Mark spoke in a stern, low voice, âWhatâs wrong with giving you a slap?â
He advanced toward her.
The shrew instinctively took a step back until her plump frame was pressed against the wall.
She tried to feign courage as she stared at Mark and said, âYou think you can resort to violence just because youâre wealthy? Did I say something wrong? After all, sheâs just a bastard.
â
Mark continued his approach, taking measured steps toward the woman.
She swallowed nervously, and even her husband didnât dare to intervene.
Markâs voice lowered further as he declared, âLet me make it abundantly clear whether she is a âbastardâ or not.
Her father was a brilliant student at the University of Oxford, a prodigious young talent who met a tragic end while working in the space industry.
He gave his life to his country.
Laura, as his daughter, deserves care and respect, not derogatory labels.
â
Markâs voice trembled with emotion.
Then, he swiftly raised his hand and delivered a resounding slap to the woman.
He seldom resorted to violence, but that moment had crossed the line.
Cathy had given birth to Laura secretly, and she had planned Paulâs downfall.
However, Laura remained entirely innocent in the web of deceit.
Laura was merely eight years old, but already displaying remarkable talents, much like her father.
With that, Mark stared down at the woman.
The woman remained in a daze for some time before her arrogance crumbled away.
She covered her face as her tears ran down.
Her husband grumbled sternly, âYouâve got the nerve to cry.
Bring that child here to apologize to the little girl.
If something is wrong with the girlâs leg, tell your son to marry her.
â
Peterâs wife immediately exclaimed, âMy Laura would never marry a scoundrel!â
Their discussion had clearly veered off course.
The adults talking over each other left Mark with a growing headache, so he decided to leave Peter to deal with the couple and proceeded into the ward.
As he entered, a flood of thoughts overwhelmed his mind.
It had been a considerable time since he last saw Laura, and when he was face to face with her again, his emotions were far more complicated.
Inside the ward, Lauraâs leg was immobilized in a cast.
Remarkably so, she hadnât shed a tear despite her injury.
When she caught sight of Mark, her lips parted, as if she wanted to say something.