Chapter 81

Cedric rolled up the window and turned his gaze forward.

"Timothy, go get my wife."

Timothy immediately cut the engine and stepped out of the car, heading straight for the father and daughter surrounded by a small crowd.

When Liliana saw him approaching, she tried to pull back and find another way to escape, but Chuck's grip was too tight for her to break free.

"Did you hear what I said to you?" Chuck hounded her. "You are going back to the Forrest family, now!"

Liliana's composure finally snapped. "I told you, I'm not going back! From now on, stay out of my life!"

Chuck froze for a second before his voice boomed even louder. "You defiant little brat! How dare you speak to me like that! If your useless mother can't teach you any manners, then I'll do it myself!"

He yanked Liliana back in front of him and raised his other hand high, preparing to bring it down hard toward her pale face. No one dared to speak to him like that since he'd taken over the Preston family-no one except Hale!

Liliana stood ramrod straight, her eyes locked on his descending hand. After a moment, she closed her eyes, bracing for the impact. She had already lost all her dignity in front of Cedric; what was one more humiliation? He wouldn't care. He wouldn't feel a shred of pity. He would only look down on her even more.

Suddenly, a shadow fell over her as a figure rushed forward, blocking the streetlight.

It was Douglas.

He stepped in front of her, catching Chuck's arm before it could land.

"Mr.... Mr. Sewell." Chuck's bravado instantly vanished. He retracted his hand and, under Douglas's steady gaze, released his grip on Liliana.

"Mr. Preston, let's talk about this calmly," Douglas said, his usual gentle demeanor replaced by a stern solemnity.

Chuck suddenly broke into a smile, a

completely different person from moments before. "Liliana's been spoiled rotten by her mother. If her father don't discipline her, who will? But you're right. I'll deal with this at home. You two chat. I have to go."

He got into the car Liliana had driven and sped away. The surrounding crowd began to disperse.

Timothy, who had been beaten to the punch by Douglas, stood a short distance away. Across the street, Cedric had gotten out of the car at somepoint He leaned against the vehicle, hands in his pockets his expression impassive as he watched Douglas and Liliana standing together.

Liliana's hair was a mess from the struggle, a single strand clinging to her cheek. Her fair skin and the slight redness around her eyes. made her took all the more pitiful She stood half-hidden behind Douglas, her gaze fixed on the man before her, as if he were the only person she could see.

They stood there for a long moment, and the frown on Cedric's face deepened.

"Ma'am... Mrs. Forrest, Mr. Forrest would like you to get in the car," Timothy said, cautiously approaching them. The Sewell family was aware of the marriage, so he didn't bother being discreet.

Douglas glanced across the street and finally noticed Cedric. He gave a slight nod in greeting before turning his attention back to Liliana.

"Douglas, thank... why don't you come up for a cup of tea?" Liliana offered, rubbing her reddened wrist, her voice trembling slightly. She deliberately avoided looking at Cedric, ignoring the weight of his intense gaze.

Douglas smiled warmly. "At least you stopped saying thank you. It's getting late, so I'll pass on the tea. You should head up."

"Alright, then. I'll treat you to dinner some other time."

Liliana lowered her eyes, ignoring Timothy's request, and turned to walk into the Polaris Court apartment complex. Without a second thought, Timothy hurried after her.