Zoe tried to get up, but the man who tackled her quickly immobilized her, boiling her back and pulling both of her hands behind her. Zoe couldn't shout or do anything; she could only growl while squirming."QUIET!" The man shouted, then pulled Zoe to stand with her hands behind her back. Three or four bodyguards had caught up."Who is she?" One of them asked."She... Oh, right! She's the crazy girl obsessed with Max! Mr. Dacosta showed me her photo!! Luckily, someone recognized her earlier." The man holding her hands removed Zoe's hood, revealing her entire face."Oh, yes. Mr. Dacosta said we should call the police if she shows up." Another man finally recognized Zoe. Dacosta was Billy, and Zoe boiled with anger upon hearing that name.Billy apparently wasn't satisfied with just making false accusations; he also wanted to ensure Zoe didn't interfere with his money-making."I've already called the police. Take her to the front of the park." Another bodyguard chimed in, and Zoe's strugg
"Mr. Wolf!" Someone called as Wolf stepped out of the car. It wasn't strange because they had already arranged to meet."Mr. Harvey." Wolf greeted him, extending his hand for a handshake."Just Cliff. Clay is a friend. Relax." Cliff smiled warmly as his feet kept moving towards the police station. Wolf had asked for Clay's help earlier, remembering he had mentioned having a friend who was a lawyer now living in New York—opening a new law firm here.Wolf had a corporate lawyer on retainer, but only for civil matters; they are not licensed to handle criminal cases. So, he reluctantly sought help. Besides, it was safer this way. Wolf didn't want rumors about him getting married circulating at the company. Becca wouldn't talk about Zoe. He knew the limits of the gossip he could share."What's your relationship with the suspect?" Cliff asked, waving to the police officers, who welcomed them at the entrance."She... is my wife." There was a brief pause as Wolf considered whether it was safe
But no words were heard from Wolf's lips after that. When Zoe glanced, Wolf wasn't even looking at her.Wolf was half-focused on Cliff, who was still flipping through documents in his hands. Despite the possibility that the restraining order had been denied, Cliff seemed to be exploring another avenue. Therefore, Wolf waited without causing a scene."Miss Anderson hasn't violated this restraining order before this, has she?" Cliff asked."No. There have been no violation reports before today," said the police officer."And today's violation occurred in Central Park. Miss Anderson can't be charged for this."The police officer immediately frowned. "What do you mean she can't be charged? It's clear she can. Miss Anderson was near Maxwell Taylor, less than a hundred meters away.""But she was in a public facility. Central Park, where hundreds of people come and go every day. While here, it clearly states 'approaching in private space.'"Cliff showed the document in his hand for the offic
"I apologize. Nice to meet both of you," Cliff finally excused himself hurriedly, feeling that he had made a mistake.As soon as Cliff was out of sight, Wolf immediately grabbed Zoe's hand and led her towards the car. No one spoke until Wolf started the car. Zoe, of course, just kept her head down. She had no idea how Wolf would react to this unfortunate situation."Can your condition be cured or not? This stalking, do you need to see a psychiatrist?" Wolf asked, finally breaking the silence."Hmm..." Zoe shook her head, forming an X with her hands, indicating that she doesn't have a stalking hobby."DON'T LIE TO ME! Do you think I would believe this?!" Wolf shouted, throwing the piece of paper that Zoe handed to Cliff earlier.Zoe's reasons meant nothing to Wolf because, as far as he knew, Zoe had a habit of stalking. And Zoe didn't have a good reason to cover it up. Clearly, she couldn't say anything because her plan had already been set in motion."What do you like about her? Of al
"Remember, you should not do things that make me bothered."Wolf brought his face close to Zoe's ear as he spoke. He wanted Zoe to truly hear him and imprint his words in her mind.Zoe nodded while pulling her head away due to the ticklish sensation."Who said you could move? I just reminded you about obedience!" Wolf hissed, pulling Zoe's waist closer until it hit his thighs.Wolf brushed away Zoe's hair that hung on his shoulder, gently massaging Zoe's nape. It wasn't an affectionate touch; Zoe didn't feel any love in that touch. It was the touch a wolf gives to its prey before devouring it. Not a soothing touch, just a threat."You're the one who made that agreement... You traded your status as a free human for power. I don't care how you use it, but it will be a problem if you use it to stalk."Zoe lowered her head with folded hands. Her body shivered, alert but cornered. She was indeed careless. She shouldn't have been greedy and approached Max without careful preparation."I'll
Zoe knew she was supposed to be experiencing an extraordinary part of life, but she couldn't enjoy it at all.She had been trembling almost non-stop since the plane she was on took off, even after landing again. Zoe missed her first experience on a private jet because she was too scared.The uncertainty about her fate made Zoe too anxious. The vivid memory of Wolf saying he wanted to make money from her lingered in her mind. Zoe knew she could only make money from one thing because she had no other skills that could generate income—except selling her body. Harsh, but that was the reality she acknowledged.Zoe doubted that Wolf would only sell her for stripping. He wouldn't have brought her this far just for that.Zoe began to consider whether the revenge she wanted to take was worth what she was about to do. She wanted revenge but never intended to stoop to prostitution.What she was about to do to Wolf might be almost similar, but Zoe did it knowing she would get more than money in r
"What's wrong with you? This is just a hospital. I'm not really going to sell your organs!" Wolf exclaimed, puzzled by her fear.[They'll catch me! I ran away with a huge debt! I don't want to be in the hospital!] Zoe typed anxiously.Even though they were in a different state now, a hospital was still a hospital to Zoe. She worried that the hospital she was in before might have connections with the one in front of them. She didn't want to be in that place."I just want you to meet someone. There is no need to register or do anything. Your name won't show up in the hospital system. There's no need to be afraid like this. Nothing will happen to you here."Wolf tried to reassure her while shaking his head. His patience was truly being tested, as was Zoe's. Her emotions were in turmoil, switching between fear, humiliation, relief, and then panic."Come down! Let's go in." Wolf, who had already stepped out and stood by the open door, bowed while waving his hand, urging Zoe to come down.B
Zoe looked down again and gripped Wolf's thigh, urging him to leave the doctor's office.Of course, Wolf didn't budge to fulfill Zoe's request. Instead, he held Zoe's cold hand. Zoe tried to pull her hand away, wanting to convey that she really wanted to leave.However, Wolf's grip was not only firm but also tender. He caressed Zoe's hand, rubbing the back of it and gently stroking the palm. Providing a more soothing touch, coaxing with a touch that was both comforting and persuasive.The ticklish and warm sensation made Zoe's heart race, not out of fear anymore. Zoe might have sighed, if not for the doctor, who was enthusiastically explaining, mentioning his name in full.Zoe pressed her lips tightly afterward, glancing at Wolf. Who, of course, had an impassive expression. Not even a blink when looking at Howard."I remember who you are. Zoe Anderson. I can't forget it. It's been a while, but I still remember because it's too unique. Wait!"Howard shifted to the computer in front of
"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,