Chapter 572

"Zoey!" Helena screamed, hurling her phone against the wall. The screen shattered on impact.

She trembled as she opened the closet, catching sight of her reflection in the mirror. The wrinkles around her eyes and the caked makeup made her once proud, Ophelia-like face look ridiculous.

Felicity timidly handed her a plane ticket. "The earliest return flight is..."

"Go pack the bags!" Helena slapped her. Staring at her distorted reflection, she suddenly laughed maniacally. "You think this means you've won? Zoey, we'll see about that."

By the pool at noon, Zoey chuckled as she scrolled through her phone.

Honghe Film and Television Company's stock had plummeted, and seven partner companies had announced they were terminating their contracts. Celine, wearing sunglasses, leaned in. "Just got word, Helena's crying at the airport."

Henry handed over a freshly squeezed juice. "The tax department has already moved into Honghe Film and Television Company's office building."

"This is just the first day." Zoey sipped the juice, a mix of sweet and bitter.

She looked into the distance where Franklin was helping Gabriel and Travis build sandcastles, as if the gloom of last night had never existed.

The sea breeze carried the sound of children's laughter.

Zoey squinted; the sunlight was too bright, making it hard to see the horizon.

But some storms were just beginning to brew.

The restaurant door swung open, and newlyweds Joseph and Claire walked in, followed by Joseph's parents.

Zoey noticed Claire was wearing a light blue dress that made her skin look even more delicate, though there was a hint of fatigue in her eyes.

"Sorry, we're late," Joseph greeted everyone politely, his gentle voice soothing.

"Please, have a seat," Hazel warmly invited, "The main course is just being served."

Claire's eyes lit up when she saw Zoey, and they exchanged a knowing smile.

Lunch was halfway through when the restaurant door opened again.

A middle-aged man stood at the entrance, accompanied by a well-groomed woman and a boy around thirteen.

The man's relaxed expression froze upon seeing Claire.

"Claire?" He said in disbelief, "What are you doing here?"

The clinking of silverware abruptly stopped.

Zoey saw Claire's body stiffen, her knuckles turning white as she gripped her napkin.

"Dad." Claire's voice was barely audible.

The atmosphere at the table instantly became tense.

Zoey instinctively reached out to calm Gabriel, feeling Henry sit up straight beside her, adopting a protective stance.

Joseph stood up, nodding politely but distantly. "Father."

"Father?" Finnegan repeated, his brows furrowing as he glanced between Joseph and Claire. "You got married? When did this happen? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

Claire took a deep breath and slowly stood.

Zoey could see her slender shoulders trembling slightly, but her voice was unusually calm. "I called you. You said you were busy, thought I was asking for money, and hung up."

Finnegan's face darkened. The woman beside him, whom Zoey guessed was Claire's stepmother, Mabel Chapman, stepped forward with a forced smile. "Claire, your dad really had an important meeting that day. If you had been more patient and called a few more times, he would have listened."

Zoey squinted, sensing the trap hidden in Mabel's seemingly conciliatory words.

She noticed Celine had put down her utensils, and the Windsor family elders exchanged meaningful glances.

"I called." Claire's voice was soft but sharp as a knife. "But you thought I was asking for money and didn't listen to anything I said."

Finnegan's face turned red, about to speak when the boy suddenly rushed towards Gabriel and Travis's seats.

Thirteen-year-old Jett Johnson grabbed the expensive Seraphim foie gras with truffle bread from Gabriel's plate and started devouring it.

Gabriel's eyes widened, his face turning red with anger. "That's mine!"

The restaurant fell into a brief silence.

Three-year-old Travis looked at Zoey in confusion, while Gabriel jumped off his chair, his small fists clenched tightly. "How can someone be so rude? Even a three-year-old knows better!"

Mabel hurried forward. "Sorry, we just got off the plane, and Jett is hungry and hasn't eaten yet." Her apology sounded insincere, her eyes did not even glance at Gabriel and Travis.

Claire's face turned pale. "Jett! How can you just take someone else's food? Put it down!"

Jett, mouth full, gave Claire a defiant look and continued chewing.

He was Claire's half-brother, rarely seeing her, and didn't care about her "authority."

"Claire!" Finnegan raised his voice. "How can you side with others against Jett? It's just a bit of food!"

Zoey felt a surge of anger.

She stood up but was gently restrained by Henry. He elegantly wiped his mouth, his voice low but authoritative, "Mr. Johnson, in the Windsor family, even a three-year-old knows not to take others' belongings without permission. If your son is hungry, we can have the kitchen prepare a meal, but please return my son's lunch."

Finnegan's face turned ugly, and Mabel forced a smile, nudging Jett. "You heard him, return it."

Jett reluctantly threw the now-empty plate back on the table, crumbs scattering everywhere.

Gabriel glared at Jett, while Travis shrank back into Celine's arms in fear.

"Really sorry," Mabel's fake smile persisted. "Jett doesn't know better."

"Thirteen is old enough." Nora suddenly spoke, her voice gentle but firm. "Even a three-year-old knows to ask before taking something."

Finnegan's pride was wounded. He turned to Claire, his tone harsh. "Look at the kind of people you married into! They fuss over every little thing! You didn't even tell me about the wedding, and now you're teaming up with others against Jett. Do you even consider this family?"

Claire stood there, her face pale.

Zoey saw a myriad of emotions flash in Claire's eyes—hurt, anger, disappointment—finally settling into a deep fatigue.

"Family?" Claire laughed softly, a sound that broke Zoey's heart. "Dad, have you ever treated me as family? Your new wife, Mabel and Jett are your family."

The restaurant was so quiet you could hear the waves outside. Finnegan opened his mouth but couldn't speak.

Mabel quickly interjected. "Claire, how can you say that? Your dad is so busy with work..."

"Enough!" Zoey couldn't hold back any longer. She walked over to Claire, holding her cold hand. "Mr. Johnson, if you truly cared about Claire, you wouldn't have pushed her away when she needed you most. Today is our family gathering, please respect the occasion."