003 Annulment, we are finished

At this moment, in the private room, everyone's attention was focused on the trench coat, creating a somewhat stiff atmosphere.

Until Mina Bell chuckled, "I was actually worried about a rainy day when my sister might not have someone to pick her up. I feared you'd get wet, but it seems my concern was unnecessary."

"I need to step out for a moment!" Brandon Stone suddenly rose from his seat, his face dark and stormy, and left the private room.

"Brother Brandon?"

Mina Bell also hastily left her seat and followed him out.

Zoe Bell almost laughed out of frustration. Who exactly should be the angry one here?

Kevin Bell simply pointed to a spot not far away, "Sit down. While they're out, your mother and I have something to say to you."

She nodded and sat down.

"Zoe, your relationship with Brandon Stone was originally a business marriage arranged by your father and me. I know you were unwilling at the time, and we feel quite guilty about that," Vivi Lange said to her with a smile.

"Mom, why are you suddenly bringing this up?"

Zoe Bell wasn't foolish and could guess what her adoptive parents meant.

"We can't hold you back forever, so... why don't you take the initiative and call off the engagement?"

Zoe Bell lowered her head slightly and said nothing.

"You can see for yourself, Mina really likes him. She's been through a lot, fending for herself all these years. As for you, during the years with us, we never skimped on your food or clothing, we sent you to learn dance, and we've done our best," Vivi Lange continued passionately.

"Furthermore..."

"You're not short of suitors, and you don't even like Brandon Stone. Why not make your sister happy?"

After finishing her words, her gaze fell on the trench coat.

Vivi Lange was accustomed to fine things and could naturally tell at a glance that the trench coat was of significant value.

Zoe Bell pursed her lips, "Mom, how do you know I don't like him...?"

"Do you think we're discussing this with you?" Kevin Bell frowned.

"Let me tell you the truth, it's because Brandon Stone likes you that the Stone Family reluctantly agreed to the marriage. They've never really thought highly of you. Even if you marry into their family, you won't have happy days ahead."

"Then why must I be the one to call off the engagement?" Zoe Bell countered.

Mr. and Mrs. Bell looked slightly uncomfortable.

She was smart enough to know:

Brandon Stone liked her, and it was highly unlikely he would initiate the breakup. With Mina Bell entangling herself with him like this, there was a risk she'd be accused of meddling in someone else's relationship.

Hence, it was essential for Zoe Bell to step back voluntarily.

"Why do you have so many questions? If I tell you to call off the marriage, you do it!" Kevin Bell huffed coldly. "What, after raising you for so many years, do you feel your wings have grown strong and now you won't listen?"

"Don't forget who gave you everything you have now!"

"What I can give, I can also take away, leaving you with nothing."

"Kevin!" Vivi Lange furrowed her brow, "Speak nicely to the child. Zoe has always been a sensible and obedient girl."

"I just want to tell her that there's no such thing as true love in this world. Even if you get your wish and marry into the Stone Family, without our backing, do you think they will treat you as one of their own? Brandon Stone likes you now, but can you guarantee he'll always protect you?"

Kevin Bell continued, "In the future, whoever you wish to marry, we will provide you with a generous dowry. Even if men prove unreliable, it will ensure you a lifetime of financial security."

"In life, the most important lesson is to learn to be content!"

Her adoptive parents alternated between soft and hard tactics, trying to persuade her:

Don't be too greedy!

"Stop talking; Zoe is a sensible child. She knows what she should do," Vivi Lange said.

Zoe Bell scoffed internally.

Her adoptive parents' treatment of her was mediocre, to begin with, but since Mina Bell's return, they likely feared upsetting her and went out of their way to show favor, causing their attitude towards her to take a sharp downturn.

"Mom, Dad, I'm going to step out for a moment."

"You stand right there; you must call off this marriage..."

Kevin Bell bellowed from behind her.

She had known Brandon Stone for a long time, been in a relationship for a year, and engaged for half a year. When she injured her leg, he had actively helped her find doctors and took caring for her in the hospital to heart. She was touched by that.

Towards Brandon Stone, it wasn't true that she had no feelings at all.

But her feelings now were irrelevant.

Whenever Mina Bell needed something,

she was expected to make way unconditionally.

----

Zoe Bell felt extremely suffocated in the private room, and with her leg hurting, she just wanted to step out for some fresh air. After sneezing a few times, she felt dizzy and uncomfortably congested.

Unexpectedly, she turned a corner and saw Brandon Stone talking with Mina Bell.

Mina Bell gazed up at him, her eyes filled with fondness and shyness.

At that moment, Brandon Stone had already caught sight of her from the corner of his eye but didn't avoid her, simply reaching out to touch Mina Bell's hair, a smile on his lips and an indulgent expression on his face.

Zoe Bell's hands, hanging by her side, tightened slightly.

The next second,

Mina Bell stood on tiptoe and kissed him on the lips.

Her face flushed, she turned to leave but locked eyes with Zoe Bell. She seemed embarrassed as she called out "Sister" and fumbled with her words, wanting to explain but not knowing how to begin.

After hemming and hawing, she managed to say, "Sister, you're misunderstanding, Brother Brandon and I are just…"

"With my own eyes, there's no mistaking this."

But Mina Bell quickly stepped forward, "Sister, you really misunderstood."

Her little face turned bright red, unable to concoct a suitable excuse.

Especially under Zoe Bell's gaze, feeling guilty and embarrassed, she was on the verge of tearing up.

"Just what?" Zoe Bell retorted.

"It's just…"

Mina Bell bit her lip but could not articulate a reason, and she was close to crying.

Zoe Bell could only laugh.

Who was the one being wronged here?

Those unaware of the whole story might think she was the cruel adopted daughter, bullying the true-born daughter.

"Fine, it's just a misunderstanding." Brandon Stone stepped forward, looking at Zoe Bell, "Why must you be so aggressive?"

"What have I forced her to do?"

Brandon Stone frowned slightly, his voice firm, "Mina was just thankful for my recent care for her."

"This is my first time hearing that thanking someone requires lip-to-lip contact."

"Enough, you've done enough." Brandon Stone's tone clearly showed impatience, after all, he'd wished to kiss Zoe Bell himself, but she was unwilling, allowing only a brief touch to her cheek at their engagement, which had left him with some resentment.

Zoe Bell looked at him seriously:

"Brandon Stone, we are done!"

When Brandon Stone heard this, his face stiffened, "What do you mean?"

"What I mean is, from now on, our engagement is off, and who you're with is none of my concern." Zoe Bell said and tried to leave, but Brandon Stone grabbed her arm.

"Zoe Bell, you dare break up with me?"

"Sister, it's all my fault, Brother Brandon truly likes you." Mina Bell said desperately, her eyes reddening, "Won't you stop being mad if I apologize to you?"

"Mina, you don't need to apologize!" Brandon Stone said through clenched teeth, looking at Zoe Bell.

"You've been inappropriate with other men, and I haven't gotten angry. And now you want to call off our engagement? What is it? Found a better option? Who's the other guy you've been sneaking around with behind my back?"

"Watch your language!" Zoe Bell said, her lips pressed tight.

"Is it not true?"

Brandon Stone sneered, "Then tell me, whose coat is that? It can't possibly belong to one of those student parents of yours, can it?"

"It's William Hale's!"

The Hale family's? That person even his own father has trouble seeing, and she bumped into him to receive a coat?

Brandon Stone laughed out of sheer annoyance, "Zoe Bell, even lies have limits! He is who he is; even speaking to you would be you punching above your weight!"