Despite feeling humiliated by the families, Levi saw this as a blessing in disguise.
He had secretly wished Forlevia could officially be part of his family. It was just that he never told Zoey about it.
She had gone through too much because of him, and he did not want to burden her any further.
That was why he did not object when Forlevia took Zoey’s surname.
The three families’ actions only fulfilled his wish, but Zoey begged to differ.
“Have you forgotten what the Garrisons said? They said they would do anything to stop Forlevia from using their family name.”
She was fully aware that they would go to great lengths to exclude her daughter from the family.
They even tried to kill Levi when he was still a baby.
It was apparent that they would do likewise to Forlevia.
“They don’t have the guts to do that,” Levi said coldly.
The whole family was within his hands, and he could easily do away with whatever rules the family had.
Thus, they had no say with regard to Forlevia’s surname.
Zoey pursed her lips and shook her head at Levi’s stubbornness. “By the way, you should stop teaching Evie weird things. She thought you’re really the God of War,” she remarked sternly, eyeing Levi from the corner of her eyes, “I mean, you used to be, but you aren’t anymore. She might get into trouble if she goes around telling people that.”
Hearing Zoey’s words, Forlevia sprang up and defended Levi. “Mommy, Daddy isn’t lying!”
Beside her, Levi simply smiled. “Don’t worry, Zoey. The Garrison family won’t do anything to her. They have been threatening me my whole life, but I’m still a Garrison.”
A frown settled on Zoey’s brows as she chewed on his words reluctantly.
Although what Levi said was true, Zoey still thought that was not the best arrangement.
After all, the Garrisons were known for being cruel and crafty.
“Just trust me on this, Zoey. There really won’t be a problem with Forlevia being a Garrison. Anyway, this is not up for discussion. It’s not like you want to give Morris Group to them just like that, right?”
Zoey nodded slowly in resignation.
She could only hope for the best.
Levi was elated when he saw Zoey giving her consent. He turned toward Forlevia and a wide smile spread on his face. “Evie, you’re now Forlevia Garrison!”
“Yes, Daddy! I’m Forlevia Garrison!”
The chirpy girl nodded her head passionately beside Levi.
Proud and beaming, Levi patted her head as his smile intensified. “This calls for a celebration.”
Levi then immediately arranged for a banquet the following day.
It was a small celebration party with only a few attendees. Other than the family, only Aaron, Caitlyn, Sylas, and Iris were invited.
Everyone was glad to receive the good news.
Although Aaron and Caitlyn thought the couple should take more time to think about the matter, they were still happy for them.
Just as everyone was having a good time celebrating, people from the Lopez, Black, and Zachs families arrived.
“I can’t believe you still have the mood to celebrate, Zoey,” one of them said.
Meredith stepped forward and showed her goading smile. “Why didn’t you invite your own family?”
Aaron and Caitlyn were quick to apologize. “I’m sorry, we’re just having a small gathering, so we never thought of inviting the family.”
Levi, on the other hand, was irritated to see them. “What do you people want?”
“What do we want? We’re here to see Zoey, of course,” Meredith replied, “So, did you make up your mind already, Zoey?”
All eyes were on Zoey as everyone waited for an answer.
“Evie will be taking her father’s last name.”
Meredith’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? Are you crazy?”
They never once expected Zoey to do that, what more with such determination and boldness.
“You heard me right. She’s now Forlevia Garrison.”
“Too bad for you then. The Garrison clan will be notified immediately.”
Levi scoffed and rolled his eyes. “Go ahead and tell them. Every one of the Garrisons will have to come to their knees when they see me.”
