Zoe clutched the bedsheet tightly, her forehead now covered in cold sweat.


    Back then, she had always thought her older brother was brave but not particrly clever. No matter what she did, she could always cover up her mistakes with a little whining and acting. But she finally realized how mistaken she was.


    Ryan was far more perceptive than she had ever imagined, instantly seeing through her and Liam''s scheme! She had only fooled Ryan in the past because he trusted her unconditionally as his sister, never doubting her intentions.


    However, they were no longer siblings but enemies.


    Ryan had be a formidable enemy, strong enough to battle wits with their cunning uncle.


    Liam stood there, ring angrily at Ryan. However, Ryan had no patience for him. He simply shouldered past him. His strong frame knocked Liam off bnce as he approached Zoe.


    "Zoe, you''d better stay quiet and behave yourself."


    Ryan''s narrow eyes gleamed with a predator''s intensity that made Zoe''s scalp tingle. "If you dare to bother Be and Justin, or my wife, Carrie, not even Grandpa or God will be able to protect you. I WILL KILL YOU."


    Each word dripped with hatred.


    Zoe''s pupils contracted as she stared into Ryan''s fierce, icy eyes. She felt a swirl of shock, anger, and despair.


    Thest time her brother had called her "Zoe", he had looked at her with nothing but affection, smiling warmly as he held her hand, proudly showing off his talented sister to the world.


    That felt like a lifetime ago.


    Ryan was her brother, hers alone. How did ite to this? Why did all the care and love that belonged to her be Carrie''s?!


    Initially, Zoe felt her heart aching. However, when she thought about how Ryan repeatedly hurt her for the sake of that fool, even valuing Be, who had been divorced and could not have children, over her, her heart was filled with nothing but seething hatred.


    She thought, ''Ryan, don''t me me for this. You brought this upon yourself. This is your fault!''


    As Ryan threatened Zoe, ire watched in distress. Hatred has torn apart her once harmonious and happy family, leaving her in torment. She did not know how to mediate or manage the situation.


    As they were about to leave, Ryan suddenly spoke, his eyes shining with anticipation for his married life. "Mom, Carrie and I will get engaged once my appointment as the CEO is


    finalized. ording to l


    customs, as the future


    mother-inw, you should give Carrie a betrothal gift you received from your father when you got married."


    ire bit her lip, her eyes full of reluctance.


    "I thought you might be unwilling or hesitant. It''s fine. I understand. I just wanted to inform you."


    Ryan smiled nonchntly. He


    nced at his subordinate, who promptly stepped forward and respectfully draped the ck coat over his shoulders. "If you really don''t want to give her the betrothal gift, I''ll prepare one for you. Father left several pieces of collectible jewelry with me before he passed away. I''ll pick the best one and give it to Carrie, saying it''s from you. I''m doing this for the sake of the


    Hoffman family''s reputation. You wouldn''t mind, would you?"


    With a few casual words, Ryan left ire feeling like she had a bone stuck in her throat.


    After Ryan left the ward, the air remained tense for a long time.


    "Mom... Look how scary Ryan has be..."


    Zoe began to cry in a maniptive and pitiful manner. "Does he only care about that woman... Has he really abandoned us and this family?"


    Feeling helpless, ire sighed. "Just let it go, Zoe... You know your brother''s temper. What good does it do to challenge him?"


    "Mom, what do you mean by that?!"


    Zoe shook her mother''s arm forcefully. "Have you also epted Carrie?! Are you just going to let Ryan marry a girl you disapprove of? Can you really ept it?!"


    "Even if I can''t, what difference does it make? Your brother is just like your father. Once he sets his mind on someone or something, no one can change it."


    ire started sobbing, squeezing


    her daughter''s hand. "Zoe, I''vee to terms with it. As long as you stay by my side and take care of yourself, that''s all that matters to me. Just let


    your brother do what he wants toN?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    do


    Seeing her mother so weak and incapable, giving up without a fight, Zoe felt anger surge within her.


    After a while, Mrs. Hoffman got up to get Zoe''s medical report from the doctor.


    As the door closed, only Liam and Zoe remained in the ward.


    Zoe''s expression shifted from innocent and weak to dark and sinister in a split second.


    Liam''s demeanor also changed. He slouched casually on the sofa, looking at her with a mocking smile. "Zoe, I''ve helped you get back here. Don''t you think it''s time to help your dear uncle get what he wants now?"