Bride behind the mask novel (Marguerite)
Chapter 588

Hackett finished speaking and, with a resolute pull of the arm, ushered Penelope into the car.

Zoe, however, stood there with a yearning gaze fixed on Hackett's retreating figure, as if savoring a lingering memory.

When her eyes drifted towards Penelope, they were filled with unmistakable envy.

The two women shared a striking resemblance. If only things had been different...

Lost in her reverie, Zoe was abruptly dragged aside by Yuna, who wore an expression of utmost displeasure and spoke with a scolding tone, "Mom! Why didn't you call me before showing up? How could you come here in front of the Fitzgeralds?"

Zoe, flustered, hissed in a lowered voice, "They are right there, how could you call me mom? Be careful, this is a critical moment, we can't blow our cover!"

Yuna nervously glanced over Zoe's shoulder, then silently motioned for Zoe to follow her away from prying eyes. Once they were out of earshot, Zoe explained, "I called you, but you didn't pick up. I went to your office, and your secretary said you were at this restaurant."

Yuna took a moment to compose herself and asked, "Is there something urgent?"

With a sigh, Zoe pulled a tube of ointment from her pocket, her voice tinged with concern,

"I can't stop worrying about little Manley. He's just a child; you shouldn't have been so harsh!"

Recalling Manley's pitiful plea for mercy the night before, Yuna felt a pang of guilt. Yet, the thought of that wretched Marguerite erased any flicker of sympathy, replaced by a chilling vindictiveness, "Manley's sacrifice was worth it; Marguerite has already faced Freddie's wrath! Mom, don't worry, I'll replace a way to make it up to Manley."

Knowing that Marguerite had been dealt with by Frederick, Zoe felt a weight lift off her shoulders, "By the way, I saw you whispering with Robert earlier. What did he say to make you look so upset?"

Yuna burst out, frustration lacing her voice, "What else? He's threatening me! Mom, Robert doesn't believe the paternity test result; he's been investigating!

Why is fate so cruel? Why couldn't I have been born into wealth and privilege, adored by all?

If only I were truly a Fitzgerald heiress, none of this would be happening, and I wouldn't have to worry! What am I going to do if Robert replaces something?"

As Yuna spoke, her anxiety grew palpable. Zoe, rather than soothing her immediately, turned her gaze back to the grand entrance where the luxurious business car was parked.

She could clearly see Hackett, leaning comfortably into Penelope's embrace, their affection enviably palpable despite their mature years.

Zoe's eyes held a complex mix of emotions before she steadied herself and assured Yuna with conviction, "Whether or not you're truly a Fitzgerald, you must carry yourself like you are! With the DNA test in hand, Robert won't dig up anything!"

"Whether or not I'm a Fitzgerald?" Yuna echoed Zoe's words, her eyebrows knitting together before she let out a self-aware chuckle, "Mom, I'm definitely not! Have you gotten so caught up in this act that even you can't tell reality from lies anymore? But don't worry, once I've secured my footing, I'll make sure the Fitzgeralds will go by the name Lockwood!"