Chapter 1159
She was worried that the Newsom family was being watched by Zane, so she didn’t dare to call and ask. Instead, Elysia slipped into the bathroom and sent a quick text to Tarquin.
“Has Winona come back yet p>
Tarquin replied almost instantly, “No, he came back alone p>
Elysia felt a pang of disappointment but understood. If Zane had brought Winona back with him, it would have raised suspicions. Zane was smart enough to avoid that.
Tarquin sent another message to reassure her, “Don’t worry, he’s back. Winona will be too, soon enough. When you see him, don’t lose your head. I’m on my way to the Newsom family p>
“Okay p>
Elysia took a deep breath, put her phone away, and stepped out of the bathroom to continue keeping Caroline company.
Ridley was out, spending time with a supposed “illegitimate daughter” to make the act convincing. It was all a facade-Tamsin, Baby’s bodyguard, was playing the part. Emmett had even given her a makeover to resemble Winona.
Before Zane’s return, a DNA test had been faked to show that Tamsin and Ridley were father and daughter. Tarquin had tampered with the results.
Elliot and Evan were also at the Newsom family house, acting as Elysia’s little bodyguards. They had come with her.
More than half an hour later, Zane arrived.
Even though Elysia had mentally prepared herself, seeing Zane made her seethe with anger. She wanted to storm over and slap him hard, grab him by the collar, and demand answers.
Where had he hidden Winona? Why was he treating her so cruelly? The Newsom family and Winona had been nothing but kind to him. How could he do something so despicable? Did he even have a heart?
Elliot, noticing the cold glint in his eyes when he looked at Zane, quietly tugged on Elysia’s hand to calm her down, signaling her to stay collected. They had to play their parts for now. Once Winona was safe, they could deal with Zane.
Elysia took her son’s cue, inhaling deeply and turning her gaze away from Zane. Out of sight, out of mind-or at least, out of rage.
Zane walked in wearing a dark gray tracksuit and a black backpack, his clothes and shoes dusted with dirt. He looked like he’d been through a long journey- exhausted, dejected, and utterly worn out.
The moment he saw Elysia, he noticed her anger. He didn’t realize it was hatred; he assumed she was mad at him for failing to take care of Winona.
Caroline, upon seeing Zane, was overwhelmed with emotion. “You… you p>
With a dull thud, Zane dropped to his knees in front of Caroline. “I’m sorry, Mom. I failed to take care of Winona. I failed to meet your expectations. I’ve let down both you and Dad p>
Caroline burst into tears, her sobs filled with anguish. The perpetrator who harmed her daughter was right there, performing for her, and she had to restrain herself from exposing him or demanding answers about her daughter’s whereabouts.
Elysia empathized with Caroline’s turmoil, her own heart aching. “Caroline p>
Zane remained on his knees, his focus solely on Elysia. “I’m sorry. I was incompetent and couldn’t bring her back p>
Elysia gritted her teeth and glared at Zane. She knew she had to keep up the act, but she couldn’t bring herself to utter the words “I don’t blame you p>
Watching his expression of remorse only fueled her anger. She stormed over to him, and with a swift movement, slapped him hard across the face-twice.
The room fell silent. Everyone was stunned.
Zane was utterly shocked.