Chapter 158 To Break Free
Lydia had orchestrated a casual shopping outing with Winona Sullivan, intending to gauge her reactions. However, she found herself stepping into a tableau of discomfort that froze her usual serene smile and reduced her to a stammering mess. "This... uh, enjoy the durian... you guys enjoy. Winona, let's reschedule, okay? I'll... um..."
Her gaze shifted to the domineering Austin Robinson, whose presence seemed to fill the room. At a loss for words, Lydia hastily took hold of Zachary Bailey, who was standing beside her, and made a swift exit.
Before Winona Sullivan could articulate a response, they had vanished.
The elevator doors closed, and she gently removed Austin's arm from her waist. "What's going on with you? Are you just bored? Why must you always provoke him?"
"Bored? Isn't he the one living in the past, flaunting himself around you like that? When you agreed to marry him, did he just pester you into it without any sense of shame?"
Winona attempted to retreat inside, but he reached out to follow. She halted him with an outstretched hand. "I have work to do, and you should go back too. I won’t do anything reckless."
Austin Robinson was left speechless.
The door closed indifferently in his face.
Winona Sullivan changed into her work attire, pulling her hair back as she made her way to the office. Austin was mistaken. Zachary Bailey had never clung to her. When she had impulsively suggested marriage in bed, his acceptance was tinged with disdain. After a thoughtful shower and a change of heart, she withdrew the proposal, requesting only a loan to clear her debts, which Zachary readily agreed to.
Had it not been for the media unveiling their affair, marriage would have been highly unlikely.
It was Zachary Bailey's destructive actions that served no one!
Suddenly, there was an urgent knock at the door.
Winona Sullivan frowned as she opened it, "Austin Robinson."
Instead, an incoming slap was headed her way—the wind from it tickled the hairs by her ear, causing a slight itch. Winona instinctively stepped back but couldn't fully evade it; the attacker's nails scratched her cheek, leaving a long red mark.
Before she could utter a word, he exploded, "You divorced Zachary! Why didn't you consult with the family first?"
Touching her cheek, she felt the sting but no break in the skin. She looked at the furious Carlos with a blend of disdain and icy detachment. "Discuss? Would you have agreed?"
"Do you realize how many people would kill to marry into the Baileys? And since you're married to Zachary Bailey, you better appreciate it," Carlos frowned, "Call him now, tell him you've made a mistake, and mend this marriage before the courthouse closes today!"
Winona Sullivan stared at the man before her, who had mapped out her entire future in a few sentences, and a wave of inexplicable sorrow washed over her. She couldn't comprehend how someone could be so heartless to their own daughter.
"Being married to Zachary Bailey for three years has been excruciating. He's devoted to someone else, often stays out all night, rejects everything about me — he wouldn't even taste the dinners I ordered. Do you want me to waste the rest of my life in a marriage like that?"
Perhaps softened by Winona Sullivan's tone, Carlos's face displayed a rare glimpse of feigned paternal affection.
"Aren't all men like that, though? If your status isn't threatened, what's the harm if they play around a bit? Remarry Zachary, have a child; eventually, the Baileys will be yours. Consolidate the family's power and influence. Then, even if you sought men outside, who would dare to say a thing?"
Winona found herself repulsed by Carlos's blatant disregard for decency, his willingness to stoop to such lows for monetary gain was revolting.
Carlos, misinterpreting her silence for agreement, beamed at her, "It's almost noon. We haven't shared a meal in quite some time. Let's have lunch together."
Winona was on the brink of refusal when Carlos interjected, "I haven't had the chance to pay my respects at your mother's grave since I've been abroad. Let's set a date this year, just the two of us."
The mention of her mother made Winona relent. Despite Carlos's faults when her mother was alive, there was an undeniable bond between them. If he were to visit her grave, it would undoubtedly bring her mother some joy. Winona had kept quiet about Carlos's mistreatment for years, not wanting her mother to rest with a troubled heart.
In the heavens, her mother probably still perceived her husband as the loving family man he once was.
They selected a high-end restaurant for their meal, and Layla was present as well. Whatever had occurred previously, Carlos must have reprimanded her because today she greeted Winona with politeness rather than her usual prickly demeanor, "Hey, sis."
Layla was dressed in a refreshing ensemble, her voice soft and her demeanor graceful and ladylike. Every aspect of her appearance was meticulously crafted.
Winona Sullivan was not moved by this superficial show of sisterly affection, but it did take her by surprise.
As she settled into her seat, a waiter approached to pour water. Winona Sullivan was quietly marveling at the exorbitant prices on the menu when she overheard a waiter outside, “Mr. Bailey, right this way, please.”
Winona held her tongue.
She had an inkling that Carlos was somehow implicated. As expected, she noticed him welcoming their guest with a radiant smile. Layla also rose from her seat.
“Zachary, please take a seat here,” Carlos directed.
He guided Zachary Bailey to the seat beside Winona. Intriguingly, Layla repositioned herself on his other side.
"Zachary, you're aware of your impending divorce from Winona," Carlos began with patience, "Every couple has their disagreements. A quarrel leading to divorce? If that were the case, lifelong companionship would be a myth." Carlos continued, "Clear up any misunderstandings. Is there any conflict that can't be resolved? Take my advice; renew your vows today. Don't let outsiders exploit the situation."
Carlos suspected that Fiona was still lurking in the shadows, observing the unfolding events.
Zachary took a thoughtful sip of his tea. "Carlos, it's your daughter who wants the divorce. As for misunderstandings, you'll have to ask her."
His gaze landed on Winona, who had remained silent since his arrival, "What exactly is it that you're dissatisfied with?"
Carlos responded with a composed demeanor, "Winona isn't dissatisfied with you. She's merely spoiled and feels neglected because of your busy schedule. She even came to me in tears today, expressing regret for her actions. However, her pride prevents her from apologizing to you."
Zachary raised an eyebrow, his smirk tinged with a hint of irony, "Oh, is that so?"
Winona met his gaze with a stoic expression, "Not true. I couldn't be happier to be rid of you."
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