Zoe, who was also very surprised, momentarily froze. But as the apartment door swung open, Zoe pushed Wolf until he fell behind the sofa next to the dining table."Stay there!" Zoe hissed, just as Darcy peeked in and stepped inside with cheerfulness."Morning! Wow, you're already ready. I thought I'd have to wake you up," greeted Darcy cheerfully.Wolf had chosen the right type of manager for Zoe. Darcy was very cheerful but firm, balancing Zoe, who sometimes still felt awkward and shy when facing new environments."Yes, I'm ready." Zoe nodded stiffly."Oh? Did you make breakfast? I thought we were going to have breakfast outside." Darcy exclaimed, pointing and approaching the dining table."No!" Zoe panicked, jumping up, startling Darcy and stopping her in her tracks. It was so close. Just a little more, and Darcy would have seen a half-naked man lying on the floor—Wolf."Why? Is something wrong?" Darcy asked, confused."No, nothing's wrong. I mean, no, we're not having breakfast. Le
"Wolf, of course, could only gape in disbelief.Pro bono cases are cases in which a lawyer will handle clients who are unable to afford legal representation. Usually, the police appoint them. Handling so many pro bono cases is an act of charity that can be considered very rare. Cliff's choice was clearly unusual for a lawyer."So, what do you want to consult about? Sorry, but I have another appointment shortly."Cliff looked genuinely regretful."It's Zoe's case. My wife.""Oh, so you finally accepted the divorce?"Regardless of Cliff's behavior, like an angel—willing to handle many pro bono cases—Wolf still wanted to throw the staples on the table at his face.The remark was too bold and sensitive."Didn't Zoe tell you that the divorce was off? There's no divorce whatsoever. Zoe is still married to me!" Wolf retorted."Oh, sorry. I thought Zoe changed her mind. These things happen often. Many women want a divorce but then change their minds. Then they filed for divorce again. It happ
Initially, it felt unreal. A stunning daytime dream. But slowly, Zoe returned to reality as the person in front of her continued to ask questions. Although Zoe had to force herself several times to stay focused on answering the questions, slowly she became comfortable and enjoyed it.Margot, the person interviewing her, was very calm. She didn't ask much beyond what had been agreed upon earlier. The interview session lasted about thirty minutes and was nearly over. For her first experience of a live interview, Zoe felt not bad at all."I'm sure many people were surprised to hear you joining Wolf, especially after Mr. Wolf said he wasn't aiming for the champion of that event to join his company. But in the end, you joined him. What do you think about this?"Zoe smiled. That was a question not on the list, but she could still answer it while also clarifying things for Wolf."But Mr. Wolf wasn't looking for a champion. I received the offer before the final night happened."Margot immedia
"I received an offer from Mr. Wolf a few days before the final happened."Emily's eyes widened."You're close to him," Emily hissed, straightening her back.She no longer wondered. She had found out who the woman Wolf cared about was.But the fact that she had found the woman didn't make Emily happy, because she also saw how the woman turned out to be close to Wolf. The woman wasn't just passing by.Seeing how the woman still talked about Wow with a nonchalant tone—not with hatred like other women of Wolf's when they were heartbroken—Emily knew that the woman was different.Emily reached for her phone, trying to contact Wolf, of course. But the result was still the same—not connected. Wolf still blocked her number."Give me your phone!" Emily demanded, pointing at Cade, who had just arrived with wine for her.Cade looked surprised but handed her his phone.Unfortunately, that method didn't work either. Wolf wouldn't easily accept an unfamiliar number contacting him."DAMN!Emily threw
"Cut!"Zoe sighed and lifted her head upon hearing the shout, signaling the end of the recording. The camera had stopped rolling."Thank you." Zoe bowed several times, expressing her gratitude to all the staff who had been involved in the filming process.Her kindness was, of course, reciprocated and warmly welcomed by all the crew. It was rare to find any artist or singer willing to thank the crew and staff behind the scenes for their hard work. Usually, artists tend to feel more important than anything else because they are the center of attention in their work. But Zoe was different.And this wasn't the first time Zoe had done this. Wherever her work took her, Zoe would always do the same thing after finishing. She'd express her thanks to everyone. Zoe was never met with any unpleasant responses."That was amazing. Even though it was just a recording, I could feel the power of your voice." Darcy praised Zoe as she followed Zoe into the dressing room."Thank you. It was still lackin
"Hi!" Zoe tried to greet Max as warmly as possible."Remember, it will only be a short while. Loria needs to leave soon," Darcy reminded, and this time Zoe had to thank her. The reason for the meeting not being prolonged had become apparent."Yes, I understand." Max smiled in agreement, and then Darcy left them."I'm sorry I couldn't respond to all your messages." Zoe spoke softly and politely. She couldn't just snap or shoo Max away.Zoe apologized even though she wasn't sorry because she didn't want anyone overhearing Max's complaints about her unanswered messages. Zoe didn't want any misunderstandings to arise."No problem. I understand," Max smiled understandingly."I've seen how busy you've been performing here and there. I understand why you couldn't reply to my messages. I'd be the same when I'm really busy."Zoe didn't want to hear that understanding. She assumed Max would give up and stop sending messages.After her agreement with Wol
"You're late coming home!" Iris greeted Max as he entered."Yeah, the shoot took forever. There were so many singers involved, so we had to wait in line," Max explained as he slumped down next to Iris, who was sitting on the sofa with a beer can in her hand."Oh, you must be tired," Iris replied, taking a sip of beer from her hand."Yeah, that's how it goes. But...""But it's strange. You should have been home ages ago," Iris interrupted."What do you mean?""One of my friends also participated in the event, and according to her, the shoot ended at 8 p.m."Max, who was taking off his shoes, paused for a moment, then placed his shoes on the floor."Maybe the queues were different, so she could go home earlier. I...""Ridiculous. Do you think I'll just believe that?!" Iris snapped.After receiving a call from one of her friends earlier, she had obviously done more research. She asked another friend and got more detailed information abo
"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, leaving
"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,