Chapter 271
Chapter 271 The Surname Hale
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When she was little, she wrote her full name on her homework for the first time. Her mentor had stared at the character Hales for a long while, his eyes filled with complicated emotions.
Zora had not understood it back then. Looking back now, she realized it had been helpless sorrow over having to hide his real name.
She could roughly guess her mentor’s identity now.
The Hale Manor, the wooden plaque, the Eighteen Meridian Technique… every clue pointed straight to him.
Leighton and Jensen froze slightly and exchanged a glance.
“Alright.” Elara was also surprised, but she did not refuse.
From that moment on, she cut off all ties with the Knox family and became Zora Hale.
“How is this possible… How can you pick a surname that has nothing to do with them… You’re just putting on a show p>
Wendy was stunned by Zora’s words, rambling incoherently.
Right after she spoke, she failed to catch her breath and fainted on the spot.
The farce ended with Wendy passing out from rage.
But the Knox Group’s troubles were far from over. A string of devastating blows was waiting right around the corner.
“Hurry, take Zora to the hospital for a checkup p>
Opal looked at Zora anxiously, her eyes full of heartache.
Everyone had respected her wish to change her surname.
She kept her given name, so everyone still liked calling her Zora.
“Grandma, Grandpa, you two go home and rest first. We’ll take Zora to get checked p>
Jensen could see the exhaustion on their faces.
They were already advanced in age. After everything that had happened today, enduring Wendy’s accusations and making such a final decision, they must have felt worn out and upset.
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Chapter 271 The Surname Hale
“Reed, send Grandma and Grandpa back home.” Jensen gave the order.
In the end, Jensen, Leighton, Kian and Hallie accompanied Zora to the hospital.
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Zora insisted she was fine, but none of them could feel at ease without a proper examination.
As the crowd dispersed, Killian stood hidden in the shadows. He watched Zora leave, surrounded by everyone, before he turned and walked away.
His mood was tangled, mixed with a sharp trace of anger.
The Knox family, huh?
“Nothing serious. Just keep applying the ointment on your face, and the injury will heal soon.
“Your tailbone scan came back clear too. No damage at all p>
Zora went through scans and professional checks for her facial injury.
By the time all the examinations were done, half the afternoon had passed.
Zora wore a white face mask covering most of her face, leaving only her clear, bright eyes visible.
After all the chaos today, there was no time left for the family dinner tonight.
“You guys head back. I’ll take her home p>
Leighton turned to the others after walking out of the hospital.
The hospital was close to Aria Estates. Zora looked visibly worn out after running around all afternoon.
“Alright. Call us if anything comes up p>
Jensen had plenty of follow-up matters to handle. He also needed to check on his grandparents personally once they got home.
“Should I stay and keep you company?” Hallie was still worried about Zora.
“It’s fine. Go home and tell your parents what happened so they don’t worry p>
“I’m okay, Hallie. See you at school tomorrow.” Zora’s muffled voice came from behind the mask.
Her tone was hoarse, carrying obvious tiredness.
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Chapter 271 The Surname Hale
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“Kian, drive her home safely.” Leighton looked at Kian.
Jensen would not head straight back to the Marlow Manor. After today’s incident, the Knox family was doomed to fall.
The Marlows had already done more than enough for Wendy.
If Opal’s and Floyd’s health had been worse, Wendy’s outburst could have caused serious consequences.
“Got it.” Kian nodded. “Text me if you need anything, okay, Zora p>
Zora replied, “Okay p>
A low-key black Bentley waited outside the hospital. Leighton held Zora’s hand and walked toward the car.
The driver got out and opened the door for them.
Zora sat in the back seat, and Leighton took a seat right beside her.
He opened the center console and took out a cup of warm coffee.
“Hold this p>
Zora tilted her head in confusion.
She was only allowed three cups a week, and she had used up her quota earlier these days.
“You’ve been wronged. I’ll cook you something nice when we get home. This is just to fill your stomach for now p>
Leighton gently stroked her head, his eyes full of heartache.
“Mm.” Zora took off her mask. The ointment worked well. Most of the swelling on her face had gone down, with only a little puffiness left.
After everything she’d been through, Zora’s mood had been low and dull.
She had been so bright and radiant that morning, but now she looked quiet and reserved, just like when they first met.
She barely spoke, quiet and withdrawn.
After drinking most of the coffee, the tightness in her chest finally eased a little.
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Chapter 271 The Surname Hale
“Did I do something terrible in my past life to deserve ending up with that family p>
She turned her head and looked at Leighton.
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The Real Heiress’s 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.