Chapter 129
Chapter 129 No More Wasting Kindness on Ungrateful Folk
Now that Zora’s mind was clear, she had no desire to pour any effort into ungrateful people.
Spending so much time around Hallie and the others had sharpened Zora’s tongue a little.
“Zora, are you still upset? The teacher told you to call a guardian today, so why did you reach out to Leighton instead p>
Yale thought she had an awfully stubborn temper.
Her refusal to engage with him left him feeling utterly frustrated, like throwing a punch straight into soft cotton with nowhere to land.
He’d wanted to talk things out calmly, yet every word she said shut him right down.
Zora hadn’t even said much, but her words left a heavy, suffocating weight in his chest.
What did she mean none of them were worth her care? Had her own family let her down that badly?
It stung even more thinking about what had happened that day-she’d rather call an outsider than any of her blood relatives.
“You people aren’t even worth my anger. Who I contact is none of your business. You’re not my family.
“I was suffocated the second I was born, fought my way back from the brink of death. The daughter you gave birth to died that day. I owe the Knox family nothing. You didn’t raise me, so don’t try to chain me down with blood ties.
“My mentor saved me. I never would’ve come back if he hadn’t asked it of me. I want nothing to do with the Knox family. Jolie can have it all for herself.
“If Jolie ever dares lay a hand on me again, I won’t let her get away with it p>
Tired of dragging this out any longer and growing annoyed by the back-and-forth, Zora tossed out her final words and turned to walk back into the private dining room.
It hadn’t even been a few days of peace before the Knox family showed up again.
She truly owed them nothing.
She’d been swapped at birth, left to suffocate and discarded in a trash can-only her mentor had risked everything to save her life.
Her real family was only her mentor.
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Finished
Yale watched her disappear into the room, his heart lurching sharply at her words about dying the moment she was born. A tight, choking sensation settled in his throat.
He knew her life after being swapped hadn’t been easy, but he never expected to hear such a horrific story from her own lips.
Suffocated right after birth?
Who could do something so cruel to a defenseless baby?
If what Zora said was true, she really did owe them nothing. If anything, the Knox family owed her. They’d brought her into the world yet failed to protect her, leaving her inches away from death.
Back inside the private room, the lively chatter wrapped Zora in warmth, and a soft smile tugged at her lips.
“Zora, you’re back! What took you so long? Full yet? We’re about to head out soon.” Hallie waved her over.
“I’m full.” Zora stepped forward to join the group.
Everyone had nearly finished their meals and was ready to leave.
They gathered their things and filed out of the dining room-Yale was nowhere to be seen outside.
Zora let out a quiet sigh of relief.
Į
“You guys go on ahead. I’ve arranged rides for everyone outside. I’ll handle the bill p>
It was already getting late, and Hallie had already ordered cars to take everyone home.
“Thanks for treating us today, Hallie. The food here is absolutely amazing p>
“It’s pricey, but totally worth it. I’m coming back once my allowance gets raised p>
“I’ll book this place for my birthday next time and treat all of you p>
The group chatted casually among themselves.
Hallie waited until everyone had headed downstairs before going to find a server with Zora, only to find Zora had already paid the bill.
“Zora, I told you it was on me!” Hallie frowned at her playfully.
Living with the Knox family, Zora surely never had much spending money. She shouldn’t have been splurging like this for everyone’s sake.
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“You’re like a sister to me. What difference does it make who pays?” Zora curved her lips into a gentle smile.
“You really are something,” Hallie sighed fondly and pinched her cheek lightly.
“Being with you today made me really happy.” Zora leaned into her touch, letting Hallie keep pinching her cheek softly.
She was grateful to have someone who felt like an older sister, and people who felt like real parents now.
“Don’t let the Knox family make you think no one in this world loves you. You’re such a wonderful person, Zora-everyone adores you.” Hallie stroked her hair gently, her heart aching with sympathy at her quiet smile.
Love wasn’t only found with the Knox family; there were so many people who cared deeply for her.
“Mhm p>
The two stepped out of the restaurant to head home, and Hallie was just about to hail a ride.
Knowing Zora lived alone, Hallie decided to crash at her place for the night, and Zora welcomed her happily.
“Hallie, Leighton just texted asking where we are. He said he’s coming to pick us up and drive us home together p>
Zora pulled out her phone, showing the message Leighton had sent ten minutes earlier.
“My cousin being this thoughtful? That’s out of character p>
Hallie leaned over to glance at the screen, reading his words, “Zora, have you finished dinner yet? I’ll come pick you up and take you home p>
A chill ran down Hallie’s spine, goosebumps breaking out across her skin.
She’d always known her cousin treated Zora differently, but seeing how soft and gentle his messages were still caught her off guard completely.
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The Real Heiress s New Family Adored by All