Chapter 253 

Ava got out of the car with suitcases in her hands. 

Then, the bedroom door opened. It was Mason. 

Wearing formal attire, his dashing face revealed a suppressed lust. She didn’t see any traces of the ruthlessness he exhibited last night. 

Under her stare, he walked over to her, grabbed the paper, and asked casually, “Did you see it?” 

She remained quiet. 

Putting down the newspaper, he smirked, “That’s right! You don’t care!” Then, he walked toward the door. 

She said softly, “What do you want, Mason?” 

Turning around slowly, he wore a blank expression when he stared at her. His voice was cold when he said, “What do you think it is that I 

want, Zoe?” 

She responded quietly, “If you love Gabriela, I’m more than okay to end our marriage so you can be with her officially! Instead, what are you doing with her now? You’re giving her some semblance of hope which you’re going to snuff out eventually. Don’t you think that’s 

cruel?” 

Sneering, he said, “How high and mighty! When did you become such a Mother Teresa? Did you pick that up from Cecil?” 

She retorted, “Stop being so sarcastic! I did have feelings for him, but I’ve never done anything disloyal to you ever since we got married!” 

He turned back again when he heard what she said. Walking over to her, he touched her delicate face and rubbed it playfully, “You might 

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not have done anything wrong physically, but what about your heart? 

Wa US can cast the first stone?” 

Then, he left Zoe alone. She stood quietly by herself for a long time. 

It was clear that Mason was forcing her to love him. He wanted her to give in to his will and promise him that she’d never think about Cecil 

again. 

The fact was, she didn’t love Cecil that deeply. It was just a crush. However, Mason wouldn’t even allow that. He’d always be the 

domineering and unreasonable jerk. 

He didn’t know how to love someone and yet he was asking her to love him! 

Their relationship went downhill from there. 

The high society in Brookesville had a pretty good idea about them./ They knew Mason and Zoe were respectful of each other and that Gabriela was hitting on him. It was also pretty well-known that the Lockwoods and the Waldolfs were collaborating on a big project. 

It was Thursday and Mason came home during the evening, which 

was out of the norm. 

They were having dinner when he said, “We’re going to have a garden party in the manor this Sunday. Make preparations for about fifty guests. They’re mostly my staff or the collaborators’ staff. Get the guest list from Ava.” 

“Sure,” she responded. 

Putting down his cutlery, he looked at her and said, “Gabriela’s going to be here as well. She’s been on a diet lately. So, she doesn’t care much for sweet food. Don’t add sugar when you’re making the desserts.” 

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Smiling faintly, she said, “I’ll tell the servants about it.” 

He kept staring at her while she was trying to cut up the steak in her plate and asked him with a faint smile, “Feel free to let me know if there’s something else she doesn’t like. I’ll be mindful of that, too. After all, we have to make your esteemed guest feel welcome!” 

It was obvious from his frown that he was ticked off by what she said. 

After a brief moment, he wiped his mouth with the napkin and rose. Next time, cook the steak longer, Layla!” 

The servant heard their conversation and knew of his scandals. So, she showed him a dirty look and said, “I thought you preferred your steak to be rare, Mr. Mason!” 

He stared at Zoe, who leaned over and said softly, “Cook the steak longer for Mr. Mason, Layla. Remember that.” 

The servant responded begrudgingly, “Okay.” 

He fell into deep thought when he was climbing the stairs. Zoe had gone ahead and pulled all of the servants in the manor to her side! She had been treating everyone well. So, why couldn’t she treat him 

the same…? 

Why wouldn’t she give in to his wishes?