang just as Zeke was about to say, “Leave, then.”
He picked it up and saw that it was a call from Bailey.
“Bay, I was just about to call you and have you rush to the venue of the press conference.”
It was silent on the other end of the call for a moment until Bailey's cold voice rang out. “Zeke, I'm sureyour mother must be doing everything she can to stop you from holding the press conference. She'sthe elder of the family. Don't ruin your relationship with her because of me. Let's delay the pressconference. After all, there's a scandal linked to me at the moment. We'll talk about the pressconference another day.”
“Bay, are you—”
“Zeke, I know what you want to say. Thank you, but you don't need to worry about me. Artemis willprotect me. Don't let me become a burden to the Shurmer family, okay? I'll feel guilty, and I won't behappy even if I return to the family.”
Zeke opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end, he gave up and sighed inresignation.
“Since you've put it that way, it would seem as if I'm forcing you if I insist on the press conference. Butit's fine. I feel relieved to know that Artemis will protect you. Take care of yourself. Let me know if youhave any problems.”
“Okay.”
After ending the call, Zeke looked at Waverly and said in an icy tone, “That girl is more mature than you
think. You don't need to throw a tantrum. She gave up on coming home. From today onward, I'm afraidwhatever tiny bit of affection the two of you had is now gone. I hope you don't regret it in the future.”
Waverly frowned slightly as mixed emotions flashed past her eyes.
Am I in the wrong? No, I'm not. I raised and cared for Zoey for the past twenty or so years. It's onlyfitting that I stand by her side.
In a dimly lit bedroom at the Hoffman residence, Juliana slowly opened her eyes. It was dark outside.The entire mansion was engulfed by darkness. novelbin
“Are you awake?” A raspy and magnetic voice drifted into her ears, snapping her out of her daze.
She regained consciousness, and the day's happenings slowly flashed through her mind.
She remembered taking an abortifacient and passing out because of the intense pain.
Huntley... Did he know I was pregnant?
A murderous glint flashed across her beautiful eyes as she jumped out of bed and shot a glare atHuntley, who was sitting on the couch.
“So you knew?”
Huntley narrowed his eyes and did not answer her question as he muttered, “So you weren't kiddingthe other day. You really slept with Zeke and even got pregnant. Juliana, do you know what theconsequences would be if the family were to find out about this?”
Juliana's eyes darkened and her face paled even more.
If the family's elders were to find out that she had gotten pregnant with a foreigner's child, they woulddefinitely kick her out. She would be like Wendy. By then, even her parents would not be able to protecther.
“I should congratulate you, then. You found my Achilles heel without much effort. You wanted tocompete for power, right? Go to the elders' meeting and report about me, then. Let them kick me out ofthe family. The entire Hoffman family will be under your command if I leave.”
Huntley slowly got up and made his way toward the bed. He pursed his lips and asked, “Do you loveZeke that much? Apart from him, can no one catch your eye?”
Juliana looked at him stubbornly and said firmly, “That's right. I love him. It must be only him. I won'tmarry anyone else. I would rather be alone for the rest of my life if I can't have him.”
Huntley was rendered speechless.
He lowered his head and his expression turned gloomy.
She's really forgotten everything. To her, all our memories together are nothing but a scenic view alongthe route.