Chapter 296
Chapter 296 An Unexpected Run-in
“No need. The restaurant is not far from here. I’ll just take a taxi over p>
Zora walked along the road and ordered a ride on her phone.
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“Alright. Stay safe on the way. Give me a call once you get there, and I’ll send someone to meet you p>
Jensen was still stuck at the office and would head over later. He had been swamped with work lately.
“Got it p>
Zora ended the call. Her taxi pulled up right away, and she got in.
Leighton would also come to the birthday dinner later. The family did not plan a big party for Opal. Elderly folks usually preferred quiet gatherings, just having a nice meal with family.
Since Zora had been staying at Leighton’s place, Opal had invited him too.
The ride lasted about 20 minutes before they reached the restaurant. Jensen had booked the top-floor private room.
As Zora stepped out of the car, a familiar voice rang out.
“That’s my mother upstairs! Why can’t I go up there p>
Wendy spoke in an angry, stubborn tone, her voice echoing through the lobby.
“I’m sorry, ma’am. We haven’t gotten notice to let you pass. You can’t go upstairs.” The front desk staff refused her politely.
Zora slowed her steps when she saw Wendy. It felt like she and the Knox family were always running into each other, no matter where she went.
She held a gift box in her arms, meant for Opal.
“Zora, have you arrived? I’ll send someone to fetch you.” Jensen’s voice came through her phone.
“Yeah, I’m here,” Zora replied quietly.
She never wore headphones anymore, not since Wendy had slapped her last time while she had them on. She was just about to hang up the call.
“Zora p>
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Chapter 296 An Unexpected Run-in
That sharp, shrill shout reached Jensen’s ears right before the line cut off.
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Jensen’s heart skipped a beat. He had just left his office. He quickly dialed Reed’s number, who had already arrived at the restaurant.
Zora frowned at the loud voice, but kept her face calm.
She looked over at Wendy. It had only been a few days since they last met, yet Wendy looked
ten years older. Her former grace and gentleness were gone. She no longer had her hair styled neatly by a hairdresser like before; now it was just tied back loosely.
Her face was pale, but her eyes burned with hatred the moment they landed on Zora. She looked ready to tear her apart.
The slap from last time had clearly left a deep mark. Wendy dug her fingernails into her palms, struggling hard to hold herself back. She fought the strong urge to lash out again.
In contrast to Wendy’s haggard look, Zora carried herself gently and gracefully. She wore a long beige dress. Her soft hair was braided and pinned up neatly.
The weather had turned cold after the holiday started, so she had thrown a cream-colored shawl over her shoulders. Her hands held a long wooden gift box, and her eyes were clear and bright. She looked soft and lovely, like a young lady blooming into adulthood.
The dress had been sent over by Elara. Elara loved dresses and had ordered several new ones. She had gotten matching sets for Zora and Hallie as well.
Living comfortably with Leighton these days had done Zora good. Her complexion glowed, and she looked bright and beautiful.
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She was a far cry from the plain, overlooked girl she had been back at the Knox Villa. The change was obvious.
Wendy had never imagined her daughter would grow into such a striking woman. She always knew Zora was pretty, but she had never paid her much attention. By the time she finally took notice, Zora was already cherished and cared for by many people.
“Take me upstairs p>
Wendy stared at Zora with a twisted look and ordered her around without a shred of guilt.
Anger welled up inside her. She could not believe the Marlows had cut ties with her so harshly. They had pulled all their funding without a second thought.
The Knox Group had hit rock bottom overnight. Right after that, Leighton moved against them. Even MZ Group, from overseas, suddenly targeted the company. Other wealthy families joined in to push them further down. The Knox Group was now on the verge of bankruptcy.
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Chapter 296 An Unexpected Run-in
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Wendy finally understood how hard life could be without the Marlow family’s support. The business did not just stall; it crashed sharply. Hardly any families wanted to associate with them now. No one offered help; most people looked down on them.
Yale had aged greatly under the stress of running the failing company and spent every day drinking to numb his pain.
As for Wayne, all his kindness and warmth were gone. Every time he came home from work, he shouted and raged at her. He was a completely different man.
He even slapped her after their visit to the Blake Manor not long ago.
Wendy could not believe any of this.
Ever since the Knox family fell apart and the Marlows disowned her, she got nothing but cold shoulders, scolding and anger. Everyone pushed her to apologize to the Marlows and beg for their forgiveness.
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Neeless New Family Adored by All
Jane is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.