Chapter 309
Over the years, the layout of the Zamora family estate had remained largely unchanged.
Verena had lost count of how many times she’d visited the Zamora family, always showing up as Led’s secretary
She’d thought this time would be different, that her status would finally change, but she never expected the Blanchard family to step in and stop her.
Verena took a deep breath, clenching her fists. No matter what, she was determined to make Victor officially recognized as a member of the Zamora family.
She picked up the silverware from the floor and started toward the kitchen
Just then, Victor took her hand to stop her.
“Mom…” Leo called out.
‘Doesn’t she realize everyone here is just trying to put her down? Victor thought.
Especially Bette. She was clearly making his mom do chores fit for a maid.
Verena frowned and gave Victor a gentle shake of her head. She walked into the kitchen, and soon came back with a brand- new set of silverware, handing it to Bette.
“Bette, here are your silverware,” Verena said.
Bette glanced over, took the silverware from Verena, and gave her a faint smile. She said softly, “Thank you, Verena.
“If you ever retire from working for my dad and still want to keep working, why not consider taking a job here at the Zamor
estate?
“Didn’t you always dream of living with the Zamora family? Well, joining us this way would make that wish come true, just in a different role.”
Verena’s face turned ghostly pale. Even though Bette was clearly trying to humiliate her, she kept up appearances with a faint smile and said quietly, “Thank you for the suggestion, Bette. I’ll think about it.”
Bette let out a soft laugh, pulled her gaze away from Verena, and shot a glance at Leo, who was sitting across from her.
Leo was giving her a warning look, basically telling her to dial it down with the public shaming of Verena.
Bette had grown up in the Blanchard family, and when it came to her father Leo, there wasn’t a shred of respect, just deep- seated disgust.
But with the two families so tangled up, she had to play nice and keep up appearances, no matter how fake it felt.
But today, Leo actually wanted to have Victor listed under my mom’s name.
Bette had stopped bothering to keep up the act ages ago.
“Dad, are your eyes acting up? Want me to get a doctor to take a look?” Bette said.
As soon as Bette spoke, all eyes landed on Leo.
Leo exhaled slowly and replied in a steady voice, “Bette, no matter what, Verena is an elder to you. She’s your brother’s 1/4
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mother. You shouldn’t bou her wound like few’s the help!
Bette you died with a little “cht and smiled.
She wid, ‘Me? Treat her like a mate I don’t think so.
Dad, don’t blame me. Everyone here saw it, including all the uncles, Verena picked up the silverware herself and went so t kitchen to get me a new set
“If Verena wants to play the servant for the Zamora family, that’s her choice, not mine?
Led’s expression grew grim as he remembered what Verena had just done, his hand tightening around his fork
Bette’s lips curled into a faint smile as the glanced at Harris, wated at the head of the table.
“Grandpa, why don’t you be the judge here? Bette said with a sweet smile.
Led’s face darkened, he wasn’t in the mood to hear any more of Harris’s criticism right now, so he cut in his voice low, “Alright, it’s not a big deal just giving you a heads–up, that’s all
“Let’s keep quiet and just eat?
Bette arched an eyebrow, flashing a winner’s grin, and didn’t forget to address Verena standing right beside her.
“Verena, don’t get too close to me, alright? Or my dad might randomly blow up at me again for no reason, Bette said, her tone dripping with mock concern.
Leo shot Bette a glare, obviously fed up with her refusal to just drop it and let things be.
Bette couldn’t care less about how he felt; she just kept acting however she pleased.
With her maternal grandfather present, the knew Leo wouldn’t dare lay a finger on her.
In the end, the meal wrapped up with Leo left embarrassed, while Verena and Victor didn’t get to eat a single bite.
Victor was boiling with frustration. He wasn’t even hungry anymore, but being forced to sit there and wait while everyone ignored him was the last straw. He couldn’t take it, so he got up and stormed out.
Verena saw him leave and quickly rushed to catch up.
“Victor…” Verena called after him, her voice soft and anxious.
Victor hadn’t gone far. He just stepped out into the yard to light up a cigarette.
Seeing Victor hadn’t actually left the Zamora estate, Verena breathed a quiet sigh of relief. She walked over and spoke to him softly, trying to calm him down.
“Victor, I know you’ve had to put up with a lot today, but if you can just get through this, you’ll finally be officially recognized as part of the Zamora family.
“Your grandpa’s just testing you, seeing how much patience you’ve got. You’ve got to hang in there. If you crack now, this whole trip will have been for nothing”
Victor just grunted and took a long, hard drag from his cigarette.
He glanced back at the house, his eyes burning with a resolve he’d never felt before.
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Chapter 309
“Mom, don’t worry. I promise I’ll get what’s rightfully yours and put it in your hands myself, Victor said, his were drady unwavering.
Verena smiled gently, pride shining in her eyes.
She said with a smile, “My son really has grown up. You know how to care about your mom now
“When the time comes, we’ll share the fruits of our hard work together.”
Verena’s voice was gentle, but the look she shot at the Zamora estate was anything but soft, her eyes glinted with pore malice.
Once dinner was over, everyone made their way back to the living room.
Most folks figured Verena and Victor had already taken off, but to everyone’s surprise, when they came out of the dining room, Verena and Victor were still there, waiting for them.
Harris was sitting in the living room, chatting with everyone for a while. After taking his meds, he started to feel drowsy an said he was going to get some rest. He even offered to set up a guest room for Durif.
Durif just waved him off.
He gave Victor and Verena a quick look before speaking evenly.
“Harris, I’ve said my piece. Whatever you do next, that’s up to the Zamora family.
“I won’t intrude any further. I’ll be heading out now.”
Harris listened to Durif’s words, stayed quiet for a few seconds, and didn’t try to keep him.
He just nodded with a smile and said, “I get what you mean. Once all this is settled, let’s have a proper cup of coffee together just the two of us.”
Durif just said, “Sounds good,” and got up.
Harris turned to Daron and said in a low voice, “Daron, walk your grandpa out.”
Daron nodded.
“Sure thing, Grandpa,” he replied.
After answering Harris, he got up and walked Durif out of the Zamora estate.
Durif’s car was already waiting. Daron opened the door for him, and as Durif bent down to get in, he glanced at Daron and said in a low voice, “Looks like your grandpa’s getting senile. Can’t believe he’d let things fall apart like this.”
Daron replied quietly, “He’s just pissed at me right now, that’s all.”
Durif frowned, his voice serious as he said, “Why? Is it because of your marriage?”
Daron nodded. “Yes.”
Durif let out a cold snort, his words laced with mockery.
“Honestly, the Zamora family is just a bunch of old relics, living in the past and clueless about anything new. The Finley family’s two daughters? Each one is top–notch. They really can’t see quality when it’s right in front of them.”
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With that Dunt pulled the car door dut and said in a low, serious voice,
You can head back now. Bring her home for dinner sometime.
And make sure you look out for her. Don’t let those old togeys push her around”
Daron gave a simple “Yes” and watched Durif’s car drive away.
