Chapter 359 Up The Ranks
Zachary paused. “I don’t understand why you harbor such strong animosity toward Lenora. Could it possibly stem from Bertram’s second wife, Jasmine?”
Zachary had known for quite some time that Ezekiel’s stepmother was also Lenora’s mother.
Since they were already two individuals who shared no bond, he felt there was no need to inform Lenora
Unexpectedly, Lenora had actually met Ezekiel during her university years.
On the day of the video call in Jeahron, Lenora seemed to be in a bad mood. He speculated that she must have discovered Jasmine’s identity.
Just like her, he, too, was a person abandoned by his own father or mother.
Hearing Zachary interrogate her with such a cold indifference, Tamara felt her head buzzing with irritation. “Yes! If it weren’t for that wretched Jasmine seducing Bertram, I would be his wife by now. You would be the young master of the Hoffman family, and everything in the Hoffman family would be yours. Lenora, just like her mother, foolishly thinks she can get by on her looks alone…
When it was time to part, Bertram quietly went to the airport to see her off. He personally told her that he would find a way to bring her and their child back.
She had waited abroad for what seemed like an eternity, only to eventually discover that Bertram had remarried. His new wife was Jasmine, a bargirl with no notable background who had apparently climbed the social ladder through her intimate relations.
How could Tamara willingly admit defeat to such a woman?
Hence, she had done her research on Jasmine early on. She knew that Jasmine had been married back in her hometown and even had a daughter.
She delivered the news to the Hoffman family. Somehow, Jasmine had managed to bewitch Bertram to the extent that, surprisingly, he didn’t pursue a divorce with her.
Later on, it was unexpected that Jasmine’s ex–husband passed away, and due to a series of unforeseen circumstances, their daughter ended up being adopted by the Fuller family.
At first, Tamara merely treated Lenora coldly. Considering Jasmine’s cold–heartedness, living a life of privilege yet never returning to see her daughter, Tamara once felt pity for Lenora.
It wasn’t until after that night that Gerald asked Zachary to marry Lenora.
Tamara couldn’t accept that.
How could the daughter of that despicable Jasmine possibly be a match for her son?
She had finally seen Lenora’s true colors. Just like Jasmine, Lenora was a seductress. On the surface, she appeared to be an innocent damsel, but beneath that facade, she was a temptress luring men in.
“Shut up!” Zachary’s tone was harsh. “You’re still in denial! Bertram’s nature is just like that. A man who cheats within marriage and a man who isn’t loyal. Even if Jasmine didn’t exist, do you think he would have
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married you? Do you think I want to be the young master of the Hoffman family?
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How can you speak of him like that when you’re unaware of the circumstances? That’s your father we’re talking about! His marriage to Rebecca White was nothing more than a marriage of convenience. From the beginning, Rebecca knew about the mutual affection between Bertram and me! She claimed she wouldn’t interfere, yet she was secretly drugging Bertram behind our backs. How else do you explain the existence of Ezekiel, that contemptible b*stard?” Tamara was visibly agitated, her voice seething with
resentment.
If it hadn’t been for Rebecca, how could she and Bertram have parted ways?
Zachary paused.
He wasn’t aware of the past events, nor did he know whether what Tamara had said was true or false.
However, Bertram was definitely not an innocent man.
“I won’t argue with you about this, but I have to tell you this. Lenora is not Jasmine. She is the woman I love. I’ve said all there is to say, and I hope you’ll understand what needs to be done next.”
After he finished speaking, Zachary immediately hung up the phone.
Without a hint of emotion, he took a deep breath, slipped his phone into his pocket, and strode back into the private room.
Back in the private room, Lenora diligently removed fish bones for Harrietta, her head lowered in concentration.
She was engrossed in doing that. The lines of her profile were smooth and graceful. Sunlight streamed through the window, casting a glow on her skin, making her appear fairylike.
Zachary’s restless heart had considerably calmed down.
Lenora carefully placed the deboned fish onto Harrietta’s plate. As she looked up, she found Zachary’s gaze fixed on her, his eyes deep and intense.
She casually picked up a piece of meat and asked, “Why are you looking at me?”
“Nothing.” Zachary averted his gaze.
His gaze was intense, words on the tip of his tongue. “Nora, you…”
He paused halfway through his sentence, pursed his lips, then rephrased, “Johanne’s case has been handed over to the prosecutor’s office. What are your thoughts?
Lenora paused, lowering her gaze as she said, “I don’t have any particular thoughts. I’m just waiting for the verdict
Could you… perhaps give me some time…
“What’s up?” Lenora raised an eyebrow.
“Don’t distance yourself from me because of what happened with Johanne.”
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He hoped she could grant him some time. He was determined to prove that what Johanne had said was true that it was Susanna who was the mastermind behind her father’s death.
Lenora lowered her gaze.
Am I supposed to give him time to overturn Johanne’s case?
Does he really believe that everything Johanne said was the truth?
What reason would Gaston and the police have to frame Johanne?
Especially Gaston… He found himself in a precarious situation, facing a potentially lengthy prison term. The best course of action would be to cooperate with the police and tell the truth in hopes of a lighter sentence. But if he were to lie in front of the police and get caught, the consequences would be unimaginable. If she were in Gaston’s shoes, would she do the same?
Could she still trust Zachary?
Seeing her remain silent, Zachary simply assumed she had agreed.
A few days later, Zachary, in his spare time from work, heard from Miles that Lenora seemed to be selling her car recently.
She owned two luxury cars, both of which could fetch a pretty handsome price.
Was Lenora short of money?
Zachary was momentarily puzzled, instructing Miles to keep a close watch.
Several days had passed when Zachary while reading the newspaper, came across an article. Lenora had donated two hundred million to establish Faith Charity, extending a helping hand to the children left behind in the mountain regions.
At that moment, Zachary’s hand suddenly tightened, crumpling the newspaper into a wad of waste paper in an instant.
Where did Lenora get all that money
from?
Zachary didn’t need to think hard to realize that the two hundred million was the wealth he had given her during their divorce, along with the property left to her by Gerald.
So, was this her purpose for selling the car?
She donated everything that he and Gerald had left for her?
If this happened any other time, Zachary wouldn’t mind Lenora’s charitable acts. However, it just had to be after Johanne’s case was transferred to the prosecutor’s office…
Tamara’s inexplicably surfaced in his mind. How could she possibly not hold a grudge for her father’s murder? You’re the only one still living in a fantasy, believing she could ever be with you!
So, was she trying to sever ties with the Fuller family, trying to distance herself from him as well? Zachary’s fingers abruptly tightened into a fist, his knuckles creaking under the strain. His jaw was
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clenched, and his eyes radiated a deep–seated fury,
Lenora had been extremely busy lately.
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Beyond her acting gigs, she was also receiving more photography invitations. Some insiders recognized her talent, while others, who were just along for the ride, valued the buzz she naturally attracted. Additionally, she was involved in managing her assets and setting up a foundation.
Ever since news spread from the foundation, many people wanted to get involved, hoping to get a piece of the action.
In short, she was incredibly busy.
The social engagements didn’t wrap up until eleven in the evening.
Exhausted, Lenora stepped out of the elevator. She paused abruptly, a smile breaking across her face. “What brings you here?”
Zachary stood tall and imposing, unable to help but let out a cold chuckle. “Of course, I’m here to see you, Ms. Wilkin. What’s this? Are you too busy running your empire to meet with your ex–husband, Ms. Wilkin?”
Lenora gave a faint laugh. “I’ve been quite busy lately, so if there’s nothing else—”
“Were you busy setting up your foundation?” Zachary interrupted her, asking each word deliberately. “Yes.” Lenora nodded calmly, seemingly oblivious to the simmering anger in his eyes.
Zachary advanced a step, his voice heavy with inquiry. So, are you intending to sever ties with me, with the Fuller family?”
