Chapter 8 Zayden’s Clean Freak Tendencies.
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As the dismissal bell rang that evening. Naomi had already tidied her desk. She turned to Zayden with a sweet voice. “Zayden, can you walk me home!”
“No, I’ve got something tonight”
Zayden stood up. His cold tone caught Naomi off guard.
He used to always walk her home first before heading back himself.
lihat changed today?
She watched as Zayden walked straight over to Eliza’s desk.
Eliza hadn’t even finished packing up before Zayden grabbed her by the arm and pulled her up.
“I’m not done packing. What’s the rush” she said, annoyed.
Zayden frowned at her tone.
In the past, if Eliza knew she was going to meet his mother, she would’ve had everything packed before the bell even rang
Not far away, Naomi’s expression briefly soured at the sight, but she quickly adjusted it and walked toward them with a smile.
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“Eliza, are you going on a date with Zayden later! Can I tag along?” Naomi blinked up at them with wide, innocent eyes. “Mom and Dad are still at work. It’s boring going home alone.”
Zayden looked at her, intending to decline, but before he could. Eliza replied cheerfully, “Sounds good. Let’s go together.”
“Thanks!” Naomi happily linked arms with Eliza.
Then, as if it were the most natural thing, she reached out and grabbed Zayden’s hand too. “Zayden, you wouldn’t really forget me just because you’re with my sister, right? You wouldn’t even walk me home earlier,”
Her tone wasn’t sisterly at all–it was more like a girlfriend pouting at her boyfriend.
Zayden was silent for a moment before saying. “My mom wants to see Eliza. It’s not really a good time for you to come.
“Why not! I haven’t seen Aunt Grace in ages.
Eliza’s expression remained neutral.
Site new Grace actually preferred Naomi. But because Eliza was the eldest daughter, their two families had arranged her engagement to Zayden early on.
Naomi was too impressive. Grace had always feared that marrying her into the Holt family would be a waste of her potential
In their eyes, Naomi deserved a more dazzling future–not a life spent playing housewife to the Holt family heir
On the ride over, Eliza didn’t say a word.
This was the first time Zayden had ever used the Holt family’s car to take her to see Grace.
Zayden had always been a clean freak–he never let outsiders in the family car. Naomi had always been the one exception
He probably let Eliza ride today because Naomi was with them.
I was already 7:00 pm when they arrived.
The Holt family garage was huge, but Naomi confidently led the way to the elevator, clearly familiar with the place
She’d been here many times.
By contrast, in her past life. Eliza had only been to the Holt residence twice–and only because Grace had specifically asked for her.
Chapter 8 Zayden’s Clean Freak Tendencies
Thinking of the difference made Eliza want to laugh.
She’d spent so long groveling, belicans that being humble and obedient would earn love
But she’d learned the hard way: the more obedient you are, the easier you are to manipulate–and to hurt.
“This way, Eliza,” Naomi called out with a flourish, like she was showing off.
She acted like Eliza had never been here before–as if she were Zayden’s fiancée, and Eliza was just a guest.
Eliza didn’t care. She followed her onto the elevator without a word.
The Holt estate was much larger than the Rivers:
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Even though Zayden’s father had passed away, his mother still had enough business sense to keep the family afloat–for now.
Outsiders still thought the Holts were thriving.
But Eliza knew better. Within a year, they’d be completely bankrupt.
This polished image wouldn’t last long.
“Eliza, this way.”
to flaunt how familiar she was with the place,
Naomi kept pointing out directions like she was afraid Eliza would get lost, just
Zayden, clueless to this kind of girl–on–girl sparring, didn’t notice anything strange.
In the living room, Grace had already had the maid lay out an elaborate dinner spread.
But just one look told Eliza these were all Naomi’s favorite dishes
“Naomi’s here too? Come, have a seat, Grace greeted warmly.
She was dressed in luxurious clothes and wore expensive jewelry.
Naomi sat down naturally across from her, flashing a charming smile, “Your necklace is gorgeous. It’s even prettier than my
mom’s.”
“Oh really? You’ve got quite the eye for someone so young. This is top–grade jadeite.”
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Grace loved compliments about her jewelry, and Naomi had her absolutely glowing
Meanwhile, Eliza stood quietly off to the side, clearly uninvited.
After a while, Grace finally looked her way. Her smile faded a little. “Eliza, you’ve been here a few times now. Treat it like your home. Come sit
“Thank you, Madam Grace,
Naomi had already taken the seat next to Zayden, so Eliza sat a little farther away.
“I heard there was some drama during Zayden’s birthday yesterday,” Grace said, cutting straight to the point.
Eliza wasn’t surprised–Zayden had already told her Grace wanted to talk about last night.
“There’s nothing to it, muam. We were just playing around. It was all a misunderstanding”
Naomi jumped in before she could say more. “It’s true! Just some silly teasing. Everything’s fine now.”
Grace chuckled. “Zayden was in the wrong. Your parents already called me. You’re still young–no need to be so dramatic. What matters most is that you two stay close”
She glanced at Eliza with a hint of approval. “I heard your grades haven’t been great lately. If you can’t get into college, that’s fine. Just come marry into our family instead. I’ve watched you grow up, and if you become Zayden’s wife, he wouldn’t dare
mistreat you.
Chapter 8 Zayden’s Clean Freak Tendencies
Eliza smiled inwardly.
Grace couldn’t wait for her to give up school and marry into the Holt family.
One reason was to bind the Rivers family closer, hoping they’d help the Holts out of their financial mess.
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The other reason was that Grace was certain Eliza wanted to marry Zayden–and would make the perfect, dutiful daughter-
in–law
Eliza remembered how, in her past life, her parents begged her not to marry into the collapsing Holt family. But she’d insisted, standing by Zayden through the hardest times.
In the end, after she’d given up her identity as the Rivers heiress and was no longer of use, Grace turned on her–blaming her for ruining Zayden and Naomi’s perfect future.
