A Life Debt Repaid

Chapter 1136

Cora certainly wanted to argue. "But, I...1

John, however, remained stern and solemn. "You have much to complain about, and you feel that Zoe has stolen your rights and identity-but in reality, Zoe was the one who was hurt the most when the truth came out, and the reason is simple: rags to riches is easy, but the converse is hard."

"You need to understand—I'm not telling you that you're not the victim, but Zoe was never the culprit. She was sent back to where she belonged after being thrown out of this house so mercilessly, and neither of you have any excuse to vent your grievances on her."

The atmosphere in the living room was stiffened.

Still, Nancy was indignant to see that her daughter was left blushing by John's words, and she growled through gritted teeth, "Weren't you on my side when we first found out that Zoe wasn't my daughter? You're now completely on her side just because she's with Jay now-"

"It was a selfish act on my part," John said, holding her gaze without flinching. "When we discovered the truth, I could be understanding since you probably couldn't take the blow, and I abandoned Zoe just then. But after so many years, I presume you would've calmed down, seen the truth of the matter, and gone about it rationally. In that sense, you disappoint me."

never demand that you accept Zoe or tell you to give up on all your obstinance. But why don't you think about it long and hard now-was Zoe

so John did not press the issue. "I'm tired. I'll get

been keeping it the way it was,"

she still considered him

was certainly aware how Nancy felt about him, but kinship was no excuse to ignore conscience or

most importantly, he wanted the family

his room, and he sighed. "I'm not leaving. You

" Did you

"I

worried... Well, alright. You get some

"Yeah."

the door and left, John lay in his huge