?Chapter 1438:


    Before she could finish speaking, Johnson cut her off.


    Zoie’s face stiffened. She nibbled her lip, staring at him in disbelief.


    Johnson met her gaze and said inly, “I’ll be honest, the person I love is Cathy. She’s the only one I want to build a future with. This is my deepest secret, and now… you know it. So, how do you think I should deal with you?”


    His voice carried a clear threat.


    Zoie’s eyes widened in rm. She stared at Johnson, stunned.


    What was he suggesting?


    Was he going to do something to her to silence her?


    Zoie hurried to respond, “I won’t say a word. Your secret’s safe with me.”


    “Good.” Johnson nodded, his expression calm.


    But his next words left Zoiepletely paralyzed with fear.


    “Hold to that promise. If my mother hears even a whisper of this, whether it’s from you or not, I’lle for you. And I’ll make sure your family pays the price.”


    His words were a tant threat.


    Zoie’s face drained of color. “Johnson, you—”


    Johnson interjected coldly, “From now on, you should call me Mr. Hoffman.”


    Without waiting for her reply, he rose and left.


    Zoie watched his departing figure, biting her lip, herplexion ghostly pale.


    She had thought her scheme might seed.


    But now, Johnson hadpletely severed his ties with her.


    How had it alle to this?


    All she had done was tell Ste that it was Johnson’s call when it came to the matter of the engagement.


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    What was wrong with that?


    How had it struck such a nerve, pushing Johnson to end their rtionship?


    Regret gnawed at Zoie.


    She had toyed with the idea of telling Ste about Johnson’s feelings for Catherine, hoping Ste would y the viin and stop Johnson from being with Catherine.


    But Johnson’s threat had forced her to abandon that idea.


    Now, she could only hope Ste never found out about Johnson’s feelings for Catherine, or she would be ruined!


    No, she couldn’t stay in this situation. She had to find a way to fix this.


    Faye stepped into Lucas’ office.


    Spotting her, Lucas asked, “What brings you here?”


    Faye pouted, feigning offense. “Uncle Lucas, really? Can’t I juste and see you?”


    Lucas’ brow creased slightly. “If you’ve got something to say, say it now. I’m busy.”


    Faye was a bit dissatisfied with his cold attitude. Pouting again, she said, “Uncle Lucas, am I your favorite person in the world?”


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