Mrs. Clark grasped Zoe's hand tightly, her eyes red with emotion. Her voice, cold as ice, commanded, "Let Barrett go."

If, at this point, the Clark family had already acknowledged Zoe as their daughter, yet failed to shut Barrett out, how deeply wounded would Zoe be?

If the Clark family couldn't provide her with solace, where else could she seek refuge?

With these thoughts in mind, Mrs. Clark added in a chilling tone, "Tell him that not only tonight but henceforth, neither I nor the Clark family welcome Barrett. My daughter no longer requires his concern for any matter."

If not for him, Zoe would never have reached this stage...