<b>Chapter </b><b>193 </b>
32%
Philip was the only person in the Dolton family I could borrow a car from. He had just returned to the country and. didn’t have his vehicle. While there were cars at the house for anyone to use, he could easily im he wasn’t
familiar with the roads and ask the driver to take him. From there, I could devise a reason to get the driver to leave
and handle the rest.
But then I hesitated. I knew how Philip felt about me. If I asked, he’d agree, but that would mean taking advantage
of his feelings for me. Still, I had to uncover the truth about Eliseo’s death. After weighing my options, I decided to
go to Philip, but I needed a good reason.
While I was deep in thought, Michelle called. As soon as I answered, her furious voice echoed through the phone.
“Alvin is trying to drive Peter and me crazy. If he dares get serious with Thea, Peter and I will make sure he knows
how serious we are.”
I wasn’t surprised by her reaction. I could only offer a soft word of reassurance. “Michelle, please don’t be upset.
Marriage matters aren’t something parents can always control.”
“We may not be able to control it, but if he thinks he can marry a widow, he better think again,” Michelle said, firm
in her stance.
I thought, ‘I felt a heavy weight in my chest, unsure of how tofort her–and honestly, I didn’t want to. Alvin and
Thea had wronged me, so why should I defend them? I wasn’t some savior or martyr. Not making things worse for
them was already a sign of my restraint.‘
“Zoe, Peter is so upset he won’t even eat. He’s threatening to starve himself in protest. Can youe talk to him? He only listens to you,” Michelle said, exining the reason for her call.
I thought, ‘It felt like fate was on my side. If I returned to the Dolton residence, I might be able to get to Peter’s car without needing Philip’s help and finally uncover the information I was after.’
I agreed, and Michelle spent a few more minutes ranting about Alvin before finally hanging up.
I thought, ‘Even though I was entering the Dolton residence, I couldn’t be sure I’d run into the car. To ensure my n would seed, I decided to call Philip.‘
“Zoe,” he answered, his voice as gentle and warm as ever.
“Philip,” I called him out of respect and as a reminder of our rtionship.
I thought, ‘At this moment, I realize how hypocritical and selfish I truly am. On one hand, I don’t want Philip to develop feelings for me, but on the other, I’ve been using those feelings to my advantage. I’m nothing but the
worst kind of woman!
“Peter’s upset and refusing to eat. Michelle wants me to go back, but I think I’ll need your help. Can youe with
me?”
13:05 Thu, 21 Aug
32%
Philip hesitated for a moment before agreeing. I thought, ‘I could tell he wasn’t surprised. Clearly, he had known this would happen.‘
When I arrived at the Dolton residence, Philip didn’t go inside. It seemed like he was waiting for me.
“You know Peter’s issues. I don’t think there’s much we can do to change his mind,” Philip said when he saw me.
Tunderstood what he meant–Peter still hoped I would reconcile with Alvin.
I couldn’t help but smile sarcastically. Philip didn’t respond, just watching me quietly.
When we walked in, Michelle seemed surprised to see us together. I ignored her reaction and asked, “Where’s
Peter?”
“He’s in the study, refusing toe out, and won’t let anyone in. He’s been in there all night. If it weren’t for a few knocks, I’d be concerned he locked himself in to… well, you know,” Michelle said straightforwardly.
“Michelle, Peter’s not that fragile. Don’t think like that,” Philip said, trying to reassure her.
“Michelle, I’ll go check on him,” I said, and after Michelle reluctantly nodded, I headed upstairs.
I knocked a few times, but there was no response. My worry grew, and I said, “Peter, it’s Zoe.”
Finally, I heard footsteps, and momentster, the door opened. The sight that met me inside startled mepletely.
212