âDad, are you really going to hurt me?â she questioned, feeling hurt and neglected.
After all, she was his own daughter.
How could she be less important than her uncleâs daughter?
âYou deserve this! Youâve ruined everything good we had.
Iâll punish you as if you were never my daughter!â
Drake raised the stick, poised to strike.
âStop! How dare you lay a hand on her?â
A frigid voice sliced through the air, sending a shiver down Maggieâs spine.
How had he found her here?
Clad in a sleek black overcoat, Sanford strode purposefully toward Maggie, his imposing figure casting an aura of intimidation.
His long strides whipped up gusts of frigid wind, accentuated by the somber elegance of his attire.
He approached Maggie, his gaze sweeping over her hand firmly holding Karl.
With a rigid face, he pulled her to his side.
Karl took a look at his hand but said nothing.
Drake, caught off guard by Sanfordâs sudden appearance, awkwardly lowered his raised stick
and greeted him, âMr.
Robles.
â
Sanfordâs sharp, cold glance swept over him in response.
The murmurs of the onlookers intensified as they noticed the arrival of Sanford.
Among them, Cyrus, who had been observing the scene with mild amusement, now wore a mask of curiosity.
He noticed Sanford had effectively separated Maggie and Karl.
Hadnât Karl claimed to be Maggieâs boyfriend? The sudden turn of events hinted at deception.
Was Karl merely a kept man in Maggieâs life?
Concern etched on his features, Sanford turned his attention to Maggie, his voice laced with genuine worry.
âWhatâs happening? Are you alright?â
âIâm fine,â Maggie replied as she shook her head.
Sanford scrutinized her closely, his keen eyes catching sight of a red mark beneath her ear.
His expression darkened as he gently touched the red mark, concern etched on his features.
âWhat happened here? Did your dad hit you just now?â he inquired.
Maggie instinctively raised her hand to touch the tender spot.
She realized it must have been from Cyrusâs earlier attempt to force a kiss on her.
âIt wasnât my dad,â she clarified, her voice tinged with discomfort.
Sanfordâs brow furrowed in concern.
âYou donât need to protect them, Maggie.