Chapter 168

Dorothy stamped her foot, glaring at Vincent with undisguised irritation. "Have you lost your mind completely? Are you drunk or just plain stupid? One minute you're coherent, the next you're spouting nonsense. If you won't leave, we will!"

Vincent jabbed a threatening finger toward Dorothy and Dominic. "Nobody's going anywhere. With me here, what's there to fear anyway?"

Liam felt a migraine coming on. If this commotion continued, Evelyn would surely wake up. Having such troublesome in-laws was utterly exhausting. He pulled out his phone and sent a quick text.

Meanwhile, Vincent continued making a scene in the living room for several more minutes until Ryan entered with four armed soldiers. Their rifles gleamed under the chandelier as they advanced with military precision.

Vincent's bravado evaporated instantly. His knees buckled and he collapsed to the floor, trembling violently. "P-please, s-sirs, I didn't m-mean—"

Dominic looked equally shaken. He hurried to help his father up, whispering urgently, "Dad, let's just go."

"M-my legs... I can't feel them," Vincent stammered.

Dorothy rolled her eyes but reluctantly helped support her husband as they retreated.

Liam leaned against the sofa, massaging his temples as he watched the trio stumble out. His heart ached for Evelyn—having family like this must have been unbearable for her.

Ryan and the soldiers efficiently escorted them from Blackwood Manor.

Outside the wrought iron gates, Vincent gulped the fresh air like a drowning man. He cast a fearful glance back at the imposing estate.

Only when certain they weren't being followed did his bravado return. "Who knew my daughter married a military general? Did you see those guns? Actual rifles!"

Dorothy shot him a withering look. "This entire disaster is your fault, you old fool! We could've had a comfortable life, but you had to ruin everything with your drunken antics."

Fury overtook Vincent. His fists rained down on Dorothy as he roared, "Shut your nagging mouth! Our daughter's living in luxury while I get nothing! I'll teach you to disrespect me!"

Dorothy shielded her head, trying to escape the blows. When cornered, she fought back desperately.

Dominic observed impassively. Having witnessed his mother's beatings since childhood, he only intervened when life-threatening. Right now, his mind was elsewhere—scheming how to exploit Evelyn's connection to power. A government position through Liam's influence... The thought made him smirk.

As Dorothy screamed for help, Dominic simply walked away whistling.

After exhausting his rage, Vincent staggered off, leaving Dorothy bruised and weeping. With shaking hands, she dialed Evelyn, who answered immediately.

"Evelyn," Dorothy sobbed, "your father beat me again..."

She sniffled pitifully. "Please help me, darling. I can't take this anymore!"

In Evelyn's three years of regained memory, Dorothy's calls always followed the same pattern—complaints about Vincent's abuse, followed by requests for money. Never before had she actually asked for rescue.

"Mom," Evelyn asked softly, heart heavy, "where are you?"