: Goodbye, Absurd Past

After the doctor examined Diana and confirmed that she was not seriously injured, he announced that she could be discharged from the hospital. While Andrew went to help her with the discharge procedures, Diana sat by herself, putting on her shoes and fixing her hair, looking troubled. Ben asked her with some confusion, "What's wrong, Diana?"

"I'm going to see an important person later, and I have mixed feelings about it," Diana replied.

Ben couldn't help but wonder who this important person was. Was it Maddie? Maddie was Serena's daughter, who had married into the Thompson family after Diana's mother passed away years ago. Ben never liked Maddie much, but he accepted her reluctantly because Diana liked her.

But then, to his surprise, Diana straightened up and took a deep breath, saying, "I'm going to find John."

This statement left Ben dumbfounded. What? She wasn't going to find Maddie but John? Was something wrong with her brain after the car accident? Why did John, not Maddie, become the most important person in her heart?

Looking at Ben's perplexed expression, Diana patted his arm and said, "Wait for me here, I'll be back soon." She then left Ben and went upstairs.

Like a thief, Diana stuck to the wall and sneaked up to John's ward, hiding behind a corner and peeking at the situation in front of his room. As expected, the security measures for the wealthy family were top-notch.

There were a group of black-clothed bodyguards standing in front of John's exclusive ward. The two young and handsome special assistants in front were Ethan Reynolds and Jackson Parker, respectively. Jackson always had a smiling face, unlike the reticent Ethan. But Diana always felt that although Jackson smiled at her, he could pull out a knife to kill her at any moment. In her past life, she didn't have a good impression of anyone around John, and these two were no exception.

Diana was hesitant to approach the two assistants. However, Ethan and Jackson had noticed her small head popping up from behind the wall. Jackson nudged Ethan's arm and said, "Isn't that the waste from the Thompson family?"

"Ignore her," Ethan replied with a frown of disgust.

Ethan wrinkled his brow in disgust. Their young boss was such an outstanding and superior person, yet he was being tormented by this wretched little girl. The doctor had said that John's leg was severely injured, and if it was not treated properly, he might not be able to stand for the rest of his life. The thought of this made Ethan's eyes fill with a hint of coldness. If it wasn't for John's unusual obsession with Diana, he would have killed her.

As Diana cowered against the wall, she suddenly felt a chill run down her neck. Was someone cursing at her? She shuddered and hesitated for a moment before walking up to them and mumbling, "Is John in there? I want to see him."

Ethan ignored her, while Jackson put on a fake smile and said, "The boss is resting. What can we do for you, Miss Thompson?"

"I'm ready to check out and I want to talk to him," Diana said, feeling guilty for causing John's current predicament. She wanted to apologize and admit that she was wrong.

"Unfortunately, the boss is not available to see anyone right now. Please come back tomorrow," Jackson replied in a cool tone, indicating that they were not fond of Diana's presence.

Diana sighed and didn't press the issue. "Alright, I'll come back tomorrow then," she said before turning around and leaving. As she walked away, Jackson frowned and remarked to Ethan, "Do you think there's something different about Miss Thompson?"

"I don't know. Who knows what she's up to," Ethan replied coldly, not wanting to let Diana in to see John.

After Diana had left for a while, Ethan finally went in to inform John. He walked into the hospital room and saw a man in a black shirt sitting calmly in a wheelchair by the window. Despite his pose, the man still exuded a regal and aloof air, with his strikingly handsome face showing a hint of a "stay away from me" vibe. He had his phoenix eyes lowered, gazing out the window and lost in thought.

Ethan approached him and saw a Maserati parked downstairs with Ben loading Diana's belongings into it. Diana had said something to Andrew which made her face light up with a smile. John's gaze was captivated by the girl's bright and lovely smile, causing his own lips to curl up slightly. This tiny curve seemed to melt the ice in his heart and dispel his gloom, making him appear softer and gentler.

Ethan hesitated, not wanting to break the moment of bliss. He waited until Chu's car had driven away before speaking. "Boss, Miss Thompson just came by."

John's expression shifted slightly, "What did she want?"

"She said she wanted to see you and had something to talk to you about," Ethan reported before stepping back.

John's eyes turned colder at the mention of Diana's name. He knew she only came to talk about their annulment. He clenched his long fingers on the wheelchair's armrest, making his knuckles turn white. Under no circumstances would he allow her to marry someone else. Diana was his and his alone.

Andrew drove Diana back to her home, the Thompson mansion, a well-known wealthy family in the city. Looking at the familiar gate and grand villa, Diana's heart was filled with mixed emotions. She had lost this large family estate that she once owned with her own hands, but now, she had the chance to return.

As they stepped out of the car, a butler named George Cooper came over to open the doors and carry their belongings. Diana greeted him with a sweet "Mr. Cooper, thank you."

Mr. Cooper was surprised by her kindness. Diana used to be a good girl, but in recent years, she had become rebellious and ill-tempered, not even looking at them, the servants, in the eye. Today, she had taken the initiative to greet him.

Mr. Cooper quickly replied, "It's my pleasure to serve you."

Andrew had some work to attend to at the company, so he instructed the household staff to take good care of Diana before driving off. Ben, Diana's second oldest brother, took her hand and led her inside.

"Diana, Dad hasn't come back yet. You can rest upstairs. Don't worry, I'll take care of anything you need," Ben said.

"Ben, aren't you preparing for the audition competition? You should go back to the company. I'll be fine," Diana replied. Ben was currently working at an entertainment company as a new artist. He was about to participate in an audition competition with two other members, and they were expected to stand out and officially debut as a group. After that, they would become popular idols.

"Compared to you, the competition doesn't matter," Ben said, his delicate face showing a hint of indulgence as he smiled at Diana.

Their father, James Thompson, had gone to apologize to the Matthews family and had not yet returned. He was afraid that when his father returned, he would blame Diana. After all, she had made such a big mistake that not only had she gotten hurt, but she had also caused John Matthews to suffer a severe leg injury. The Matthews family only had one heir.

Diana knew what he was worried about and didn't force him to leave.

"Okay, I'll go upstairs and unpack. I'll see you later," Diana said as she went up to the second floor and walked towards her room.

She took a deep breath and slowly pushed open the door. As soon as she opened the door, a provocative poster of Luke Grey, her ex-boyfriend, caught her eye. He was holding a microphone, pretending to be cool, and making a hoarse expression. The glittering sequins on his body, the greasy expression on his face, the fake smirk...Diana's stomach churned.

In addition to this poster, the wall was covered with a multitude of other photos, all of Luke in various poses. On the street, in clubs, from behind, from the front, from the side, even one of him entering the men's bathroom...all taken by Diana, who endured others looking at her like she was crazy.

Diana covered her face and her head started to throb. She remembered the first time she brought these photos back, her father was so angry he almost vomited blood. He chased her around the entire villa until Ben and Colin blocked him, preventing her from being beaten up.

She rolled up her sleeves and started tearing the photos off the wall. If she had a shovel now, she could bury the whole room!

As she was tearing away, a puzzled voice came from behind the door. "Miss... Diana? What are you doing?"

Diana turned around and saw Linda Taylor, the elderly maid who had been taking care of her.

"Ms. Taylor, quickly find someone to help me tear these photos down!"

"Tear them down...for what?" Ms. Taylor was anxious. Given Diana's obsession with Luke, was she going to do something strange again?

Anxiously, she heard Diana's numb voice say, "Burn them."

"Burn them?!" Ms. Taylor was stunned, then immediately nodded with joy. "Good...good!"

Although she didn't know why Diana was acting so strange, it was best to burn them quickly, in case she regretted it later! Ms. Taylor quickly called for the other servants to come up and help deal with the photos. When it was almost done, Diana collapsed on the floor. She was exhausted!

She slumped on the floor and took out the mirror next to her, looking at her messy hair and inappropriate makeup in the mirror. Her eye twitched slightly. In her past life, she had been instigated by Maddie Stewart to constantly change her appearance, not wearing decent clothes or dresses, and ended up looking like a ghost.

Now, after dealing with the photos, she herself needed to clean up. After Ms. Taylor prepared her clothes, Diana immediately went to the bathroom and took a thorough shower. She wanted to wash away everything, all of it.

Say goodbye to the absurd past！

: Give Me Back My Things

After washing up, Diana dried her hair and looked at herself in the mirror. She smiled happily, admiring her fair skin and slender figure. It was almost time, and she wondered if Luke's annoying photos in her room had been removed. She couldn't wait to get back to her room.

But before she could even step inside, she heard an argument.

"You're getting more and more confused as you get older. Who gave you the right to tidy up the room?!"

"She told me to..."

"Who? Who told you to do that? Diana, huh? Don't think I'm stupid. Everyone knows she's crazy about Luke. How dare you say it was her order!"

"I..."

"Taylor, just because you're old doesn't mean you can ignore the rules here. When I get back, I'll tell Auntie and Cousin. You can go back to the countryside to retire!"

That voice... it was Olivia Stewart! Olivia was the niece of Serena Stewart, Diana's stepmother. Serena had convinced their father to hire Olivia as a maid after she dropped out of high school and couldn't find a job. Their father didn't usually involve himself in such matters, so he agreed.

Olivia, who knew her status in the family, was acting like a bossy lady, doing nothing but showing off. At that time, Diana was completely unaware and even brought her along as a personal maid. Looking back, Olivia was like a spy sent by Maddie!

Diana's eyes turned cold, and she walked over. As soon as she entered the room, she saw Olivia pointing at Ms. Taylor and cursing at her. Ms. Taylor was already fifty years old and had worked for Thompson for more than thirty years. Yet, she was now being scolded by Olivia and dare not say a word. A sharp glint flashed through Diana's eyes.

"Who do you think you are? Your voice is so loud, and you don't follow the rules!" Diana stood at the door and spoke calmly to Olivia.

The people inside the room all turned their heads upon hearing Diana's voice. When they saw Diana, who was wearing a white dress, they were all stunned. Who was this beauty? Was there someone like her in Thompson? They stared blankly for a few seconds before Ms. Taylor's trembling voice brought them back to reality.

"That young lady is Diana Thompson? The one who always looks like she's been through hell? That wild and unruly Diana?" The people in the room gaped, as if they could swallow an egg. But on closer inspection, it did seem to be Miss Diana Thompson. So she could be this beautiful without any makeup on!

Olivia finally came back to her senses. She looked surprised, and then said, "It's Diana. Why are you dressed like this?"

Diana frowned, "Why are you calling me that?"

"Diana? What's wrong?" Olivia couldn't figure out what was wrong. Wasn't that what she always called her?

Diana glanced at Olivia before entering the room and taking a seat. She looked Olivia up and down, making her feel uneasy. Diana seemed different this time, like a different person, and her gaze was uncomfortable.

Olivia cleared her throat and said, "Diana, I was just helping you teach this old woman a lesson. She tore your favorite photo of Luke, and I-"

"I haven't spoken yet," Diana interrupted. "You're a servant. Who gave you permission to do that?" Olivia's expression changed instantly, and she hated being called a servant. She had almost forgotten that she was just a servant during her years under Serena and Maddie's care. But why would Diana suddenly say that?

"Diana, what's wrong? Why are you-"

"Are you deaf?" Diana narrowed her eyes, and the coldness in them made Olivia shudder.

Olivia quickly corrected herself and said, "Miss Thompson..."

Diana smirked coldly when she heard Olivia's correction. "That's right. As a servant, you should know your place and not forget it. Your expensive clothes are even more ostentatious than mine, and they're distracting. Go change them."

Olivia was stunned. She looked at the designer dress she was wearing and wondered what had gotten into Diana. She had never been scolded in this house before, and she was finding it hard to take.

"I'm supposed to change? This dress was a gift from you to me, so that's why I'm wearing it!"

"So, it was a gift from me," Diana said, propping her chin up and looking like she had just realized something.

Just as Olivia breathed a sigh of relief, she heard Diana say, "I regret it now. I want everything I gave you back. From today on, you will wear the same uniform as the other servants in the villa."

"What?!" Olivia widened her eyes and protested, "You gave them to me. Why should I give them back? I won't!"

"You won't?" Diana tilted her head and pointed to the two servants standing nearby. "You two, take her clothes off!"

The servants looked at each other in disbelief. Had they heard Diana right?! Wasn't Olivia always treated like a sister by their mistress?

"Did you not hear what Miss Thompson said?" Ms. Taylor barked, finally snapping everyone back to reality. They moved forward and pinned Olivia to the ground.

Olivia struggled like a shrew, screaming, "How dare you! If you lay a finger on me, I'll tell my aunt! When she comes back, none of you will be able to run away!"

The servants hesitated at her words.After all, Serena was the mistress of this house, and Diana had always been on good terms with Olivia and Maddie. Maybe it was just a momentary outburst. If they got in trouble later, no one would defend them, and it would be their fault as the servants. With Olivia's vindictive personality, she would definitely seek revenge against them.

Diana noticed their concerns and tapped her fingers on the table beside her. "If anything happens, I'll take the blame. Just take her clothes off," she said coldly, injecting some courage into them. "If she keeps yelling, then slap her!"

Upon hearing this, everyone let out a sigh of relief and eagerly started to take off Olivia's clothes. Olivia had always bullied them, so now they felt that justice was being served, and they showed no mercy in their actions. Some even took the opportunity to pinch her.

Olivia held onto her clothes tightly like a madwoman. "Stop it! How dare you! Who dares to take my clothes! Get away..." But outnumbered, she was soon stripped naked.

At first, Olivia cursed and swore, but then she began to cry and plead like a beggar. "Diana, what are you doing! Aren't we good sisters? Please, make them stop!"

Diana remained unmoved, allowing Olivia to be stripped down to her underwear. Seeing Olivia sitting on the ground, disheveled and looking like she had just been robbed, Diana felt great satisfaction and couldn't help but laugh out loud. "Look at you sitting on the ground like that. Don't you want to get up and give me back the things I gave you before?"

Although Olivia felt humiliated and angry, she had just experienced Diana's power, and now she didn't dare say a word. A look of resentment flashed in her eyes as she slowly got up and left Diana's room. She was determined to tell her aunt when she returned!

Diana was in a great mood. She took a deep breath. This was just the beginning.

Serena Stewart and Maddie Stewart, the debts of their past lives, she would recover them one by one!

Suddenly, the sound of a car parking downstairs could be heard.

Diana's eyes lit up. "Dad's back!" She quickly picked up her skirt and hurried downstairs.

Meanwhile, Ben, who was waiting on the first floor, stood up nervously. The scene he had been most worried about had finally happened. According to his father's temper, if Diana didn't admit her mistake this time, she might really be slapped...

With a series of footsteps, James Thompson was the first to enter the living room. He was wearing a dark gray suit and had a stern expression on his face. At the moment, his complexion wasn't very good, and there was a hint of anger in his eyes. Standing beside James was an elegant and luxurious woman, dripping with jewels and pearls, his stepmother, Serena.

Ben looked at James and whispered, "Dad."

"Where's Diana?" James hadn't spoken yet, but a young man rushed out from behind him. He looked a bit like Ben, but his features were even colder, and he exuded an air of coldness and nobility that belied his age. He was Diana's third oldest brother, Colin Thompson.

Ben said, "She's upstairs, just out of the hospital..."

"I heard she was in a car accident. Why didn't anyone tell me in advance? Is she okay?" Colin's tone was full of anxiety.

"Colin, don't worry. Since Diana has been discharged from the hospital, she must be fine," a graceful figure, Maddie, appeared behind Serena and spoke to Colin. She wore a white dress, looking gentle and charming.

Colin frowned and ignored her.

"How can you be so sure that I'm okay, but look like you don't care at all about me?" A voice, neither too loud nor too small, came from the corner of the stairs.

They turned their heads and saw a slender and graceful girl standing there. She also wore a white dress, her black hair casually tied up, revealing a slender and smooth neck. Her lips were red, her teeth were white, and her features were delicate, like a beautiful painting. Everyone was surprised.

Ben was the first to exclaim, "Diana?!"

Diana smiled slightly. "Ben, why are you making such a fuss?" Then she turned her head to James and Colin, who were equally shocked, suppressed her excitement, and said softly, "Dad, Colin. It's been a long time."

There was silence for a long time. Then Colin spoke first, "Diana, why are you suddenly dressed like this? I almost didn't recognize you..."

"Do I look good?" Diana smiled brightly, very charming.

"It looks good. Our Diana is the most beautiful!" Ben quickly added.

"Ahem~" James coughed twice, suppressing his surprise. He looked at Diana with a deep gaze and said, "That's more like it. Finally, you know how to dress properly!"

He had planned to scold Diana, but when he saw his little daughter suddenly change into a well-behaved appearance, half of his anger disappeared. Maddie next to him covered up her shock and lowered her head, with a hint of jealousy in her eyes. A simple dress was worn so stunningly by Diana. She was surprised. What happened to Diana? Why did she suddenly dress normally?

Serena showed a gentle smile and said, "Diana looks so beautiful in this dress, like a little fairy. If the Matthews family saw you like this, they would forgive you."

Diana admired Serena. In just a few words, she perfectly demonstrated what it means to smile with a knife hidden inside.

Indeed, when the Matthews family was mentioned, James' face immediately turned ugly. He angrily said, "Diana, come to me!"

Seeing this, Ben and Colin immediately stood in front of her. Ben whispered, "Dad, Diana just came out of the hospital, and her body hasn't fully recovered yet. Don't be too harsh on her."

Colin also said, "Diana is still young. If you have any grievances, don't take it out on her. Don't blame her."

Hearing this, James snorted coldly. "I haven't done anything to her yet, but all of you can't wait to protect her. You three brothers have been spoiling her every day, and now she's out of control! I will make her understand her mistakes today!"

: James Thompson's Rage

Diana descended the stairs and pushed past Ben and Colin, who were standing in front of her, to reach James. "Dad, I need to talk to you," she said.

James looked at her with electric eyes. She was his little daughter, whom he had cherished since she was a child. But she was getting more and more unruly. If she didn't understand her mistake today, he would have to teach her a lesson. However, Diana surprised him. She walked up to him, spoke softly, and said, "Dad, it's all my fault. I'm sorry."

James widened his eyes in disbelief. She didn't argue and even apologized? This unexpected development made him swallow his anger. "Do you really understand your mistake?" he asked.

"Yes, I will personally apologize to the Matthews family," Diana replied. She looked up at James, who had a somewhat weathered face, and couldn't help but shed tears when she thought of her past sins. "Dad, don't worry. I won't make you angry again."

Her eyes turned red, and James, who had been rigid, immediately softened. Diana was his precious baby since childhood, how could he bear to let her be wronged?

"Hmph, at least you understand and know you are wrong!" James's tone was still hard, but his expression was much softer.

Maddie stood aside, looking at the scene of fatherly love and daughterly devotion, feeling extremely jealous. She had been fighting for so many years, but James didn't even let her call him "Dad." Yet, when Diana made a big mistake, a few tears and apologies were enough for James to forgive her. It was unfair!

Maddie walked over and hugged Diana's shoulder. "Diana, stop crying. I feel sorry for you," she said.

As Diana basked in the long-lost love from her father, she suddenly felt repulsed when Maddie approached her. What a performance Maddie was putting on! She silently mocked herself for being deceived in her past life by Maddie and Serena, which had worsened her relationship with her family.

"Mr. Thompson, Diana is young and makes mistakes. Although John's leg might be permanently injured, as long as Diana sincerely apologizes, I believe the Matthews family will forgive her," Maddie said softly.

As soon as John's leg was mentioned, James's face fell. Diana sneered inwardly. These two women were really good at provoking people. In her past life, she had fallen into this trap, and her relationship with her family had deteriorated while she had begun to trust Maddie and Serena more. However, after being reborn, she had become much smarter.

"I will definitely apologize," Diana said, moving her body to avoid Maddie's hand. "And as for the engagement, I will keep my promise."

"What?!" Maddie was even more surprised than James. "Diana, apologizing is one thing, but the engagement is not a joke. You have to think it through!"

James looked at her in confusion. "Are you serious?"

"Of course! I'm very serious!" Diana nodded firmly. "Dad, I've decided. I'm going to marry John Matthews!"

Maddie saw this and her heart sank. John, that towering man, had caught her attention from the very first moment she saw him. That noble man was too good for anyone but her. Especially not Diana, who was foolish.

Maddie grabbed her hand, looking worried. "Diana, what are you talking about? Weren't you afraid of John? Didn't you say you'd rather die than be with him? Why did you suddenly change your mind?"

"Did you really say that?" James was stunned.

"That was just a moment of anger. Why did you take it seriously?" Diana pulled her hand away and looked confused. "Maddie, why do I feel like you don't want me to marry John?"

As Diana spoke, James's gaze shifted to Maddie. She realized that she had lost her composure.

"I didn't mean it that way. I just want you to be happy. After all, you've always liked Luke..." Maddie trailed off, putting her hand over her mouth, looking guilty. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to..."

Although she looked remorseful on her face, there was a hint of a cold smile in her heart. She knew that James hated the name Luke. Diana had done many absurd things for Luke, causing a rift between them.

As expected, James's face changed instantly. He sternly said, "Luke? Haven't you caused enough trouble for that useless guy?"

Diana looked at Maddie, her forehead scrunched up in anger. How dare she set her up like this! She turned her gaze and put on a pitiful expression. "Dad, don't be angry. Although Maddie encouraged me to pursue Luke, since he has been ignoring me, I've thought it through, and I don't like him anymore."

Ben couldn't hold back his anger. He rolled up his sleeves and shouted, "Maddie, I knew it! You're the one who encouraged Diana to pursue Luke!"

Maddie was stunned. Diana never used to throw her under the bus, even when things went wrong. Why was she blaming her now?

"I didn't expect Luke to be so ungrateful!" Maddie cried out in panic.

Serena quickly stepped forward and said, "Sir, Diana likes Luke. How can feelings be controlled? Just because Maddie wants Diana to like someone, does that mean she will?"

Maddie was crying, "Yes, Mr. Thompson. I just want Diana to be happy."

Diana, with her big eyes wide open, spoke earnestly, "Yes, Maddie is genuinely trying to help me. She wants me to catch up with Luke, so she taught me how to be a rock girl, dress uniquely, and gave me a lot of advice. Dad, don't misunderstand her!"

Upon hearing this, the three Thompson brothers couldn't help but twitch their eyes. It turns out that Diana's outrageous outfit was actually Maddie's suggestion!

Maddie was in a state of panic. Was Diana really standing up for her or trying to trick her?

"Mr. Thompson, please let me explain, I..."

"That's enough!" James impatiently interrupted her. He turned to Maddie, with a hint of disapproval in his eyes. "You are always so close with Diana, and her ridiculous behavior is partly your fault! You will be grounded for three days, and your allowance for the next three months will be withheld."

Maddie grimaced and felt extremely dissatisfied, but she knew better than to argue. In the Thompson household, she and Serena were still considered outsiders.

"Yes, Mr. Thompson," she muttered under her breath.

Diana smirked at Maddie's misery. Although the punishment was light, it didn't matter. This was just the beginning. Seeing James' anger, Serena had originally planned to speak up for Maddie, but now she wisely kept quiet.

Just then, someone rushed out from the side and grabbed her arm, bursting into tears. "Auntie, you have to help me!" Serena was startled and looked closer. It was her niece, Olivia. What was she doing here？

"Why are you crying? If someone didn't know any better, they would think something terrible had happened to the Thompson family!" James was already annoyed and his temper flared up even more when Olivia rushed over. Olivia was taken aback by his outburst and immediately stopped crying.

"What's going on? Speak properly, why are you crying?"Serena pushed Olivia away, sounding a bit annoyed.

Upon hearing this, Olivia sniffled and said, "Auntie, today Diana... she made someone, made someone..."

"What did she do?"

"She... publicly stripped off my clothes."

James felt a headache coming on when he heard that Diana was causing trouble again. He didn't even need to think before getting angry and saying, "Diana! Do you feel uncomfortable if you don't cause trouble for even one day? You just came back and you're already up to no good again?"

He knew that Diana's attitude just now was so unusual because she had done something wrong again.

"Dad, please calm down. There must be some misunderstanding in the middle!" Ben quickly interjected.

"Enough! I don't know why you're always protecting her no matter what!" James snapped.

Diana was a bit frightened to learn that her father had such a poor impression of her. It seemed that over the years, other than focusing on herself, Serena and Maddie had also brainwashed her father.

"Colin, move aside. I'm going to teach her a lesson today!" James shouted at Colin.

Colin's gaze flickered but he did not move. He said in a deep voice, "Dad, if you must slap someone, then slap me instead. I'll take the punishment for Diana."

"Have you all gone against me?! Do you all think I won't lay a hand on you?!" James glared at his sons, who were standing in front of Diana, and was so angry that his hands were shaking.

Upon seeing the situation, Maddie grabbed Diana's hand and asked insincerely, "Diana, look, Ben and Colin are going to be punished because of you. Say something!" Diana's gaze flickered slightly.

In the past, upon hearing Maddie say something like this, she would have been so angry that she would have argued with her father and made things even more tense between them. But now, she was very clear-headed.

She took a step forward and faced James' angry gaze, saying calmly, "Dad, I can explain this..."

"What is there to explain? Did you or did you not do this?!" James interrupted.

"I did, but..."

"Oh my god, Diana, how could you do something like this? Olivia is a girl, and you've made it difficult for her to live with this in the future!" Diana was cut off mid-sentence by Serena, who suddenly spoke up. Her exaggerated expression and incredulous look were so convincing that she deserved an Oscar.

"You all get out of here! Today, I'm going to teach her a lesson!" James pushed Ben and Colin aside, walked up to Diana, gritted his teeth, and was about to slap her when he saw Diana take a step back.

"How dare you hide from me?!"

"Dad, you haven't even asked me about it. That's not fair!" Diana protested.

"You look like a troublemaker! What else is there to ask?" James replied, his anger rising.

Diana gazed at him, a tinge of sadness on her face. "Dad, you weren't like this before. When Mom was still alive, you would always listen to me and not resort to violence like you just did..."

James's emotions stirred as she mentioned his deceased wife. He paused in his steps and slowly retracted his hand. He sat back down on his chair and spoke in a low voice, "Then explain it to me."

Upon hearing this, Olivia, who was kneeling on the ground, became uneasy. Her gaze flickered and she felt that something was amiss. Wasn't she always irrational and prone to throwing tantrums?