I Forgot I Ever Loved You (Zoe and Hayden) novel Chapter 125

Smack!

The sharp, echoing crack of a slap instantly silenced the entire room.

Wendy stood completely stunned, never expecting Zoe to actually hit her.

Rhonda immediately yanked her daughter behind her and raised her hand to strike back.

But before Rhonda could swing, a heavy slap landed squarely on her own cheek.

Grandmother Eleanor glared at Rhonda with absolute fury, pointing a trembling finger at her.

"Let me see who dares to lay a hand on my precious granddaughter!"

"You old bat! You're still protecting her?! If it weren't for this little bitch, our family wouldn't be in ruins, and you wouldn't be a babbling lunatic who doesn't even know her own name!"

Rhonda was practically foaming at the mouth.

Grandmother Eleanor gritted her teeth.

"Who I protect is my business! My Zoe has always been a good girl. If she hadn't been blinded by love and made a mistake, none of this would have happened. It's my fault! I failed to protect her after her father died. The blame lies with me!"

Tears poured down Grandmother Eleanor's face as she grabbed Zoe's hand. "Zoe... You really came to see me. Tell me I'm not dreaming."

Rhonda trembled with rage.

"She's only here because the Thorne family threw her out! She came crawling back like a stray dog, and you think it's out of loyalty?! If it weren't for my husband holding things together all these years—"

At that moment, Director Carter hurried into the room, drawn by the commotion.

He frowned deeply. "What is all this yelling? Are you here to visit the patient or to abuse her? Keep your voices down! You aren't the only ones in this facility."

Rhonda immediately fired back, refusing to back down.

"You're just in time! Throw this woman out right now! She's the one abusing the elderly! Our grandmother only lost her mind because this bitch drove her crazy!"

Rhonda was terrified that if Zoe stayed, the old woman would immediately transfer the shares to her.

Zoe thanked Director Carter, who offered a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. We'll make sure those two are permanently banned from the premises. I apologize for the scare, Mrs. Thorne. I'll leave you to your visit."

Once Director Carter closed the door behind him, Grandmother Eleanor looked at Zoe, complete clarity in her eyes.

"Zoe... It's really you. You finally came to see me."

Grandmother Eleanor pulled Zoe into a tight embrace, sobbing uncontrollably.

Zoe broke down, tears streaming down her face.

"Grandma, I'm so sorry. I didn't know you got sick because of me."

What had possessed her five years ago? Hearing her aunt's version of events made her past actions sound utterly inconceivable.

Grandmother Eleanor laughed and cried at the same time. "I don't blame you. As long as you came back to see me, that's all that matters."

Zoe pulled back slightly. "Was what Aunt Rhonda said true? Uncle and Aunt Rhonda used to treat me so well. Why did they turn out like this?"