Chapter 85
Chapter 85 An Apology on Her Behalf
Noticing that the girl across from her didn’t seem particularly keen on speaking in front of the others, Zora pursed her lips and spoke up.
Tessa stared at Zora’s earnest expression, thinking she looked even more naive and clueless than she had in the video.
She seemed completely guileless.
Was she genuinely unaware of why Tessa had sought her out, or was she just foolish?
“I didn’t come here for anything big-just about what happened on the campus forum. I’m here to apologize to you on Jolie’s behalf.
“Ever since you came back, Jolie’s been on edge, terrified she’ll be sent away. That’s why she did what she did. I’ve already scolded her, and I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive her.
“This is a gift I bought to make amends. Please accept it.
“Mrs. Knox and the rest of the family surely don’t want to see the two of you at odds. If you can get along peacefully, they’ll be overjoyed p>
Seeing Zora had no wish to be alone with her, Tessa didn’t push the matter. Besides, the friends around Zora were all watching her with guarded eyes, as if she meant to harm Zora.
Tessa held out the gift bag toward Zora.
“I have nothing to do with the Knox family anymore. Whether they’re happy or not doesn’t matter to me, and I don’t care either. I’m never going back to the Knox Villa.
“You’re Jolie’s best friend, so please tell her. She can have all the Knox family’s affection she wants-it has nothing to do with me. But if she ever crosses my path again looking for trouble, I won’t go easy on her p>
Zora didn’t take the gift bag. Her gaze was calm, her tone flat with no trace of emotion, her small face tight and rigid.
She knew exactly why Tessa had come-to apologize for Jolie.
Tessa frowned at Zora’s words. The girl seemed quiet and slow-witted, yet she had a strong sense of pride-ready to cut ties with the Knox family without a second thought.
The calm detachment in Zora’s eyes when speaking of the Knoxes made it impossible to doubt her sincerity.
When she said she wanted nothing to do with them, she meant it.
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Chapter 85 An Apology on Her Behalf
Still, Zora’s choice was one thing. The Knox family already held doubts about Jolie. If Zora refused to forgive her, a permanent rift would form between Jolie and the Knoxes.
Jolie cared deeply about her place in the family, and Tessa hated the thought of her being heartbroken over them.
Deep down, she also truly hoped Zora and Jolie could get along.
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Zora didn’t seem malicious by nature. If the two could reconcile, everyone would be better off.
“Tessa, you really can’t read people at all, can you?” Hallie folded her arms, looking faintly amused. “Can’t you tell if Jolie’s scheming on purpose or just making careless mistakes out of fear p>
She couldn’t believe the eldest daughter of the Frost family, the future heir, couldn’t see straight through Jolie’s petty act.
“Jolie said she didn’t mean any harm,” Tessa replied, unfazed by their mocking tones.
If Jolie said it, Tessa believed it.
Jolie had only slipped up accidentally; her heart was still good at core.
“You’ve really been brainwashed by Jolie’s little innocent act,” Hallie scoffed coldly. “Can’t you see right through her games?
“If she had any real sincerity, why send you to apologize instead of coming herself? She’s too cowardly to face the embarrassment, so she pushes it off on you.
“She always puts on that gentle, generous front, only to dump her problems on others when trouble hits p>
Everyone in their social circle could see right through such tactics.
“That’s not who Jolie is, Hallie.” Tessa’s gentle eyes turned frosty at the “innocent act” jab.
“Can’t you see she’s just using you? Are you out of your mind?” Easton frowned sharply.
He’d never liked Jolie.
Her schemes were far too obvious-laying subtle traps for Zora and manipulating public opinion to turn the whole school against her.
If Reed hadn’t stepped forward with a public statement back then, the whole school would’ve turned on Zora for good.
Even after Reed spoke up, Jolie still wouldn’t back down, determined to drag Zora deeper into the online drama.
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Chapter 85 An Apology on Her Behalf
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It was only when Reed released conclusive footage exposing Jolie’s lies that she finally fell silent.
Without that proof, Jolie would never have let Zora off so easily.
Growing up in wealthy families, they were all sharp enough to spot such manipulations.
With Zora back in the picture, Jolie had the most to lose.
It was only natural for her to fear that the Knox family’s love and attention would shift away from her.
But she’d crossed a line entirely.
She’d lived off the Knox family’s wealth and luxury for over a decade, taking Zora’s place. Now that Zora was home, not only did she refuse to lie low, she tried to steal Zora’s birthright entirely-and that was what rubbed everyone the wrong way.
This incident had shattered the perfect image of Jolie as the gentle, thoughtful girl everyone
adored.
They’d always sensed something off about her endless soft-spoken kindness toward everyone, but couldn’t put their finger on it.
Now that her true colors were showing, everything finally made sense.
The old Jolie had always been nothing but an act.
“Don’t you dare slander Jolie!” Tessa shot Easton a cold, sharp glare, refusing to let anyone speak ill of Jolie.
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The Fear Theiress & New Family Adored by All