Carla froze, appalled at the sight.
Zayn turned his head to one side and knitted his brows silently.
Soon, a red mark appeared on his cheek.
"I've never slapped you before, " said Jombo in a menacing voice. "You were smart, obedient, and never disappointed me. But today—"
"I'm not your puppet!" Zayn interrupted rudely. "You can't use me to reverse your mistake!""What do you mean?" Jombo's voice wobbled.
"Am I wrong?" Zayn sneered. "Back then, my father was troubled in love and died in an accident later. Hence, you placed all your hopes on me and exercised total control over my life. I must gain your approval before I date or marry anyone. You even interfered when I tried to make friends!"
"Zayn Giblo!" Jombo roared.
"What's wrong? Is one slap not enough?" Zayn raised his chin defiantly. "Go on. Slap me more. I'll think of it as repaying you for bringing me up."
"Y-You rascal!" Jombo was shaking in anger as he raised his hand, about to give him another slap.
"Mr. Giblo!" Layon rushed over to stop him. "Please calm down, calm down."
"I'm sorry. It was all my fault, " uttered Shelley anxiously as she made her way over to Jombo. Grabbing his sleeves, she pleaded, "Please stop hitting Zayn. Please!"
Closing his eyes in annoyance, Zayn spun on his heels.
"Stand right there!" Jombo shouted.
Zayn ignored his shouts and left.
"Mr. Giblo!" Benard scurried after him.
The rest had their heads down and dared not make any sound.
Carla gazed in the direction where Zayn had just left, at a loss for words.
She couldn't believe Zayn went against Jombo just to defend her and even took the blame for her, causing the old man to slap him out of anger.
Zayn was a proud man who'd punish those who were impolite to him, so he would never allow anyone to hit him.
But today, Jombo had slapped him in public.
Getting slapped was nothing big. However, his pride and honor were wounded.
"Vixen!" Jombo cursed, about to explode with rage.
Carla looked down silently.
"Mr. Giblo, forget it, " advised Layon. "You heard what Zayn said. I don't think she was involved in the poisoning incident. There must be a misunderstanding. Please do me a favor, and forget about this."
Layon then signaled at Shelley.
At once, Shelley burst out crying. "I won't pursue this matter. Please don't let this come between you and Zayn. I don't want him to hate me. Please!"
"You would've been dead meat if they didn't ask me to let you off, " threatened Jombo as he pointed at Carla. "Get lost! Don't let me see you again!"
Carla scrambled up and left with her head down.
Naya signaled one of her medical staff, who immediately went after Carla and helped her out.
"Mr. Giblo, don't be mad." Layon consoled him. "We can't stay for long in Zayn's company. I'll leave with Shelley now."
"Okay." Jombo patted the back of his hand to comfort him. "That brat needs some discipline. I'm sorry for what you had to go through today. I promise I'll punish him back home."
"Please don't say that." Layon might be in his fifties, but he was still a mild-mannered man. "The kids are grown up and have their own ideas. That's normal. Don't be mad at him. I'll find time to talk to him in private."
"Mm."
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