Chapter 342

chapter342

Zane maintained a cold, dismissive smirk, confident that he could easily intimidate someone he viewed as a mere country bumpkin. However, his expression froze mid-sneer in the very next second.

“M—Ms. Lenoir? What are you doing here?”

He was genuinely stunned to find Claudette at Ryder’s house. Beside him, Chloe’s confident smile vanished instantly. She had always assumed Zane occupied a much higher position of power, but his sudden, visible panic told a different story. Why does he look like he’s seen a ghost? Chloe was observant; she realized immediately that they had collided with someone whose influence far eclipsed Zane’s.

“Are you Zane Xanders?” Claudette asked, her eyes narrowing as she noted how Zane was standing with Abellyn.

Zane immediately stepped back, creating a wide distance between them. He nodded frantically. “Yes... that’s me, Ms. Lenoir. I didn't realize you were... involved here.”

Abellyn felt a sinking sensation in her gut, but she lacked Chloe’s quick intuition. “What’s wrong, Zane?” she asked, frowning. She mistakenly thought his reaction was due to some personal history with this newcomer.

“Be quiet!” Zane snapped, his voice trembling with urgency.

Abellyn was offended by his tone, but the intensity in his eyes forced her to stay silent.

Claudette glanced at Abellyn with a look of calm, effortless superiority. Though she said nothing, her silent appraisal stung Abellyn’s pride. Unable to help herself, Abellyn stepped forward and pointed at Claudette. “Who do you think you are? You have no right to look at me like that!”

Before she could say another word, Zane grabbed her arm and hissed, “I told you to be quiet! Do you have any idea who you're talking to?”

Abellyn was dumbstruck. She couldn't believe Zane, who had been so devoted only moments ago, was now treating her with such harshness. Just as she was about to lash out, Chloe grabbed her and pulled her back, signaling her with a sharp, warning look to remain silent.

Ignoring them both, Zane turned back to Claudette and offered a respectful bow. “My sincerest apologies, Ms. Lenoir. Please don't hold her lack of manners against me. It was a misunderstanding.”

Claudette remained unimpressed. “Leave this place immediately. If I find you associating with these people or causing further trouble for this family, there will be professional consequences you won't recover from.”

“Yes, I understand completely,” Zane replied, nodding subserviently.

Abellyn stood frozen, finally beginning to grasp that this woman held Zane’s entire career in her hands. Meanwhile, Emmanuel remained calm, though he felt a complex mix of emotions. Unlike the help he received from Mackenzie, accepting Claudette’s intervention felt like a favor he wasn't sure how to return.

“Wait!” Claudette called out as Zane headed for the Ferrari. “Leave the keys. That vehicle belongs to the company fleet, and your access is revoked effective immediately.”

Zane hesitated for only a fraction of a second before nodding and handing over the keys. He quickly gestured for his associate, Douglas, and the two of them hurried away on foot.

As the car sat silent in the driveway, Abellyn finally found her voice. “You’re just going to leave? What about everything you promised me?”

Zane didn't even look back. He had no intention of defying his boss over a woman he had only intended to use for a brief distraction. As for Abellyn’s predicament, it was no longer his concern; his only goal now was to salvage what was left of his standing within the Lenoir family’s enterprise.