Chapter 520 It's Really Him
Timothy couldn't find any emotion he was looking for on Zachary's face, just indifference and apathy. He straightened up and said, "Dad wants us to spend New Year's abroad this year."
Zachary nodded. "You just got back, must be tired from the trip. Go rest first. We'll have dinner together tonight."
That last bit was just for show, and he regretted it as soon as he said it. Anyone normal would see it was just a courtesy, but Timothy might not get it.
Timothy said, "I'll just take a nap in your office lounge then."
Zachary went quiet.
Timothy's mood lifted a bit because of his words. He pushed open the lounge door, stepped inside, and turned back to ask, "Nicholas, would you ever abandon me?"
Zachary thought he might've slipped up and Timothy noticed. He hesitated, his fingers tightening around the pen. "Why are you asking this all of a sudden?"
Timothy replied, "I saw someone getting married recently and thought you're at that age too. I was worried that once you have a wife, you wouldn't want me around anymore."
Zachary pushed down the irritation rising in him and said, "No, stop overthinking."
"Nicholas, remember what you said today. No matter what, you won't abandon me, or I'll be really sad." Timothy smiled meaningfully and walked into the room.
The lounge was pretty basic, just a bed, a nightstand, and a wardrobe.
Timothy took a shower in the bathroom, using Zachary's toiletries. Smelling the familiar scent, he lay down on Zachary's bed and pulled the blanket over himself.
At that moment, Timothy felt like he was Zachary, the privileged young master he envied so much.
On those sleepless nights, he'd look at the dark sky outside the window and wonder if he had been adopted by the Bailey family back then, would he be just like Zachary?
Timothy's hand glided over the smooth, cold satin pillow as he said, "Nicholas, if the Bailey family can't accept me, I'll find you a new home. Would you like that?"
He was wearing pajamas, and as he moved, his collar opened slightly, revealing large bruises on his body, clearly from being beaten.
He murmured, "If you don't like Dad, then it'll just be you and me living together, okay?"
A hint of malice flashed in Timothy's eyes. If Lydia were here, she'd recognize it as the same look he had when he tortured dogs at the orphanage.
November 26th was the anniversary gala of the Bailey Group, a big event that year with not just the company's employees but also various celebrities and business partners.
Winona was still on vacation, and as Zachary's ex-wife without a child, she didn't have to attend. But Lydia wanted her to. Lydia said, "Zachary isn't here now; you need to hold the fort for him. Ever since the 'child' was lost, those people have gotten bolder. They might openly force your dad to step down any day now. Today, you'll be with us. If anyone asks, just say you're our goddaughter."
She added, "I want those people to know that even without Zachary, we still have you."
Winona hadn't heard Evander mention any of this. She had been enjoying rare leisure time at home, doing nothing and not contacting Zachary.That psycho Timothy was back, and he was probably clinging to Zachary non-stop again. It was really annoying.
It was one thing when Zachary was drawn to those trashy women—at least they were women. But now, there was a man in the picture. Winona never imagined she would one day find herself competing with a man for a man's affection, and it seemed like she was losing. Whenever Timothy was around, she and Zachary had to pretend not to know each other.
Lydia had already ordered the dress, and it was rumored that the designer was particularly difficult to book, very expensive, and had many strict rules. Winona couldn't understand how Lydia managed to convince the designer to accept her order.
Winona had her look done at Shelley's, where the stylist couldn't stop praising her outfit. The stylist heard that Winona found a local designer, and she was eager to get her contact details, hoping to collaborate long-term in the future.
Winona really didn't know, but seeing the hopeful look in the stylist's eyes, she couldn't refuse outright. "I'll ask for you."
The anniversary gala was held at a super five-star hotel. Men in suits and women in gowns mingled, with huge crystal chandeliers casting soft light. Waiters in white uniforms carried trays through the crowd, and the band's melodious tunes echoed in the hall.
Winona stood beside Lydia, holding her arm.
Everyone knew about Winona's divorce from Zachary, but the miscarriage hadn't been made public. Only company insiders and a few well-informed people knew. Seeing her flat stomach, many whispered among themselves.
But even if they were curious, seeing Winona with Lydia, no one dared to ask.
Lydia noticed Winona wasn't talking much and patted her hand. "Do you find these parties boring? I used to endure them, and now it's your turn."
Winona was about to speak when a commotion erupted at the door.
She looked up and saw Zachary walking in, accompanied by Timothy, both in suits.
No wonder there was a commotion. Not only was the relationship between the Ramsey Group and the Bailey family strained, competing fiercely, but Nicholas's face alone was enough to cause a stir. Only a few people knew that Nicholas and Zachary looked alike, and they were all people of status. Though they found it strange, they wouldn't say anything to their faces.
But today, with so many people present, most of whom were Bailey Group employees, it was impossible not to be surprised by that face..
"Isn't that Mr. Bailey?"
"Mr. Bailey isn't dead? If he's not dead, why hasn't he returned to the Bailey Group?"
"Who's that man with him? Such a cute little boy, I want to touch his face. I'm tired of those middle-aged elite men."
Winona felt Lydia's body sway. She quickly looked away and supported her, worried. "Should I take you to a guest room upstairs to rest?"
Lydia shook her head and also looked away from Zachary. She gripped Winona's arm tightly, her voice trembling. "It's him."
"Yes." Winona thought she was talking about Zachary.
"That man is really Timothy. I can't be wrong. I won't mistake him." Lydia was emotional, her breathing quick and her face as pale as a sheet.
Did torturing dogs leave such a big psychological shadow on her?
After all these years, she was still so emotional when she saw Timothy.
Winona asked, "Are you okay? Did Timothy do something else?"
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