Chapter 89
Chapter 89 Opal’s Unwavering Stand
Zora gently laid her hand over Opal’s.
She hated seeing Opal drift apart from Wendy because of her troubles.
95
Finished
Sooner or later, she would leave anyway; it was not worth letting Opal and Wendy fall out over
her.
“Zora, don’t you worry.” Opal patted her hand softly. “As long as I’m here, no one will ever dare hurt you p>
She turned to face Wendy and the rest with a cold, firm look.
“You can’t make up your minds, and you won’t accept the choice I gave you. Then leave. Don’t come by unless there’s real business from now on p>
Her words made it clear she was utterly disappointed with them-they were welcome only on major holidays, no casual visits anymore.
“Mom, please don’t put me on the spot.” Wendy’s eyes turned red as she looked up at Opal’s stern face. “If you were in my place, what would you choose p>
“I would pick Zora without a single hesitation p>
Opal had always been decisive all her life, and her answer came without the slightest pause.
Pain flashed across Wendy’s face.
Why could her mother choose so firmly? She had not even spent much time with Zora, yet she cared far more clearly than Wendy herself.
Wendy’s heart tore with conflict. She glanced at Zora, sitting close beside Opal. There was quiet concern for Opal hidden in Zora’s clear, bright eyes.
Yet when it came to her own birth mother, Zora barely spared her a glance.
Her thoughts drifted to Jolie back home-always clinging to her, showering her with sweet words, knowing exactly how to win her favor.
She was the complete opposite of reserved, quiet Zora.
Wendy was swallowed by sorrow.
She had only wanted to come see Zora today, to talk things through peacefully. How had it all twisted into an impossible choice?
Why did her own mother have to push her into this corner?
1/3
10:23 Sun, May 31
Chapter 89 Opal’s Unwavering Stand
G95
fed
“Wendy, your father and I raised you far too sheltered and naive.” Opal’s voice was sharp with frustration. “For decades, your children never gave you a moment of worry. You’ve never faced real hardship, and now you can’t see things straight. You hesitate when you ought to stand your ground. Your father and I own that mistake.
“But I will never let you hurt Zora again. Zora had a cruel life long enough. She spent over a decade out in the countryside with no father’s care and no mother’s love. Now that she’s back, all your hearts belong to Jolie. When have you ever truly noticed Zora?
“You spoil Jolie with everything you have. If you’d spare even a little of that kindness for Zora, I’d never be this disappointed in you.
“If you can’t bring yourselves to care for Zora properly, then leave her to us. Keep your attention on Jolie.
“You can’t give Zora the fairness she deserves, but we can give her all the love she’s missed.
“If you want us to take down those posts on the campus forum, give me your answer today. Who do you want p>
Opal spoke with unshakable resolve, no hesitation in her tone.
She knew Wendy had come today hoping to get the campus forum posts removed.
Opal had only just learned about the online drama, and one thought settled firmly in her mind -Jolie could not stay in the Knox household; the girl was far more calculating than she seemed.
Now that she was older, Opal could not protect Zora forever. She had to plan for the girl’s future while she still could.
If the Knox family proved unreliable in the long run, the Marlows would step up and shield Zora entirely.
Her blunt words today were meant to test Wendy’s true stance. If her daughter could not make a clear choice, it proved her heart still leaned toward Jolie deep down.
If Zora ever went back to the Knox Villa after that, she would only end up hurt and isolated all over again.
Opal cherished Zora deeply.
The girl was quiet by nature, yet her thoughtfulness showed in every small detail.
She knew her grandfather suffered from frequent headaches, so she always found chances to massage his temples. She even taught Chet the technique freely, so he could help whenever she was not around.
2/3
10:23 Sun, May 31
Chapter 89 Opal’s Unwavering Stand
སྙ༦
95
Finished
Knowing her grandmother loved tea, she personally blended herbal teas for her. Fearing stress would wear her down, she personally made vitality pills to keep her healthy.
The moment she noticed Jensen struggled with sleep, she prepared a calming herbal sachet for him the very next day.
Opal saw every thoughtful gesture clearly.
It felt as though they were taking care of Zora, yet the girl never caused trouble or asked for anything selfishly. She never wished to be a burden to anyone.
Whenever someone gave her a kindness, she always returned the favor with a thoughtful gift the very next day.
What a precious child-and yet the Knox family simply refused to appreciate her.
They only saw her quiet side, the way she never flattered anyone with empty sweet talk.
Jolie, by contrast, poured out endless pretty words, yet every kindness she offered came with an angle-always chasing allowance money, designer bags, expensive jewelry.
Zora was not quiet by choice; she had simply been hurt too deeply to bother talking to the Knox family anymore.
Around Jensen and her other cousins, she softened completely, gentle and utterly endearing, speaking in her earnest, straightforward way that made everyone adore her.
Opal wanted nothing more than to tuck her safely under her wing and shower her with affection.
Zora was the sweetest, most precious girl imaginable.
It was the Knoxes who failed to see her worth, too busy pouring all their patience into Jolie to have any left over for Zora.
30
B
3/3
10:23 Sun, May 31
Ae Meress’s New Family Adored by All