?Chapter 1322:


    It wasn’t until his frosty reaction moments ago that she understood she might have acted too rashly.


    Quickly regaining herposure, Zoie said to Johnson,


    “I apologize; I see now I may have crossed a line.”


    After a brief pause, she exined,


    “It’s mainly because I was deceived in a previous rtionship. When my family learned I was seeing someone new, they grew protective, fearing I might be deceived again. That’s why they were eager to meet you, to gauge your character.”


    Despite her exnation, Johnson’s stern expression remained unchanged.


    He responded,


    “It’s understandable that your family would be concerned. But let’s be clear—you and I are not a genuine couple. We shouldn’t get too involved in each other’s families.”


    His tone grew sharper, his gaze colder, as he added,


    “Do you understand that?”


    Zoie’s face paled slightly.


    Looking at him, she said,


    “Are you upset because I met your mother without your permission? Let me rify—I didn’t reach out to her; she called me. Since I’m pretending to be your girlfriend, I thought I shouldmit to the role. She was persistent, and I didn’t want to seem rude by refusing her repeatedly. So, I joined her for a few meals and shopping trips.”


    Johnson cut her off, saying,


    “If my mother invites you again, politely decline. I’ll also ask her to limit contact with you.”


    Zoie’s hand, resting on her knee, tightened subtly.


    Your next chapter awaits g?lnσν??ls?c?m


    She understood Johnson was drawing a firm boundary, signaling she needed to tread carefully moving forward.


    Until she won him over, she couldn’t afford to raise his suspicions, or her carefullyid ns would unravel.


    Taking a steadying breath, Zoie replied,


    “I understand. I’ll respect the boundaries and ensure something like that doesn’t happen again.”


    Johnson gave a curt nod, his icy demeanor softening slightly.


    Zoie offered a tentative smile and asked,


    “On another note, how are things going with the person you’re interested in? Any developments?”


    “My personal matters don’t concern you,” Johnson said directly.


    Zoie’s smile faltered; she was stung by his blunt dismissal.


    His reaction confirmed that her oversteps had genuinely irritated him. She would need to be far more cautious in the future.


    Before Zoie could respond, Johnson stood abruptly.


    “I have matters to attend to. I’m leaving now.”


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