Chapter 585 - Dinner With The Kwan III

There was a long silence after Zoey's remarks. The family of three had their eyes on Zoey; some in contempt and others dumbfounded. 

"Zoey, what do you mean by that?" The first one to recover from the shock was Zion. 

The delight plastered on his face gradually turned into a stern look. He stared at Zoey, his eyes unwavering as if he would take action once Zoey answered something he deemed to be wrong. 

"Little Zoey, you're joking right?" Sarah awkwardly and softly queried as she forced a positive smile on her lips. 

Zachery, on the other hand, smirked. If Zoey was dating an old man out of desperation to save her company, he would be glad. Of course, that would also enrage his wife and son, but he could easily manipulate everyone into h ating the hateful Zoey. 

"Hehe. Of course, mom." A wide grin formed on her visage as her eyes narrowed into a thin line. 

Upon hearing Zoey's answer, Sarah heaved a sigh of relief as she shook her head. She patted her chest gently, before raising her eyes back to her daughter. 

"How can you joke like that?" 

"Hehe~"

Zoey only chuckled in return but Zion's stern expression didn't change. He knew that Zoey was often naughty. However, that wasn't a good joke. 

In spite of his displeasure, Zion didn't say anything and remained silent. Zoey and Sarah conversed but this time, it was only them. 

"Zoey, not only are you dating and didn't inform us, but you also joke unnecessarily. Are you insulting your father?" Just then, Zachery slammed his hand on the table. 

"Dear..." Sarah called out softly, reaching to Zachery's hand to calm him. "Little Z is just joking, I'm sure she didn't mean it like that."

Sarah explained, shielding Zoey as it was obviously a little rude to say such stuff to her husband. Although the news that Zoey was dating was surprising to them, Sarah understood that Zoey was a free woman. 

Zoey never asked them for support and even if they insisted on giving her financial support, Zoey returned it. Hence, they have no rights to meddle with Zoey's choices no matter how worrying they were. 

It was painful for Sarah to admit that. Even so, she wanted to respect that Zoey was dating a man of her choice. 

"No!" Yet, Zachery was not persuaded by his wife this time. His eyes were fixated on Zoey, unwavering with contempt and hate. 

Zoey bit her lower lip and hung her head low, she whispered, "I'm sorry, Dad." 

Slowly, Zoey's hands that were on her lap curled, creasing her trousers. Zion, who was sitting on her side snuck a glance at her before he let out a deep sigh. 

"Dad, why are you so worked up?" Zion asked as he raised his eyes to his father. "Zoey just returned home and you've been picking on her. If this continues and little Zoey chose to leave again, I'll go with her."

Although Zion's voice was calm, it was adamant and commanding. Zachery and Sarah nearly gasped as they widened their eyes upon hearing their son's threat. 

Meanwhile, a brief smirk flashed across Zoey's lips before she slowly raised her head. As soon as she lifted her chin up, the smirk was gone and only puzzlement was apparent. 

"Zion!" Infuriated at his son's threat, Zachery's voice thundered which echoed throughout the entire dining hall. 

"Son, what are you saying?" Sarah inquired in panic. 

How did the light atmosphere escalate into this strong tension? Just moments ago, everyone was sharing a light atmosphere filled with laughters, but now...

"I'm saying what I should have done long ago. At my age, I should be living independently, but because I'm your only son, I don't want my mother to feel lonely. I don't mind staying longer until I settle down." Zion explained, darting his eyes from his mother to his father before he turned his gaze to Zoey's dumbfounded front. 

"But, Zoey has been alone all this time. I am still her brother and I should protect her even if it's Dad who is bullying her." 

Slowly, Zion offered a gentle smile to Zoey before he faced his father. The gentle smile was gone, and only left with a blank emotion. 

"Bullying?!" Enraged, Zachery snapped as he ground his teeth. "Hah! Kwan Zion, such big words you're using! How can disciplining become bullying?!"

"From what I see, it's not disciplining but mere bullying." Zion shrugged, unfazed by his enraged father. 

"Dear, Zion..." Conflicted between her son and husband, Sarah darted her gaze back and forth with eyes full of panic and worry. 

In retrospect, Zion and Zachery never argued. No matter how unreasonable Zachery sometimes, Zion would always abide. But now, Sarah could not believe her ears. 

"Kwan Zion!" 

"Father, I'm sorry if this appears to be rude and disrespectful. But, you could've expressed yourself more that little Z is back instead of acting tough. Now, I wonder if you're truly happy that little Zoey is back." Despite the infuriated Zachery, Zion remained calm as he slowly pushed his chair away and slowly stood up. 

"It was a nice meal, Mom. I'm tired." Zion bowed a little before glancing to Zoey's side. "I'll take you to your room."

He said and Zoey nodded as a forced smile resurfaced on her lips. When Zoey stood up, she bowed and apologized before following Zion's tracks. 

As the two left, Zachery's fist trembled as his jaw tightened. He glimpsed the ridicule that flickered across Zoey's eyes that was facaded by her apologetic countenance. 

"That brat...!" Through his gritted teeth, Zachery held himself back while his wife tried to calm him down. 

'So this is her plan?! To make Zion rebel against me!' Zachery scorned as he stepped inside Zoey's white lotus trap willingly. How foolish of him!

*****

"Brother Zion..." Zoey called out softly as she hastened her tracks to keep up with Zion. 

Zion suddenly stopped as he sighed heavily. Slowly, he turned and faced Zoey. 

"Zoey, I didn't know why you purposely angered Dad, but know that I'm on your side."

Zoey pursed her lips as she stared at the stern look on Zion's face. Zion was always gentle but somehow, she sensed that something had changed. 

"Now, tell me why you lied about me inviting you to come home.." He asked, not beating around the bush as he had a good grasp of everything that was going on.