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Chapter 16
Chapter 16
Jane marveled at Zachary’s cleverness. He effortlessly answered middle school questions, making them seem like child’s play. Impressed by his genius mind, she decided to challenge him with high school material.
Zachary’s remarkable intelligence reminded her of his father, Drake, despite the terrible character of the latter. Drake may have been a scumbag, but his exceptional brilliance was undeniable. It was no surprise that his child displayed such high intellectual capabilities.
Just then, a knock at the door interrupted Jane’s thoughts. Assuming it was Drake checking their progress, she responded reluctantly, “Come in.”
Annie entered, barely acknowledging Jane. She walked towards Zachary, her face softening into a maternal smile. “Darling, I made rock–sugar snow pear, especially for you. It’s your favorite. Give it a try,” she cooed affectionately.
Although Zachary did not care much for Annie, he acknowledged her as his father’s fiancee and biological mother. He politely accepted the treat, causing Annie to glance triumphantly at Jane.
However, her triumph quickly turned to shock when Zachary unexpectedly offered the treat to Jane, saying, “You’ve been teaching tirelessly, beautiful teacher. You should have it first.”
Zachary’s gesture surprised and moved Jane, but she politely declined, “No, it’s all right. You should have it.”
Since Annie had made it herself, Jane naturally refrained from drinking. She was wary it might taint her palate.
Observing their cordial interaction, Annie bristled with envy. Sure enough, they were mother and son. Even though she had played the role of his stepmother for five years, Zac – seemed to share a closer bond with Jane. This realization stoked her fear that Jane was here to take Drake away from her.
Her insecurities bloomed, painting Jane as a rival. She couldn’t help but blurt out, “Half a day with you, and he’s already eating out of your hand. And that pear was meant for my son. You’re not allowed to have it!”
What tricks did this woman use to make Zachary listen to her so obediently? Annie’s suspicions grew with every word. Jane had returned to compete with her for Drake!
Despite Zachary’s biological connection to Annie, he felt no affinity toward her. On the contrary, he even felt some disgust. In an ideal world, he would have preferred Jane as his mother.
Deep in thought, his eyes darkened, emitting a chilling aura despite his young age. His expression resembled Drake’s, albeit slightly softer with his baby fats. “Mother, could you please refrain from disturbing us during class?” His sugary voice masked the underlying icy
tone.
Caught in the tension, Jane was unsure how to intervene. After all, she was just a tutor. But something felt off about Zac and Annie’s relationship. It was as though they weren’t related.
Chapter 16
With Jane still standing there, Annie became the target of Zachary’s scorn. Annie tried to salvage her dignity, hiding her annoyance behind a forced smile. “Zac, how should we address Mommy? You should be polite to Mommy, remember?”
If only she had strangled this child to death back then!
Zachary carefully lifted the glass, and instantly, the scent wafted into his nostrils. Although he liked rock–sugar snow pear, he only enjoyed the one made by Aunt Lea. He was entirely convinced that the rock sugar and snow pear brew in his hand possessed less than a tenth of the delightful flavor of Miss Lea’s exceptional mix. Ignoring her, Zachary set the pear aside and focused on his lesson, his young face wearing a grave expression.
“Teacher Jane is in the middle of teaching. Can you please leave? You’re not helping!” he declared, a hint of impatience lacing his words.
He was dressed in a little black suit, and with arms crossed, he exuded an air of pride. Despite living in the villa, he had been raised by his grandmother in the old mansion long before, which instilled a fearless character in him. At this moment, he held little respect for Annie, and his tone betrayed his impatience.
Annie was taken aback by his words. Her wrath ignited as she shot back, “What did you say? Do you believe I’ll tear your mouth apart?” Annie couldn’t believe that kid was speaking up for that wretched woman! She was instantly furious, staring fiercely at Zachary.
Unfazed by her rage, Zachary met her gaze unwaveringly.
Observing this, Jane felt the need to intervene. With her background in psychology, she recognized the signs of trouble. Initially, Jane had attributed Zachary’s aloofness to Drake’s busy schedule. But now she realized that Annie was part of the problem. She pulled Zachary behind her and confronted Annie. “He’s your son. How can you speak to him like that?”
Behind Jane, Zachary felt an unfamiliar tug in his heart. He liked facing things alone, but right now, he found solace in Jane’s shadow. It was a comforting familiarity, stirring an emotion he couldn’t name – could this be… love?
Annie could sense Zachary’s thoughts. Fueled by her fury, she redirected her anger towards Jane, her rage boiling over. “Stay out of our family matters!”
Jane stood her ground. She replied, “I can’t control your family matters and don’t wish to. But I am Zachary’s tutor, hired by his father to help him with his studies. You have no right to interfere during class. If you have any complaints, you should address them with Drake.”
“You!” Cornered, Annie looked at Zachary hiding behind Jane, her rage festering. She had to bite her tongue, remembering Zachary’s status in the Warner family. He was the little young master of the Warner’s, and despite Drake’s fondness for her, his preference clearly lay with Zachary, the future heir. Left with no choice, she exited the room, the despicable pear in her hand.
Curious about the commotion, Drake arrived only to find a tear–streaked Annie. “What happened?”
“It’s my fault…” Annie began, her voice cracking. As she continued, her voice wavered, tears streaming down her face like a broken necklace.
Concerned, Drake wiped her tears, his expression a blend of confusion and worry. “What happened? Did Zac misbehave again?”
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