Chapter 76
Chapter 76 Favoritism Unspoken.
Wayne grew even more displeased with Zora over her indifferent attitude.
“Wayne, I want to go pick Zora up tomorrow,” Wendy said softly.
នគ
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Finched
Wayne frowned. “Zora ran off throwing a tantrum, and we’ve never once called her unreasonable. Now we are supposed to go fetch her? That’s not how this works. Spoil her like this, and you’ll only ruin her. If she wants to stay at her grandparents’ place, let her stay.
“If we bring her back, she’ll only bicker with Jolie again, turning this house upside down p>
Wendy’s delicate brows furrowed at how he kept mentioning Jolie nonstop.
He never bothered asking after Zora, yet Jolie was all he could talk about-and Zora was his daughter too.
A dull unease settled heavily in Wendy’s heart.
“Jolie’s sensible, obedient, and well-behaved. Now that Zora’s back, Jolie’s feeling so insecure. We need to give her more care and attention. All this mess happened just because Jolie was terrified we’d abandon her; that’s why she lost her way and made mistakes.
“Let Zora stay with your parents for now. Jolie’s going through something huge right now; she needs her mother by her side. We can put Zora’s matter aside for the time being. Your parents will treat her well enough p>
Wendy felt even more unsettled, a strange, unnamed discomfort gnawing at her.
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She looked up at Wayne. His face held a hint of weariness, yet his eyes were earnest as he spoke.
He kept pressing her to prioritize Jolie, terrified the girl would be neglected.
His concern for Jolie far outweighed any care for Zora.
Not a single thought was spared for their other daughter.
The next morning, Kian drove Zora to school.
“Zora, babe p>
The moment they stepped out of the car, a figure rushed over and pulled Zora straight into a tight hug.
Zora glanced down to see Hallie.
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10:21 Sun, May 31
Chapter 76 Favoritism Unspoken
Before she could speak, a lazy, drawling voice sounded.
“You’ll crush the little bunny on her dress p>
95
Finant
Hallie was grabbed by the nape of her neck and pulled away from Zora at once.
Zora wore a soft pink sundress with a white bunny embroidered on the chest, paired with sleek leather ankle boots. Her hair was styled into two fluffy side braids, each pinned with pearl hair clips.
Bright, lively, and fresh as a blushing pink peach blossom on a branch.
She slung a white backpack over her shoulders, hands loosely holding the straps, standing there quiet and demure.
“Fancy seeing you again, Zora p>
Having dragged Hallie away, Leighton let his lazy gaze fall on Zora. His narrow eyes curved slightly, a faint smile playing in his gaze.
“Leighton p>
Zora hadn’t expected to run into Leighton. Her eyes drifted first to the skin beneath his lids- pale and clear, no trace of the dark bruising from before.
He must have slept well these past few days. He looked even more striking than ever.
Zora had always been drawn to beautiful people, and the man before her was breathtaking.
Perfect eyes, perfect features-every part of him was effortlessly handsome.
Strands of hair fell over his forehead. He had a warm wheat-toned complexion and sharp, chiseled facial bones. His narrow eyes drooped in a lazy curve; though they looked faintly smiling, they held no true warmth. His lips were thin and finely sculpted.
Dressed in a plain black button-down and casual black trousers, he carried himself with unruly elegance, a suit jacket draped over one forearm. A low-key watch glinted on his pale wrist, innate refinement and wealth radiating from every inch of him.
He was so refined that Zora couldn’t help but think he looked like someone who should be raised on a diet of rare gemstones.
“Thank you for the little herbal sachet, Zora. I’ve slept far better these days p>
Leighton caught her curious stare and smiled softly, his voice warm and laced with quiet
amusement.
He truly had enjoyed peaceful, restful sleep lately. His energy had visibly improved.
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10:21 Sun, May 31
Chapter 76 Favoritism Unspoken
95
Fini-Bed
When he closed his eyes, there was no flash of bloody scenes anymore-only a faint, gentle herbal scent, and the memory of the young girl’s serious face as she’d earnestly given him her advice.
“Glad it helped. Try not to overthink things at night.” Zora nodded.
It was clearly his overthinking that kept him up at night.
“What are you two whispering about? What herbal sachet? Did you get my cousin a gift, Zora? Can I have one too? Please p>
Hallie listened to their cryptic exchange, catching hints that her cousin was finally sleeping properly.
Her eyes went wide with shock.
Her cousin could sleep now! He wasn’t going to burn himself out young!
This was amazing news!
She couldn’t wait to tell her grandfather—he’d be overjoyed.
She leaned right back up to Zora again, staring at her with eager, hopeful eyes.
If Zora had gotten a gift for her cousin, she wanted one too.
“Can’t you stand on your own two feet? Should I fetch you a wheelchair? Is this how you were raised-to lean on people in public p>
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Leighton shot a cool glance at Hallie, who was draped all over Zora like she had no bones, his tone sharp and detached.
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10:22 Sun, May 31
The Real Heiress’s New Family Adored by All