Chapter 99 An Apology
Chapter 99 An Apology
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As dusk settled, the shops lining the streets and the towering buildings illuminated with soft, welcoming lights, casting a warm glow all around.
She understood Zachary’s intentions; she knew he genuinely wanted to make things right. Yet, the presence of Susanna felt like a ticking time bomb, keeping her on edge.
Despite Zachary’s promise not to meet Susanna alone, she couldn’t shake the uncertainty of what he might do the next time Susanna came to pester him.
Lenora thought to herself that unless Susanna completely left the picture, they could never return to the way things once were.
Zachary observed Lenora’s expression, gripping her hand tightly. He was determined to prove through his actions that he genuinely wanted to spend his life with her.
After grabbing a quick bite to eat, they headed to the club. The car pulled into the clubhouse and made its way toward the underground parking garage.
Zachary and Lenora exited the car one after the other, making their way to their usual private room. The lighting in the room was dim, and familiar voices filled the air as friends engaged in lively conversation,
Zachary pushed the door open, and all eyes turned toward them.
Finn chuckled. “Zack, that’s not fair! None of us brought a date, and yet you brought Ms. Carston along? Trying to show off to us?”
Lenora was a step behind Zachary, half of her body shielded by him. The brightly lit hallway contrasted sharply with the dim interior of the room, preventing Finn from clearly seeing Lenora’s face and leading him to assume that the woman accompanying Zachary was Susanna.
Raising an eyebrow, Michael recognized Lenora instantly and couldn’t help but glance at Zachary.
Charles cleared his throat, “Ahem…”
For a moment, the atmosphere felt heavy and awkward, thick with tension.
Zachary walked in, holding Lenora’s hand, and chided, Even Lafite 1982 can’t silence you?”
It was only then that Finn realized the person by Zachary’s side wasn’t Susanna, but Lenora.
He quickly stood up, apologizing profusely, “Nora, I’m so sorry! I didn’t recognize you. Come, sit here. I’ll drink three shots as self–punishment–don’t take it to heart.”
With that, Finn poured himself three glasses of wine.
It wasn’t just Finn; several other friends had initially mistaken Lenora for Susanna as well. It wasn’t that the
two looked alike; it was simply that in the past, Zachary never brought a female companion to these
19:49 Thu, Oct
Chapter 99 An Apology
siblings. They had only exchanged simple nods to maintain a cordial facade.
No one had expected Lenora to accompany Zachary to the club tonight.
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“Don’t worry, I won’t take it personally. It’s not your fault. If anyone should be blamed, it’s Zachary. Since he often brings Ms. Carston along, he ought to see it through to the end,” Lenora said, settling onto the couch and casting a glance at Zachary, wearing a half smile.
Zachary caught the sarcasm in her tone but remained unfazed. He sat beside her and asked, “Would you be upset if I had brought her here?”
“Why would I be upset? She’s my sister–in–law.”
“I was wrong. Can you forgive me?” Zachary leaned in closer, his right hand resting casually on the back of the couch behind her.
It was clear to everyone present that something significant had shifted between them; getting Zachary to say the word “forgive” was no small feat. Finn and the others exchanged knowing glances, careful not to let their surprise show too overtly. Though they returned to their previous conversation, it was evident they were distracted.
They found it hard to believe, struggling to reconcile the image of Zachary with Lenora in their minds. Among his friends, Lenora was always an outlier.
Everyone treated her with utmost respect and politeness, but few took her seriously.
Lenora understood her role; she didn’t take herself too seriously and rarely frequented the club for leisure. Instead, she dedicated herself to hard work and learning.
Their dynamic resembled that of the class misfit and the top student: merely acquaintances and not friends.
It was evident that Zachary had intentionally brought Lenora to meet his friends, deliberately showing affection toward her in front of them. In the past, when he brought Susanna along, the atmosphere was different. He would chat with his friends while Susanna sat quietly at his side. Now, it was clear to everyone that Zachary held a special fondness for Lenora, treating her with a warmth he hadn’t shown before.
Some of those present loved to play the field, changing their female companions daily and never repeating their choices. However, these were merely casual flings.
With Lenora’s status, she was not someone to be played with.
Gerald wouldn’t approve of that.
But what about Susanna? Charles couldn’t help but worry about Susanna.
“Charles, Zachary suddenly called out, asking, “weren’t you going to apologize to Nora?”
Lenora reminded Zachary that it was Charles who had prompted her to refer to Susanna as her sister–in-
law.
A chill ran down Charles’s spine when he caught Zachary’s gaze. He approached with a drink in hand. “Nora, I spoke out of turn and offended you. I truly apologize. On behalf of Zack, please don’t hold it against me. Let me take this shot as a gesture of my remorse.”
19:49 Thu, Oct
Chapter 99 An Apology
He downed the wine in one gulp and raised the empty glass to show he had finished it.
Finn and the others exchanged glances before looking over.
It was clear to everyone that Zachary had gathered them today solely for Charles to apologize to Lenora.
Everyone was well aware of the close bond between Charles and Zachary
They were not just long–time friends but also university classmates. Despite Charles‘ somewhat unconventional lifestyle, he had never drifted far from Zachary’s inner circle. The reason Zachary wanted Charles to apologize to Lenora was self–evident.
Lenora glanced around the room before reaching for a nearby bottle of wine. As she filled his glass, she spoke. “You’re close with Ms. Carston, so I understand why you’d side with her. If I were in your position I’d likely stand by my friend, too. Isn’t that right?”
Charles’s lips twitched; he recognized the question as a trap. Neither affirming nor denying seemed like the right move.
“Nora. I didn’t know the full circumstances then, which led me to say those things. Please don’t take it to heart? He downed the wine in his glass.
Lenora poured him another full glass. “So, you’re upset because Zachary hid this from you?”
Charles‘ expression stiffened as he cast a glance at Zachary. “No, that’s not what I meant. It’s all my fault.”
He stared at the wine in his glass, then drained it completely.
“Have another one.” Lenora promptly refilled his glass.
Charles‘ face turned a shade pale as he subtly glanced at Lenora, but he ultimately downed the drink
again.
“Good,” Lenora said, setting down the wine bottle as she settled onto the couch, smiling. “You didn’t have to apologize. It’s not a big deal; I won’t take it to heart.”
Charles chuckled, but inwardly he rolled his eyes. He knew Lenora was deliberately giving him a hard time, taking advantage of Zachary’s presence. After teasing him, she acted innocent, which only deepened his annoyance toward her.
He couldn’t understand why Zachary had chosen Lenora over Susanna.
The tw
two were evenly matched in appearance, but in terms of character, Susanna was undoubtedly superior. She was gentle and considerate, intelligent and graceful. Moreover, she was friendly and polite to them. She greeted everyone with a warm smile, leaving a good impression.
In contrast, Lenora often wore a cold, dull expression that felt uninviting. It was one thing if she were truly aloof, but she was just pretending to be high and mighty simply because Zachary had her back. Her true colors were revealed.
Lenora’s expression remained unchanged. She knew Charles didn’t like her, and she had no intention of changing his mind. He apologized, she accepted–it was all just for show.
Zachary shot a meaningful glance at Charles before turning back to Lenora with a playful smile. “Why are you still calling me Zachary?” he asked.
