Chapter 8 The Revelation of Zane's Identity

• Later, Harper stepped out of the toilet, looking annoyed as she smoothed down her newly changed white evening gown.
• "What's wrong?" Logan asked.
• Harper responded, "I just stepped out of the toilet and thought I caught a glimpse of Mrs. Robinson as soon as I did."
• "Layla?" Logan asked.
• Harper nodded and confirmed, "Yeah, I saw her with that guy from before. They seemed pretty close."
• Noticing Logan's reaction, she quickly added, "Perhaps I was mistaken. I mean, why would Mrs. Robinson hang out with someone like Zane? I heard he's a desperado."
• "Layla..." Logan's voice turned cold.
• I've seen Zane's interest in her before. Why couldn't she be more careful? Getting involved with a desperado like Zane is risky, Logan thought, feeling a knot of unease in his stomach.
• Just then, Layla came out of the toilet, noticing Logan's disapproving look and the suspicion in his eyes.
• "What were you doing just now?" Logan asked, his voice low.
• "Me? I was in the toilet," Layla replied, confused.
• "Mrs. Robinson, I spotted Zane earlier. He's not a stand-up guy. Please don't let him pull one over on you," Harper spoke up, stepping forward and putting on a concerned face as she reached for Layla's hand.
• Layla instinctively pulled her hand back. Still reaching out, Harper continued with a tinge of hurt, "Mrs. Robinson, I didn't mean to go behind Mr. Robinson's back... It's just that Zane isn't someone you want to get mixed up with."
• "I know what Zane is like. I don't need others to pass judgment," Layla replied, her tone cooling.
• "I..." Harper paused, biting her lip and looking hurt.
• Logan cut in with a cold tone, "Harper's just watching out for you. You shouldn't be associating with the wrong crowd."
• Harper tugged at Logan's sleeve as if his words were too harsh.
• "Mrs. Robinson, it's best to steer clear of Zane. You're a decent lady, and he's a reckless troublemaker. Why get tangled up with him?" Harper added.
• Thud, thud, thud... Suddenly, the sharp sound of a cane hitting the ground echoed nearby, grabbing everyone's attention. They all turned to see an old man with white hair standing in the hall's center.
• Layla glanced over and quickly realized he was the gardener who had placed the vase earlier. Yet now, he was all suited up, flanked by two bodyguards, looking like he owned the place. His gaze had a fierce edge, making people think twice about getting too close.
• One of the bodyguards piped up, "This is Flynn Thomson, Old Mr. Thomson."
• The guests lifted their glasses in respect, but Harper's expression soured as she realized the old man she'd just scolded was Flynn Thomson.
• Then, Zane popped out from behind Flynn, strolled over to stand beside him, and shot Layla a smirk that really got under her skin.
• "Ladies and gentlemen, I've brought you here today to spill the beans. Zane is my grandson, and he's inheriting everything of the Thomsons," Flynn announced.
• He then shot Harper a frosty glare, sending a shiver down her spine. In a cold tone, he added, "He's not some reckless troublemaker."
• The room buzzed with surprise, but Layla's heart raced as she thought, No way! This doesn't add up! The timeline is all wrong! How could this be?