While the Thorne Family was enjoying a lively moment together, Zayne found himself quietly packing his bags, preparing for a trip to Australia. This time, he felt particrly subdued. The old man had made it clear that Zayne needed to step away from the spotlight for a while, and he intended to do so without argument.


    Before embarking on his journey, he called Fitz, saying, “Fitz, you and your sister need toe to my study.”


    Fitz, busy with his own tasks, responded, “Sure, Dad. We’ll be right there.”


    After hanging up, he turned to Zara. “Dad wants us in his study,” he informed her.


    Zara, visibly annoyed, retorted, “You can go by yourself; I have no desire to see him!”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    It was difficult for Zara to ept the fact that her father had betrayed her mother and fathered an illegitimate daughter who was just a year younger than she was. This made her even more reluctant to face Zayne at that moment.


    Fitz tried to reason with her. “Zara, when ites to parental issues, we’re just kids. We shouldn’t get too involved. You can’t cut off your dad over mistakes made more than twenty years ago. What about your father-daughter rtionship?”


    Zara replied earnestly, “I don’t want to sever ties with him, but I’m not ready to see him right now. You go and talk to him.”


    Fitz, feeling awkward, asked, “If I see Dad and he asks about you, what should I say?”


    Zara responded without hesitation, “Just tell him I don’t want to see him yet.”


    Seeing Zara’s determination, Fitz let out a resigned sigh. “Alright, I’ll go first.”


    With that, Fitz stood up and left Zara’s study. The Banks Family vi was expansive, resembling a grand castle. Although the family lived under the same roof, they each upied separate areas of the property. Fitz made his way downstairs to Zayne’s study. After knocking on the door and entering, he found Zayne sitting there, smoking a cigarette, his expression reflecting a burden that seemed to age him significantly.


    Upon noticing Fitz’s arrival, Zayne asked with surprise, “Where’s your sister?”


    Feeling embarrassed, Fitz replied, “Zara isn’ting.”


    Zayne let out a bitter smile and remarked, “I suppose Zara is quite upset with me, isn’t she?”


    Fitz teased, “She can be a bit stubborn, but honestly, she’s gotten used to this kind of thing a long time ago.”


    With a heavy sigh, Zayne reflected, “In the end, I’ve let down your mother, and I’ve let you both down as well.”


    Fitz interjected, “Dad, it’s not about right or wrong; it’s about feelings. You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself.”


    Zayne waved his hand dismissively. “It’s not just about that. Everyone has preferences, and it’s not about being right or wrong. But once you’re married, you have to take responsibility for your partner. That’s where I failed. I understand why the family is angry with me.”


    He continued, “I know I’ve made mistakes. I wanted to talk to you about something important. Your grandfather has asked me to go to Australia for a while. I’ll be leaving tonight and may be gone for some time.”<fn7977> Follow current nov?ls on FιndNovel</fn7977>


    “To Australia?!” Fitz eximed, surprised. “Dad, why is Grandpa sending you there now? Is it really necessary to leave so suddenly? Even if things areplicated, going to Australia seems extreme.”


    Zayne sighed, “Yes, it’splicated. The scandal involving me and your grandfather is serious. He sees me as the one behind the scenes, and he wants me to divert media attention. Once I leave, they’ll likely focus on me, especially if news about Xion leaks to the media. They’ll definitely be all over it.”