"Of course, anything." Zoe nodded without hesitation. She would never refuse Jacob's request for help.
"Mmm... Could you tell Wolf to stop asking me to work with Iris?" Jacob pleaded earnestly."Oh..." Zoe had never expected Jacob's request to take that form."I know this is very low. Trust me, if I weren't desperate, I wouldn't ask this of you." Jacob leaned against the lift wall, looking increasingly weary."Is she that bad?" Zoe asked.She knew Iris's character, but Zoe hoped that in matters of work, Iris would behave better. But seeing Jacob's desperate state, Zoe knew her assumption was naive."Yes! I've never met such a stubborn singer. She refuses to listen to what I want, always undermines every decision I make, and never fails to criticize every piece of music I create. How can I work with a singer who refuses to listen to me and doesn't respect me at all? Just imagine it. Imagine how difficult it is for me!" Jacob poured out his heart, leavingZoe bit her lip to stifle a moan. It was almost unbearable because Wolf was truly demanding."I miss everything..." Wolf whispered, kissing Zoe's neck repeatedly and inhaling the air around him, savoring the scent he desired so much."Hmm..." Zoe just sighed, forgetting the reluctance she had shown yesterday when Wolf asked them to sleep together at the office. This time, Zoe chose to surrender.But then she shrieked, and her face turned to panic as she felt a bump on her back. Her back blocked someone who was attempting to open the door."Who?!" Zoe asked anxiously, straightening her clothes while her back continued to hold the door shut, preventing it from opening. Giving Wolf the chance to quickly sit in front of the computer so as not to look suspicious."Umm... Michael, sound engineering." Confused answers could be heard from outside.They were going to record for the album today—several songs if all went smoothly, so it couldn't be just Wolf
"Are you still here?" Iris looked at Wolf in surprise.Like Michael earlier, Iris knew Wolf's habit of leaving first when recording. After Michael left, she thought it would only be Loria alone. Wolf's presence didn't fit her expectations."What's it to you if I'm still here? Do I need your permission to be here?" Wolf asked sharply. This was the second time he failed to sleep with Zoe—after so long, it was clear his mood was sour."It's not like that... Mm... I just wanted to meet Loria. We had plans." Iris made up an excuse while pointing at Zoe. Iris looked at Zoe, widening her eyes and blinking rapidly. She wanted Zoe to lie with her."Oh? You have plans with her?" Wolf turned to Zoe, trying to hold back his laughter because Iris's excuse was obviously ridiculous. Iris certainly never thought there was even a possibility that Zoe would make plans with her.Zoe also understood what Iris wanted when she blinked rapidly, but there was no way Zoe would
"Do not... You work first, then go home." Zoe pulled back her protest and tried to understand."I know that..." Wolf spoke weakly, leaning his forehead against Zoe's shoulder. He inhaled the scent, but he couldn't yet enjoy it this time. He couldn't avoid the remaining work today, as it was already overflowing from other days. His responsibilities were piling up."You go home; in one or two hours, maybe I'll follow," Wolf said, after satisfying himself a little—very little—with inhaling Zoe's body scent."Okay." Zoe hugged the large body leaning on her, then rubbed her head against Wolf's cheek."Don't tease me anymore!" Wolf snorted as he moved away from Zoe."I'm not teasing!" Zoe laughed, denying it while tickled. She hadn't planned to tease. It was just a farewell."Go home before I come up with another idea," Wolf said, whispering and nibbling Zoe's cheek lightly."You're the one teasing yourself." Wolf reminded Zoe by not letting
"Huk!" The next second, Zoe almost vomited as she took a breath; the dirty and foul-smelling smell made her stomach upset."That's what you get for daring to cross me!"Zoe wiped her face to see more clearly who was yelling at her. Iris was standing near the door with a bucket in her hand."Iris? What...""That foul odor suits you well, given that you dared to wag your tail in an attempt to seduce the man of another woman!" Iris jeered again."I... seduce who?" Zoe didn't know who Iris was referring to; she just couldn't believe someone was accusing her of seducing Max. It was too absurd."Maxwell Taylor! I know you've been trying to steal him from me!" Iris snapped."Are you insane?!"Zoe would have been more accepting if Iris's anger was about Wolf, because it would make more sense. What Iris was doing now made her not only possess bad qualities but also appear unintelligent. Zoe was genuinely astonished by the woman's relentless effor
Once again, Wolf's appearance surprised everyone, including Zoe.She didn't really need Wolf's help, but since he was there, she would use it to perfect the drama.As soon as Wolf looked at her, Zoe, still sobbing, immediately turned behind the security guard next to her. Pretending to be embarrassed and hiding her messy face and body is a characteristic of someone greatly oppressed."What did you do to her?!" Wolf automatically turned and glared sharply at Iris.Wolf could tell from Zoe's soaked and crying state that something big had just happened because of Iris."It's not my fault! I was just defending myself because that cheap woman tried to steal my boyfriend."Iris harshly mentioned things that would make Zoe look bad, as there were still many recording the incident. Although security had already come out and dispersed the crowd to keep them away,."What did Loria do?" Wolf, of course, wanted to laugh at Iris's outcry. Like Zoe earlier, he d
"You! Tell Loria to meet me after she finishes cleaning up!" Wolf requested one of the staff—whatever department—as he hurriedly walked towards the elevator. The woman nodded and followed Wolf to the lift.Wolf deliberately spoke loudly to give the impression that he would also reprimand Zoe, not just Iris, for causing trouble.Actually, Wolf wanted to follow Zoe to her studio, but that would be too conspicuous. Wolf was sure the eighth floor must be chaotic by now because it was crowded. Surely, many people had spread the news about what had happened. So Wolf couldn't risk approaching Zoe directly by entering her studio.Wolf could also message Zoe, asking her to come upstairs, but it would be strange if Zoe met him without a clear command. Wolf insisted loudly to dispel all suspicion—so that people would see and no further questions would arise.After the employee he had instructed left on the eighth floor, Wolf continued
"You're alright, aren't you? Can you still speak? Do I need to call Sara?"After embracing Zoe, Wolf proceeded to check her body, something he had wanted to do since earlier. He wanted to know if Iris had hurt Zoe."Wolf, I just got splashed with water. I'm not injured," Zoe explained, puzzled as to why Wolf seemed panicked."Wait! Did you really think I was crying and in pain earlier?" Zoe asked, trying to hold back laughter.Wolf, who was examining Zoe's arm, immediately stopped moving and looked at Zoe."You weren't really crying?" To Wolf, Zoe had seemed so convincing earlier, especially when she hid her face behind her back, looking very pitiful."Could my acting deceive you? I wasn't crying," Zoe said incredulously.She then widened her eyes with her fingers, showing her clear eyes. There was no redness or puffiness, just a different color because Zoe hadn't worn soft lenses yet.That's why Zoe had a bit of trouble when she was about to leave the bathroom earlier, knowing she wo
Zoe lifted her messy head, her eyes still half-closed, her hand reaching out to grab her phone buzzing near her head."Who could be calling you so early in the morning?" Wolf, who was embracing Zoe's body, naturally woke up too, though he kept his eyes shut."Maybe it's Tiana," mumbled Zoe.She remembered that Tiana had tried to reach her last night, but Zoe, who had seen the missed call, hadn't had the chance to call back because Wolf kept her 'busy', even after they arrived home. Zoe had slept soundly afterwards."Yes? What's up?" Zoe asked, placing the phone in her ear and closing her eyes again."Loria? Are you okay? I'm sorry. I never imagined Iris would do that." Max's voice came through the line.Zoe opened her eyes, realizing that the caller wasn't Tiana. Zoe cursed inwardly upon seeing Max's name on her phone screen. Knowing she wouldn't answer the call, she let it ring."I had no idea Iris could be so ruthless. I truly regret it, Loria,"
"LORIA MOREAU!"Zoe froze. She heard her name, but couldn't believe it was hers."Wake up, baby. And smile. It’s yours."Wolf's whisper finally stirred emotions in Zoe. She blushed with emotion, only able to stand when Wolf helped her. Unfortunately, Wolf couldn't escort her to the stage.Luckily, Syanne's hand was there to assist her, followed by Jacob, who was closest to the stage, helping her navigate the stairs to reach the top.Zoe expressed her gratitude several times to the person presenting her award before finally standing in front of the microphone to deliver her speech.Zoe took a few deep breaths, wiping away tears, before finally being able to address the camera and the patiently waiting audience."This is something I never dreamed of, standing here and receiving this." Zoe glanced down at the trophy in her hands once more and smiled."I... I once buried this dream. I no longer hoped to sing, let alone receive this. Not long
Zoe did something that Wolf would not like. She wouldn't lie, but she would inform him later, once the task was complete. Zoe wants to handle this herself without anyone else's interference.Of course, it's not easy. She walks with an anxious heart. Zoe adjusts her sunglasses several times on her nose, while her other hand carries a beautiful pink flower and gift box.Zoe feels anxious, knowing that people will recognize her when she enters later. But she's resigned. It's not possible to hide her identity now, considering the person she's going to meet.Approaching the counter after filling out a form with the prisoner's name and number, Zoe submits it."Please wait over there. We'll call you," says the prison guard behind the counter.He stares at Zoe several times as another guard checks Zoe's belongings—making sure no contraband is smuggled, glancing to confirm—even reading her name on the form but doesn't comment.Relieved—because
"Here." Wolf handed the cup to Zoe.Zoe wanted to take it, but her hands were still busy responding to messages on her phone."Cliff really doesn't have a girlfriend, does he?" Zoe asked."Hm? Why are you asking?" Wolf asked suspiciously."For Sara. She wanted to confirm this because she doesn't believe someone like Cliff is still single.Zoe sighed, showing the message Sara sent to her. Showing that she wasn't lying. She was indeed asking for Sara, not for herself."Not yet. According to Clay, he used to have one—a journalist or an MC, if I'm not mistaken. But they broke up when Cliff was about to move here. Either he moved and then they broke up, or they broke up and then he moved."Wolf just repeated Clay's words, of course. And now Zoe repeated them in the form of a message to Sara and sent it to reassure her."How do you know these details?" After sending the message and taking her cup, Zoe asked in amazement. The knowle
"Should have been in jail..."Max denied reality once again. For him, Loria still couldn't possibly be Zoe because she should have been in jail."You're endlessly foolish!" Billy slammed the table and went berserk.He grabbed Max by the collar with his handcuffs. Of course, chaos ensued immediately, and shouts erupted as the police guarding the area rushed in to subdue Billy, pinning him to the ground.But evidently, Billy was truly furious with Max, as he continued to resist and curse at Max even while being held down."YOUR STUPIDITY KNOWS NO BOUNDS!""SILENCE!"The judge's thundering voice overshadowed Billy's outburst. Not only Billy fell silent, but also the journalists and spectators who were making noise."Once again, if anyone disturbs me, I will reschedule this trial! UNDERSTOOD?!"The silence in the room signified that they all understood."Take him out. Mr. Dacosta, I'll make sure your charges include this incident. Assaul
The prosecutor began with standard questions, asking about Sara's background—education, how long she had been a psychiatrist, and so on. Only after that did she mention Zoe."Since when has Ms. Zoe Anderson been your patient?" the prosecutor asked."For over a year," Sara replied clearly. Gone was the cheerful demeanor she usually wore when facing patients."Can you explain Ms. Anderson's condition at that time?""Zoe came with a desire to heal because she suffered severe trauma that was very visible and prevented her from leading a normal life.""Could you please explain more about that trauma?"Sara nodded calmly because everything matched the expectations given by Cliff."Zoe came in a state where she couldn't speak, but medical examinations showed that Zoe didn't have any physical injuries anymore. The absence of any disturbances in her nerves confirmed that her inability to speak was a result of PTSD. Severe trauma due to a bad incident
"That's... Strange. You must be kidding!" Iris shook her head vigorously while staring at Zoe from head to toe, trying to recognize her as the same person she saw before with Max."Have I ever joked when talking to you?" Wolf replied flatly, pulling a chair for Zoe. The chair is furthest from Iris. She was still at a loss for words and kept staring at Zoe."Are you really Zoe Anderson?" Iris continued to stare at Zoe."Yes, before I changed my name to Loria Moreau, that was also my name." Zoe replied calmly. The apprehension that had plagued her earlier had vanished.The meeting with Iris might have been unexpected and almost annoying, but Zoe felt empowered, knowing that she was currently in control.Seeing Iris's surprise, Zoe felt satisfaction. A victory for successfully showing her new self to Iris. Zoe was no longer the disheveled individual she had encountered, who garnered disdain due to her perceived inferiority."That's impossible! You don't lo
Zoe smoothed her cream-colored skirt and blazer. Darcy's choice, so Zoe wouldn't appear intimidating or grim.She felt nervous, as she could see from a distance how journalists were crowding in front of the courthouse. They were undoubtedly waiting for the enigmatic figure of Zoe Anderson. There were no images of Zoe in the news because there was no documentation of Zoe's case.Due to her prior injuries and hospitalization, Zoe did not attend the trial as a suspect. No one recorded her face or bothered to find out at the hospital because the case clearly made her a suspect.Zoe also ran her fingers through her hair, which was back to being blonde. She wasn't wearing a wig today. It was the first time she would appear without her black hair, and honestly, it made Zoe even more nervous. It felt like she was removing the mask that had protected her. Zoe would be Zoe in front of everyone, no longer Loria.Wolf, who had been observing Zoe's nervousness, said, "Your be
"He's trying to save himself! So cunning!" Wolf hissed irritably.It was clear from Iris's statement that she only wanted to save herself by blaming Max and Billy."She made them look like she was under pressure to hide the truth about Zoe. Iris then used that pressure as an excuse to justify all her strange actions. She hid from her mistakes by using mental health as an excuse." Sara shook her head, looking annoyed. She was obviously upset when someone used mental health as a lie."She managed to escape using a lifeboat before her ship really sank." Cliff looked at Iris, who continued to sob and cry amidst her words."It doesn't matter. Let it be," Zoe said, folding her arms and staring at the television without blinking."What do you mean, let it be? She's lying again!" Wolf also pointed to the television with a disapproving face."At least she has been honest, especially about me. Whatever she said makes things right; just let it be," Zoe repeated.
"Why so fast?" Zoe stared at the summons she had received in panic.When Benson mentioned that she would receive a summons to attend court, Zoe assumed the trial would take place maybe around one or two months later, but it turned out to be only three days later and effective in two days."I think Benson waited until his file was complete before calling you. That's why now he just has to submit it to the court, and the schedule comes down immediately," Cliff explained. He took the letter from her hand to examine it."I only have to come once, right?"Zoe asked to confirm, as she really didn't want to attend the trial multiple times."Yes, that's why I asked to meet with the psychiatrist who treated you. I need to ask them to answer questions about your condition well. They have to give the right answers for the judge to grant the request," Cliff explained today's plan."I think they'll be here soon. She said they still had a patient earlier,