Besides that, Xylia knew that, after leaving the Gray family, Zac had gone straight to the Tremo family in Evergrand City! The Tremos-the very family the Yarbroughs had been desperately trying to woo for years! All this time, the Tremos hadn't even glanced our way. But now the four women we'd taken in to spite Arthur might prove unexpectedly useful. Zac's return to the Gray household suggested that he still harbored some affection for John and the family. If true, Raelynn and her daughters suddenly became valuable pawns. Seeing the women frozen in shock, Maris chimed in with a bright smile. "Absolutely! Let's invite Zac to stay with us. You haven't really seen each other since his hasty departure last time." His tone dripped with false warmth as he emphasized, "This is the perfect opportunity to reconnect. Family ties fade without regular contact." Maris continued to refer to Zac with exaggerated respect, an absurd formality considering Zac was actually younger. None of the Yarbroughs noticed how Zane's face darkened at Xylia's suggestion. Their entire plan had been to use the Gray women to arrange a meeting elsewhere-not to invite Zac into their home! When I had discovered Zac's connection to the Tremos, I'd immediately contacted Renee, hoping she could arrange a meeting. But Zac had refused, claiming to be too busy. I knew the truth - Zac was angry. Angry at being kept at arm's length in Seacity. Angry at being blocked from the university. If we didn't mend fences now, our relationship might never recover. But having Zac visit? That was unacceptable. Renee had shown me Zac's picture. The resemblance between them was uncanny. If the family saw Zac's face... Especially Zoey. If she got suspicious and demanded a paternity test... Her whole life would unravel. The Walkers' influence and wealth would - Zane forced a smile, playing the considerate host. "Mother, inviting someone so abruptly might make Zac feel uncomfortable. We wouldn't want to offend him." The name felt foreign on his tongue - it was the first time I'd ever called him by name. After a theatrical pause, Zane continued, "Raelynn, why don't you help with the dinner arrangements? As head of the family, I'll extend the invitation personally. If Zac wishes, he can visit afterwards." His performance was flawless - the picture of gracious hospitality. Only Zane knew the truth; Zac could never set foot in this house. Now Zane regretted listening to his mother about hosting this damn welcome dinner. Had I known she was going to suggest it, I would have pushed Renee harder. Renee was able to contact Zac, but the boy refused to reveal his location or meet with him. Obviously, Zac understood exactly why Zane suddenly wanted to see him. Of course, Zac knew about the Yarbroughs' desperation to woo the Tremos. Now that he was connected to Solivair Tremo, he'd become a target. Zane wanted to use him as a stepping stone to Solivair's influence. Both Zac and Renee saw right through it. Renee didn't know about Zac's Tremo connection at first. She only knew that after Zac's mysterious one-day trip, Zane had come looking for him - something he'd never done before. At the time, Renee had been overjoyed.