When Penelope spoke, his tone was gentle, devoid of reproach or pressure for Zoe to agree.

However, his mention of "we are family after all" instantly reminded her of how Cole had used a similarly sleazy tone to say almost the same thing earlier that day.

He had leaned closer, saying with a smirk, "Sister-in-law, after all, we're family now."

Zoe felt as if a heavy stone pressed against her back, with Penelope's sentiment of leniency and tolerance toward Cole on one side and her own uncontrollable wariness and distaste for him on the other.

All of this made her feel stifled.

Just before her emotions threatened to spill over,...