Chapter 1164
“Good riddance!” Priscilla muttered under her breath, glaring at the empty doorway where her daughter-in-law had just exited. “Can’t cook, can’t clean, no grandkids… what’s the point of having her around?” She shook her head in exasperation. “No mother-in-law in the world would be happy with that p>
Priscilla reluctantly stepped out of the car, watching as Zane drove off towards the Beacon Hill Mansion. He hadn’t even reached the entrance when he was stopped in his tracks.
Zane tried explaining for what felt like an eternity, “I’m Elysia’s college buddy, she invited me over,” but the guard wasn’t having any of it.
Frustrated, he dialed Elysia’s number, only to have Tarquin answer, “Who are you p>
“I’m Elysia’s friend from college, Zane,” Zane replied, his annoyance mounting.
“Who?” Tarquin repeated, feigning ignorance.
“Elysia’s college buddy, Zane!” he reiterated, his patience wearing thin.
Tarquin cut the call abruptly, leaving Zane fuming, fists clenched on the steering wheel. He was sure Tarquin was doing it on purpose. “Just you wait, Tarquin,” he muttered to himself, “one day I’ll tell you straight to your face-I’m Elysia’s husband p>
Why Tarquin held such a grudge against him was beyond Zane. After all, his feelings for Elysia were a well-kept secret, even from Elysia herself. Perhaps it was just Zane’s good looks that made Tarquin feel threatened.
After calming himself, Zane tried calling again. Tarquin answered once more, with the same dismissive, “Who are you p>
This time, Zane carefully contained his irritation. “Zane, Winona’s husband p>
Tarquin hung up again, but moments later, the security waved Zane through, signaling he could proceed.
Barely managing to keep his frustration in check, Zane started the car and headed toward the mansion. A quick glance at his GPS made him frown; he was still ten minutes away, despite thinking he was much closer.
He knew someone of Tarquin’s stature would have an extensive security perimeter, but this was ridiculous. Zane was well aware that from the moment he entered the perimeter, every move he made was being watched. The path ahead was likely dotted with sharpshooters, a veritable fortress. No one in their right mind would try to force their way in.
The disparity in power between him and Tarquin was glaringly obvious, and Zane’s mood soured even further.
Finally, Zane arrived at the Beacon Hill Mansion. Inside the living room, Elysia, Tarquin, Elliot, Evan, Elijah, Blossom, and Caroline were all waiting for him. Due to Pamela’s delicate condition and Baby and Emmett’s timid nature, they had been sent out to avoid any potential altercations.
As Zane walked into the room, a sense of foreboding washed over him. His instincts were proven right when, out of nowhere, a phone was hurled in his direction. He barely dodged it before Blossom came charging at him, tears streaming down her face.
“Zane, you jerk!” she yelled, fists flying. “You promised us you’d take care of Winona! It’s been over a year and you only just found out she was in trouble p>
“How could you say you loved her?” Blossom sobbed, landing a punch. “You let her down, and you let us down p>
Taking a cue from Elysia’s words the day before, Blossom continued to pummel Zane. He couldn’t fight back in front of Elysia, so he tried to defend himself, but before he could react, Elliot and Evan had grabbed his arms.
“Mr. Zane, don’t move,” one of them said, holding tight. “Let Blossom blow off some steam. She’ll feel better after she gives you a good whacking p>
Zane could only stand there, speechless.