Chapter 176 Ex-Husband
"If it's the first reason, then it's not up to you whether I apologize to Mrs. Bailey in person. It's her decision. If it's the latter, then I'll leave right now," Fiona Clark said, her eyes glinting with a hint of smugness.
Winona Sullivan chuckled. "Hasn't the man behind you told you? Our relationship now is like siblings."
Lydia had mentioned taking her in as a goddaughter, but Winona Sullivan had refused. Siblings with an ex-husband were far too complicated.
Zachary Bailey withdrew his gaze and looked at Fiona emotionlessly. "Stay here."
The door to Lydia's room was ajar, and before Zachary could step in, he heard her say, "Please invite Miss Clark up."
She had already overheard the commotion downstairs.
Zachary frowned slightly. "Mom."
"Don't talk back to me," Lydia said with a voice tinged with emotion, her chest beginning to ache. She took a deep breath before continuing, "Didn't you bring her here to meet the family? Now, here's your chance. Go call her up."
"We're not meeting for that, and I didn't bring her here."
He'd only come to pick up something and hadn't intended for Fiona Clark to be present in front of his mother.
"I sent you to fetch her, and here you are, begrudging every step. Is it because you think I'll devour her, or are you worried I'll mistreat her? If you're that protective, why don't you both get lost!"
When Fiona Clark heard from Zachary Bailey that Lydia wanted to see her, she flashed a reassuring smile at Winona Sullivan, "Sorry, Winona, Mrs. Bailey wants to see me. I know you're worried, but trust me, I won't upset her."
Given that Lydia had personally requested the meeting, Winona Sullivan didn't object and was prepared to leave.
She had seen Lydia, determined there was no danger, and felt a sense of relief.
Just as Winona was about to leave, Sarah hurried out from the villa, "Winona, Mrs. Bailey asks that you wait a moment,” Sarah said breathlessly, “she has something she wants to discuss with you."
Upstairs, in Lydia’s bedroom.
"Mrs. Bailey," Fiona Clark said respectfully and found Lydia lying on the bed. Despite Lydia's appearance was now sickly, a stark contrast to her once formidable and proud demeanor. Despite Lydia’s frailty, Fiona still felt a deep-seated fear of her.
Alone in the room together, Lydia spoke, her voice weak but firm, "How much money will it take for you to leave my son?"
The tension in the room was palpable as Fiona considered Lydia’s question, knowing that her answer could have far-reaching consequences.
Fiona couldn't fathom what made her so starkly apart from Winona Sullivan. Winona showered Lydia with affection, seemingly willing to offer her the world. Yet, she treated Fiona like she were invisible, less than a beggar, perhaps even worse, like trash.
"Mrs. Bailey, what will it take for you to set aside your prejudice and give me your blessing to me and Zachary? Your interference years ago cost us so much time," Fiona challenged.
"Whether or not it was because of me, you know the answer. I understand my son. If he truly wanted you, it wouldn't matter if you were abroad or even dead and turned to ash – he would have kept you close where he could always see you."
Fiona’s next words were blunt. "Zachary is joining me today to pay respects at my father's grave." Her statement landed like a thunderbolt, shocking Lydia, who believed she was prepared for anything. A heavy silence, thick with indignation, enveloped them, leaving Lydia speechless.
"Zachary Bailey, get in here now!" Lydia's shout reverberated through the house, reaching Winona Sullivan downstairs.
As Zachary opened the door, his gaze met Fiona's tearful, aggrieved eyes. But before he could inquire, Lydia, through clenched teeth, demanded, "You're accompanying her to honor her father?"
Zachary frowned, displeased with the confrontation, and glanced at Fiona. "Yes."
"Do you even realize the implications when a man accompanies a woman to pay respects to her elders?"
"Mom, his passing years ago was partly my fault, and today marks the anniversary of his death."
"I don't care why, but you are not going today. If you did something wrong, let the law punish you, not some self-righteous person claiming moral superiority." Lydia headed for the door.
Zachary hurried to stop her. "Mom, where do you think you're going?"
"I've instructed the bodyguard to keep an eye on you. If you dare go, they'll break your legs and carry you back. A stint in bed will keep you in line."
As they stepped outside, Winona Sullivan stood beside Evander.
Her gaze swept over Zachary, indifferent as if she were looking at a stranger without a flicker of recognition.
Zachary Bailey furrowed his brow at her gaze, about to speak, when Winona's attention shifted from him to Lydia. "Sarah said you needed to talk to me."
In her earlier anger, Lydia had forgotten about Winona's presence and did not know how much she might have overheard.
Though her tone remained steady as ever, Lydia sensed a subtle shift; Winona hadn't called her 'Mom.'
"No matter who walks through that door, you're still my daughter. No one can ever replace you. If anyone has a problem with that, they can leave and never set foot here again."
Lydia spoke firmly, yet Winona had to know not to take it too far; after all, Zachary was Lydia's biological child, and her outburst had been fueled by a moment of heated emotion.
After offering some comforting words, Winona took her leave.
Lydia did not attempt to keep her — the situation was too awkward.
As Winona departed, Zachary Bailey and Fiona Clark made their way downstairs.
"Winona, let us give you a ride. It's hard to catch a cab around here," Fiona offered, trying to imply closeness to Zachary.
Before Winona could respond, Zachary interjected, "She doesn't want to share a ride with you."
Fiona fell silent, her offer now seeming insincere.
Ignoring them, Winona got into her car and drove away.
When Winona opened the passenger door, Zachary had already settled into the driver's seat, deep in conversation on the phone. His voice was cold, sending a chill that seemed to seep out from every pore, "Regarding last night's news, have the PR department issue a statement to clarify my relationship with Miss Clark. If any more rumors surface, get Anthony Lewis to send a cease and desist."
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