Chapter 370 - Father Dear

"Lo - lovers?!" Zoey gasped, blinking her eyes many times as she rewinded everything she knew about Cora and Ivan's relationship in her mind.

In retrospect, all Zoey could remember was Ivan and Cora disliking each other. They're like cat and dog, arguing telepathically. The only person that was relieved about the two of them not speaking the same language was Zoey. Little did she know, Ivan and Cora still managed to bicker despite the language barrier.

"Brother Zion, that's impossible… Cora and…" Her words trailed off as Zion interrupted her midway.

"They confirmed it." His lips stretched into a forced smile. "I'm happy for her. Since he's your assistant, I know she's in good hands. I'm glad." Zion reassured, causing her shocked visage to transform into puzzlement.

"No…" Under her breath, Zoey whispered while her eyes were transfixed on him. She could see how fake Zion's expression was, no matter how good he was at faking his positivity. After all, Zoey knew that her brother was in love with Cora and vice versa.

"Anyway, I'm sorry again about what I did last time. I just thought you need Dad's help for setting up your own company. I know you want to be independent, but Dad is willing to help. I thought if you managed to talk it down with him, you might reach a conclusion." Without further ado, Zion changed the subject as he explained his side that Zoey didn't give him a chance to do several months ago.

He didn't want to dwell on Cora's love affair anymore. It would not only bring him utter pain but also regret for holding back his feelings. Therefore, Zion changed the subject completely, as that wasn't what he came for. He came to see Zoey and reconcile with her. 

These months had been too stressful, and he didn't want to prolong the bad relationship with his one and only sister. Her cool down time was already too long, and he just hoped that she would listen to him this time. Thankfully, Zoey wasn't angry at him anymore and even welcomed him with open arms.

"Ah?" However, as Zion expressed himself with a deep sigh, Zoey was lost at this sudden change in the topic of discussion. "What do you mean?" She queried, blinking her eyes many times in confusion.

Zion creased his brows, assuming she was feigning innocence and letting things go. "Z, I know that you thought I betrayed you. You can get mad at me, shout, or tell me harsh things… just please, don't treat me like a stranger again. I'm your brother." He explained in frustration, another sigh slipped from his lips.

For a moment, Zoey blinked her eyes as much as she could; her mind wandered at the 'last time' he was talking about. After careful thinking, Zoey finally recalled what he was saying. "Ohh…" She nodded her head lightly in understanding.

'Right, I lashed out at him before…' Zoey murmured internally. 'Well, that was just a nonsense whim of mine.' She added inside her mind before she beamed him a smile.

"Brother Zion, I know that." Her tone sounded immaculate, as if she understood everything. "I was just a bit emotional back then… hormones -- period." She lied through her gritted teeth.

Zoey finally remembered how Zachery, her biological father, came to know about Z Image Group. She initially planned to establish her company as a secret from the Kwans. Still, since she was close with Zion, she let him know about her wonderful plans.

However, Zion who only wanted the best for her and wanted to help and thus, told Zachery about it. He was certain their father would help Zoey. Little did he know, Zachery did not only declare that he would not be helping Zoey, but also he also jinxed her plan for starting a business.

Therefore, out of impulse, Zoey lashed out on Zion. Zoey already forgot about that because technically, she's a person from eight years ago. Sure, she reviewed the occurrences from the previous months of this year, but missed these small details.

Zion sighed once again, shaking his head as he patted her hair. "Don't treat your brother as a stranger again, okay?" He recalled once again, frowning because being ignored by Zoey as if he never existed in her life clenched his heart differently.

"Yes, Big Brother~! I'm sorry~" She beamed him a sweet smile, saluting at him, which made him smile in satisfaction. 

Zoey mostly forgot how they originally reconciled back then, but she was certain this was how it goes. He probably said the same thing he said right now. Nevertheless, Zion gave Zoey another grand idea — the reason Zoey's smile was more blinding than ever.

"Good. Although, it seems your company is doing good. I'm proud of you, Z. I really am." His lips stretched amiably, ruffling her hair as he chuckled when Zoey got annoyed and drew back.

"Big brother, don't! I need to keep my image to my employees!" She complained, pouting as she fixed her hair again.

"Haha, right. My little sister is a grown woman who has her own company." He humored, chuckling while shaking his head. How time flies so fast. His sister was already starting her own career — independently as always -- while Zion was still training in Kwan General Hospital.

As Zion went silent, just staring at her lovingly, Zoey cleared her throat as she hopped forward. Like a sweet little sister she was, she clung her arm around his, "Say, Big brother, can you send me Dad's phone number?" A sweet smile plastered across her lips, causing Zion furrowed his brows.

"Dad's?" He asked, gazing at Zoey's harmless front. "Sure." He nodded without a question. This might be weird to others, but Zoey only had Zion's number saved. Although Zion was now unsure if she still has his contact number after her emotional feat several months ago.

"Yes!" Unsurprised that he agreed immediately, Zoey rubbed his shoulder gently. "Also, yours. Hehe. I think I 'accidentally' deleted it before." She awkwardly explained, forcing a smile on her lip at which she failed miserably.

"Silly." Zion only chuckled, "Don't delete it again or I won't give you my number next time." He humored, fishing out his phone from his pocket and then tapping at it several times. 

The next second, Zoey heard her phone produce a notification sound which she immediately checked. She let his arms go, checking at the contact number Zion sent. "Thank you very much, Big brother~!"

"Call me if you need anything," Zion only nodded his head, pleased that she seemed happy with the small request that was already normal to families. "Anyway, are you going to call Dad? He'll be pleased to hear you again, and Mom." He added.

"Of course! I miss them so much~" Excited, Zoey clasped her hands together with the phone in between her palms. "Especially Dad~!" She stressed, the malicious glint that flickered across her eyes contradicted the excitement she was showing. 

Nevertheless, Zion didn't notice that as he smiled in satisfaction. "They'll be thrilled, for sure. Tell me when you're going to visit home, so I can go home and accompany you." Out of good will, Zion offered as he was like that — a family-oriented person. No matter how tight his schedule was, he would surely make time for his family.

"Sure, although, I plan to fulfill Dad's request…" Through a whisper, Zoey commented as the image of Zachery Kwan hovered in her head. 'I'll surely treat him as a father this time..' She added internally, chuckling evilly at the thought of changing from a defiant and distant daughter to a filial and clingy one.