At this moment, inside the private room, everyone's attention was concentrated on that trench coat, and the atmosphere became somewhat tense.
It wasn't until Mina Bell laughed and said, "I was actually worried that on a rainy day, with no one to pick you up, sister, you might get caught in the rain. Seems I worried for nothing."
"I need to step outside!" Brandon Stone suddenly stood up, his face cold, and left the private room.
"Brother Brandon?"
Mina Bell also hurriedly left her seat and followed him out.
Zoe Bell almost laughed out of frustration. Who should really be the angry one here?
Kevin Bell simply pointed to a spot not far away, "You sit down. While they are out, your mom and I have something to say to you."
She nodded and sat down.
"Zoe, your relationship with Brandon Stone was originally an arranged marriage for business interests, orchestrated by your father and me. I know you were reluctant at the time, and we felt quite sorry for you," Vivi Lange said to her with a smile.
"Mom, why are you suddenly bringing this up?"
Zoe Bell was not foolish and could guess what her adoptive parents meant.
"We can't delay your life forever, so... why don't you take the initiative and call off the engagement?"
Zoe Bell lowered her head slightly and remained silent.
"You can see that Mina really likes him. She has suffered a lot over the many years she has been away from home, and in the years you've been with us, we've never skimped on your food, clothing, or education, even sending you to learn dancing. We've done our utmost," Vivi Lange said earnestly.
"Moreover..."
"You're not short of suitors, and you don't like Brandon Stone, so why not make your sister happy?"
After saying this, her gaze fell on the trench coat.
Used to fine things, Vivi Lange could tell at a glance that the trench coat was quite valuable.
Zoe Bell pursed her lips, "Mom, how do you know I don't like him...?"
"Do you think we are here to discuss this with you?" Kevin Bell said, frowning.
"I'll tell you the truth, it's because Brandon Stone likes you that the Stone Family reluctantly agreed to the marriage. They've always looked down on you, and even if you marry into their family, you won't have a good life."
"Then why must I be the one to call off the marriage?" Zoe Bell retorted.
Mr. and Mrs. Bell's expressions became awkward.
Being smart, she naturally knew:
If Brandon Stone liked her, he was very unlikely to call off the marriage himself. With Mina Bell entangling with him like this, she would inevitably be accused of interfering in someone else's relationship.
Therefore, Zoe Bell had to be the one to back out voluntarily.
"Why are you asking so many questions? If I tell you to call off the marriage, you'll call it off!" Kevin Bell scoffed coldly. "What, after we've raised you for so many years, do you think you're strong enough to disobey us?"
"Don't forget who gave you everything you have now!"
"As easily as I gave you these things, I can take them away and leave you with nothing."
"Kevin!" Vivi Lange frowned. "Speak nicely to the child. Zoe has always been a sensible and obedient good girl."
"I just want to tell her that there's no such thing as true love in this world. Even if you wish to marry into the Stone Family, without our family backing you, do you think they would treat you with respect? Brandon Stone may like you now, but is he going to protect you for a lifetime?"
Kevin Bell continued, "In the future, whoever you want to marry, we will give you a generous dowry. Even if men are unreliable, it will ensure you can live comfortably for the rest of your life."
"The most important thing in life is to learn to be content!"
The adoptive parents employed both carrot and stick, taking turns to persuade her:
Don't be too greedy!
"There's no need to say more. Zoe is a sensible child. She knows what to do," Vivi Lange said.
Zoe Bell scoffed inwardly.
Her adoptive parents had been indifferent towards her, and since Mina Bell's return, probably fearing her dissatisfaction, they went out of their way to show it, with their attitude towards Zoe growing increasingly cold.
"Mom, Dad, I'll be outside for a bit."
"Stop right there, this marriage you must cancel..."
Kevin Bell called out hastily from behind her.
She had known Brandon Stone for a long time, they had been in a relationship for a year, engaged for half a year, and when she injured her leg, he had actively helped her contact doctors and took care of her thoughtfully in the hospital. She was touched by his attentiveness.
Towards Brandon Stone, she couldn't say she had no feelings.
It's just that her feelings no longer mattered.
Whenever Mina Bell needed,
she should yield way to her unconditionally.
——
Zoe Bell felt extremely oppressed in the private room, and together with the pain in her leg, she just wanted to step out for some air. After sneezing a few times, she felt dizzy and uncomfortably congested.
Unexpectedly, she saw Brandon Stone talking with Mina Bell around a corner.
Mina Bell looked up at him with a face full of affection and shyness.
At that moment, Brandon, catching Zoe from the corner of his eye, didn't avoid her. Instead, he reached out to stroke Mina Bell's hair.
His lips curved into a smile, his expression doting.
Zoe clenched her hands at her sides slightly tighter.
The next second,
Mina Bell stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips.
Blushing, she turned to leave but ran into Zoe's gaze. She felt a bit embarrassed as she called out "Sis," stammering, trying to explain something, yet unsure of how to begin.
After much hemming and hawing, she could only say, "Sis, don't get the wrong idea, Brother Brandon and I are just..."
"With my own eyes, this isn't something that can be misunderstood."
But Mina hurried forward, "Sis, you really got it wrong."
Her face flushed red, unable to concoct a suitable excuse.
Especially under Zoe's scrutiny, a mix of guilt and embarrassment overwhelmed her, almost bringing her to tears.
"Just what?" Zoe asked in return.
"It's just..."
Mina bit her lip, yet couldn't find a reasonable explanation, on the verge of crying.
Zoe only felt it was laughable.
After all, who was the one truly aggrieved?
Anyone unaware of the full story would think it was her, the adopted daughter, who was the malicious one, bullying the true heir of the family.
"Fine, it's just a misunderstanding." Brandon stepped forward, looking at Zoe, "Why are you so aggressive?"
"What did I force her into?"
Brandon frowned slightly and said toughly, "Mina is just thanking me for taking care of her lately."
"This is the first time I've heard that to thank someone requires mouth to mouth."
"Enough, you've gone far enough." Brandon's tone became noticeably impatient. After all, he had wanted to kiss Zoe before, and she would never agree, only allowing a peck on her cheek during their engagement, which left him with some grievances.
Zoe looked at him seriously:
"Brandon Stone, we're through!"
Hearing this, Brandon's face stiffened, "What do you mean?"
"It means, starting from now, our engagement is off, who you fancy has nothing to do with me." Zoe said and tried to leave, but Brandon grabbed her arm tightly.
"Zoe Bell, you dare break up with me?"
"Sis, it's all my fault, Brother Brandon truly likes you," Mina's eyes brimmed with tears in her panic. "Don't be mad, can't my apology make it right?"
"Mina, you don't need to apologize!" Brandon ground his teeth, looking at Zoe.
"You've been ambiguous with other men, and I didn't get mad. And now you actually want to call off our engagement? What, have you found someone else? Did you secretly hook up with some other man behind my back?"
"Mind your language!" Zoe pressed her lips tightly together.
"Isn't that the case?"
Brandon scoffed, "Then tell me, whose coat is that? It can't be from one of your students' parents, can it?"
"It's William Hale's!"
The Hale family's heir?
Even his own father was not easy to meet; how could she encounter him and he give her his coat?
Brandon laughed out of anger from her words, "Zoe Bell, there's a limit to making up lies! Who he is, speaking to you is already beneath him!"