Zoe gasped as a doctor suddenly burst into her room. There should be no more doctors coming. She would be home any minute.Zoe was even more confused when the doctor looked around her room-checking things out. Zoe wanted to ask what he wanted but still didn't have the tools to speak. Earlier, Wolf had taken care of all her needs so she could go home soon.But fortunately, the bespectacled doctor was quick to reveal what she wanted."Excuse me, but where is your husband?" he asked.Zoe pointed outside. She was explaining that Wolf was taking care of the paperwork.The doctor looked relieved, then held out something. It was a small sheet of paper that Zoe readily accepted. It was a business card from a Foundation for the Protection of Children and Women. Zoe read the information on the card and also the phone number.But of course, she still didn't understand why the doctor gave it to her. Zoe looked at him while raising an eyebrow full of questions."You just call that number if you fe
Zoe stopped her car and parked it neatly, a little far from her destination, but on purpose.The car she was driving was too flashy because it belonged to Wolf. When Zoe told Stefan she was leaving without a ride, that was the car he gave her. A black sports car, which Zoe was sure was worth about ten years' rent.Her old car would be less noticeable, but Zoe had left it in the parking lot of Tiana's club. She might pick it up later. Using Wolf's car was incredible but scary at the same time. Zoe was afraid she'd make a scratch on the body, which would cost the equivalent of a year's rent.Zoe carried her backpack and then pulled her hoody over her head. She had to hide her face. It was good that it was still winter, although it was no longer snowing. Her covered appearance would not attract suspicion.Zoe's destination was a cafe with an aesthetic setting at the end of the street. The restaurant was bustling with customers queuing up at the cash register and those sitting down to enj
As soon as she got home, Zoe ran straight to her room. Which, of course, was empty. As far as Zoe knew, Wolf wouldn't be coming home for the next few days.This time, Zoe confirmed with Stefan that the information was accurate. Wolf had left about three days ago. He was scheduled to be out of New York for a week.Zoe grabbed her old laptop and sat down on the sofa. Turning it on, she waited impatiently for the slow booting process, then quickly typed in the web address on the browser page.Zoe was aiming for a page where fans of artists used to meet and give each other opinions about their favorite celebrities. It's like a web for fans to share anything about celebrities. Starting from actors, actresses, celebgrams and of course singers.Zoe quickly found Iris' fan page. There was quite a lot of traffic because Iris is a famous singer. Her fans were still very excited.Zoe created an ID from a new email and logged in with the most random alias. She chose the most crowded gossip topics
Wolf tapped his hand on the table impatiently. The person he was waiting for hadn't arrived yet. He hated latecomers the most.Wolf glanced at his phone and saw Clay's name floating on the surface. It's not bad to pass the time instead of getting in a bad mood."What's wrong?" asked Wolf, lifting his feet onto the table. "What's wrong with you! You're the one who forgot the doctor's appointment. He said you had an appointment and didn't answer his call! He called my wife to ask earlier!" Clay ranted.Wolf took a moment to check his notifications; indeed, there were several missed calls from unfamiliar numbers. Of course, the rings were ignored by Wolf. But apparently, that call was important. He would save the number for later."I completely forgot. Could you please convey my apologies to her? I'll make an appointment another day," Wolf said."Okay, but what's wrong? You don't usually forget appointments," Clay asked in disbelief."There's a problem with Iris. I need to get back to N
But Wolf couldn't possibly do that. A lot of money was at stake."Now you'd better go out and make an apology that shows you're sorry." Wolf said everything in a low tone, which could be dangerous because it also meant a threat. "I don't care about your spoiled attitude. If you make this kind of foolishness again, don't expect me to bury your rottenness. Let's just say your hard work will be in vain."Iris looked pale, but she nodded and walked out. Wolf certainly hoped she could properly organize her sentence later, choosing a wrenching sentence. Someone would help, but the result would depend on Iris's acting. Wolf hoped that an apology would make things calmer.Wolf waved at Becca, told her to come closer, then patted her thigh.Becca smiled cheerfully, then sat on Wolf's lap with both hands automatically wrapped around his neck. "Do you need to channel your stress?" Becca asked. Wriggling seductively while Wolf fingered her thighs and squeezed her ass.Becca sighed and started
Zoe laughed silently as she watched Iris apologize while sobbing. Her crying was very convincing, not to mention her face looked remorseful. Many people naturally believed the apology.They believed her when she said she was fatigued and weak from the cold. The right reason, followed by a tearful apology, is compelling.Many fans on the forum where Zoe uploaded the video yesterday have posted an apology and praised her for having the courage to admit her mistake, understanding her grievances at the time, and asking everyone to stop bashing her, as well as a request to stop sharing the snippet of the video Zoe uploaded.Zoe deleted her thread and even the account she used to post the video. The person who downloaded the video and shared it is no longer her. Zoe didn't have to go to the length of spreading the word, as human nature generally loves juicy gossip, which helped her.Zoe now uses another account to surf the forum and is very satisfied with all the comments she has read.Alth
Zoe typed for a long time, not because the text was long, but because she deleted it several times. It wasn't easy to talk about something she hadn't thought about in a long time because she wanted to forget it.[I don't know because I never heard the doctor diagnose it properly. I ran from the hospital before they could diagnose me.]Zoe gave a short answer as she saw Wolf leaning forward. He couldn't wait to read her response."How did you run?" Wolf squinted his eyes in confusion. Of course, as a patient, Zoe should obey the doctor, who would not let her leave before giving a diagnosis.[I have no money to pay for treatment. I was in a coma for seven months after the accident. I had no health insurance. I couldn't possibly stay in the hospital while the bills mounted, so I left before my treatment was complete.]Zoe went on, typing longer than she should have. It was tough to remember all that. Zoe left the hospital when she had regained the use of her arms and legs. She had diffi
Zoe lowered her head, ensuring her face remained hidden beneath the hoodie that covered her head. She was more cautious because the likelihood of someone recognizing her was higher. She found herself in an unfamiliar environment.It was a place she shouldn't visit, as it could land her in jail. But Zoe had no choice. She didn't want to stay silent while waiting for the attack on Iris.The alternative was, of course, seeking revenge on Max. Zoe would do something similar to Max—finding evidence and spreading it—but doing so would require more effort and be more dangerous because Zoe's information about Max's activities was limited. Max was not Wolf's artist.However, it didn't mean Zoe would act recklessly. She had some information about Max that she obtained from Becca. Of course, the request didn't explicitly mention Max.She asked Becca for the names of singers from Wolf—and their schedules, but with a filter for singers collaborating with Nova—Billy's company.There were many singe
"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,