Chapter 93

Zane looked down at me, his handsome face expressionless in the dim light. He probably thought I was just putting on an act to gain sympathy. I gritted my teeth and struggled to get up. He didn't say a word and walked toward the front hall. I followed him, limping painfully on my injured knee. His imposing figure radiated a cold, distant air. I kept a cautious distance, careful not to get too close or fall too far behind. The guests had gathered in the front hall, waiting for the event to officially start. As soon as Zane and I arrived, someone sneered and said, "Oh, look at that—now that Zane's successful, he's acting so high and mighty, making everyone wait for him." The speaker was a lavishly dressed woman. Isaac tugged at her, saying, "Don't say that, Mom. I'm sure Zane was busy with something." I realized she must be Zane's stepmother—Lucy. She seemed pretty hard to get along with. No wonder his childhood had been so difficult. Scoffing, Lucy said, "But it is true. What