“Zach Olsen!” A sharp female voice sliced through the air, halting Zach’s words mid- sentence. He paused, his eyes shifting from Josie to Claudia. Dressed in her nightgown, Claudia stood at the entrance of the elevator, her expression impassive but her tone filled with anger.
Zach’s lips formed a pout. “Mother, I didn’t say anything inappropriate.”
Claudia approached him directly, her voice stern. “Apologize.”
“What are you-” Zach began, but Claudia interrupted firmly.
“I insist that you apologize to your sister!”
The term “sister” hit Josie and Zach like a bolt from the blue, leaving them both momentarily stunned.
Zach fixed his gaze on Josie, his disbelief evident. “Her? My sister? Mother, I could never bring myself to call her that in this lifetime.”
He had barely finished his sentence when Claudia’s hand connected with his cheek in a resounding slap. Zach recoiled, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. “You hit me for her sake. It appears you’re determined to acknowledge this girl as your daughter. But what about me? Am I not your son?”
Josie was caught off guard by Claudia’s determination, her brow furrowing in response.
“I never intended to be his sister anyway,” Josie retorted.
This could be considered a double entendre.
Claudia continued glaring at her son, her chest heaving. “We’ve pampered and spoiled you since young. That’s why you turned out like this! You must apologize to her no matter who she is to you!”
Zach felt a surge of frustration constricting his chest, leaving him suffocated by its weight. However, Claudia was adamant. Responding with biting sarcasm, he quipped, “I apologize for my pettiness. Our abode is vast enough to entertain guests. My sincerest apologies, Ms. Warren.”
He accentuated the last name with deliberate emphasis.
His childish jabs only served to exacerbate Josie’s pounding headache.
At that moment, Mark returned from his morning run, his brow glistening with sweat. It was clear he had grown notably healthier.
Seemingly oblivious to Zach’s presence, Mark approached Josie cheerfully. “You’re up early, Leanne. What can I have the kitchen whip up for you?”
Josie took a sip of her coffee, setting it down gently. “I’m not really hungry,” she murmured.
“Oh… Well, maybe just a light salad then. You should have something to eat to stay healthy,” Mark insisted, his tone gentle and caring.
He was clearly bending over backward to please Josie.
A slight twitch pulled at the corner of Zach’s mouth as he observed the exchange. Unable to contain himself any longer, he interjected, “Dad.”
Mark turned his attention to Zach, offering a casual acknowledgment. “Oh, you’re back.”
Growing increasingly frustrated, Zach raised his voice. “Dad!”
Mark’s demeanor shifted abruptly, his voice now laced with intimidation. “What’s with this ruckus early in the morning!”
Zach couldn’t believe it when his father’s voice boomed in rebuke. Josie, holding her coffee cup with delicate poise, wore a smug smile that irked Zach to his core. “Dad,” he began, “we need to talk. Let’s go to the study.”
But before he could take more than a couple of steps, Mark grumbled impatiently, “Why bother with the study? Just speak your mind here. Leanne is family!”
“Even you?” Zach’s frustration simmered as he sank into a chair. “So none of you have been able to let her go all these years, huh? I want the truth. Are you planning to welcome Josie back into the family?”
Josie, as the protagonist, observed the drama unfold with amusement like a bystander.
Claudia said indifferently, “What does that have to do with you? You should worry about yourself. And what about Laura? When is she returning?”
Zach was caught off guard by the question. “How would I know? She’s always been so unpredictable.”
“If you don’t have the courage to get a divorce, then shut up. Weakness has no place in the Olsen family.” Mark’s words hit the nail on the head.
Zach ended up bearing the brunt of criticism before the issue with Josie could be resolved.
As Josie observed the unfolding events, she felt sorry for Zach. In the past, he could maintain his facade of a polished scoundrel. Now, however, the true extent of his sheltered and privileged upbringing was laid bare for all to see. It was evident that he was adrift, lacking a true sense of self.
