Chapter 159

"Ms. Thompson, little Daniel, we were wrong!" Steven Cruz trembled violently, slapping his own face hard. "Please show us mercy!"

His wife stood pale, her lips quivering. "It was all just a joke—we meant no harm!"

"Mom! Dad!" The little boy suddenly broke free from his mother's grip. "You said you'd make them beg on their knees!"

Steven hastily covered his son's mouth, raising his hand but unable to bring himself to strike.

Susan Thompson swept her cold gaze over the family of three before settling on the boy.

"Listen, little one. Daniel's legs were injured, but he's more remarkable than anyone." She crouched to meet his eyes. "Mocking someone's weakness is the lowest thing you can do."

The boy pouted defiantly. "But he walks like a duck!"

"How would you feel if someone laughed at you like that?"

After a long silence, the boy finally lowered his head. "Not good..."

"Then you should apologize."

The boy shuffled awkwardly before stepping toward Daniel. "Daniel Almond... I'm sorry." He tugged at his shirt hem. "Maybe... we can be friends?"

Daniel extended his small hand. "I forgive you."

Watching the two boys reconcile, Susan felt a warmth in her chest. Children weren't born cruel—their behavior reflected their parents' guidance.

"Get in the car." Alexander Grant's tone brooked no argument as he lifted Daniel into his arms.

Susan opened her mouth to protest, but Daniel was already settled in the backseat. Reluctantly, she slid in beside him.

To her shock, Alexander squeezed into the back as well, the confined space making her breath hitch.

"Mr. Grant!" Steven clung to the car window, pleading. "I've learned my lesson!"

"Your annual bonus is revoked." Alexander's voice was ice.

Steven nearly collapsed with relief, bowing repeatedly. Turning to embrace his wife, his eyes suddenly reddened. Years of indulgence had nearly destroyed his family.

Andrew Lucas stood in the shadows, the cigarette between his fingers long burnt out. He watched Alexander claim Daniel as his son. Watched their "family of three" drive away.

Only when the ember seared his palm did he snap back to reality.

As the Rolls-Royce entered the residential complex, Andrew found himself following like a man possessed. He waited beneath their window for two agonizing hours.

"Brother." His voice was hoarse when he dialed the number. "Get Alexander away. Now."

Hanging up, he stared at the lit window and drove his fist into the concrete wall. Blood dripped unnoticed from his knuckles.

When Alexander finally left, Andrew marched upstairs.

The doorbell rang. Assuming Alexander had returned for his coat, Susan opened the door without hesitation.

Their eyes locked. The air froze.

Andrew's gaze swept past her to the dining table—six dishes and a soup, each perfectly prepared.

The woman who'd once never lifted a finger in the kitchen was now cooking elaborate meals for another man.

His vision burned crimson.