“Zach Olsen!” A sharp female voice sliced through the air, halting Zach’s words mid- sentence. He paused, his eyes shifting from Josie to Claudia. Dressed in her nightgown, Claudia stood at the entrance of the elevator, her expression impassive but her tone filled with anger.

Zach’s lips formed a pout. “Mother, I didn’t say anything inappropriate.”

Claudia approached him directly, her voice stern. “Apologize.”

“What are you-” Zach began, but Claudia interrupted firmly.

“I insist that you apologize to your sister!”

The term “sister” hit Josie and Zach like a bolt from the blue, leaving them both momentarily stunned.

Zach fixed his gaze on Josie, his disbelief evident. “Her? My sister? Mother, I could never bring myself to call her that in this lifetime.”

He had barely finished his sentence when Claudia’s hand connected with his cheek in a resounding slap. Zach recoiled, his expression a mixture of shock and disbelief. “You hit me for her sake. It appears you’re determined to acknowledge this girl as your daughter. But what about me? Am I not your son?”

Josie was caught off guard by Claudia’s determination, her brow furrowing in response.

to be his sister

could be considered a double

spoiled you since young. That’s why you turned out like

Responding with biting sarcasm, he quipped, “I apologize for my pettiness. Our abode is vast enough to entertain guests. My sincerest apologies, Ms.

the last name

only served to exacerbate

brow glistening with sweat. It

Mark approached Josie cheerfully. “You’re up early, Leanne. What can I have the kitchen whip

took a sip of her coffee, setting it down gently. “I’m

a light salad then. You should have something to eat to stay healthy,” Mark insisted, his tone

bending over backward to

pulled at the corner of Zach’s mouth as he observed the exchange. Unable

attention to Zach, offering a casual acknowledgment. “Oh,

increasingly frustrated, Zach raised his

shifted abruptly, his voice now laced with intimidation. “What’s with this ruckus

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