I was still reeling from shock when Eugene suddenly charged forward and slapped Elise hard across the face.

"That's for your mom daring to hit my dad! Now I get to bully you!" he shouted.

Her head snapped to the side, a bright red handprint blooming across her cheek.

Elise stood taller than Eugene by a head, at that age when pride and competitiveness burned hot, and her first instinct was to strike back.

But before she could move, Lisa seized both her hands, digging cruelly into her wrists. Her voice lashed out, sharp and condemning.

"How can a girl be so vicious? No upbringing at all!"

With Elise restrained, Eugene pounced. His little fists and kicks landed recklessly, leaving marks across her body in moments.

Tears welled in her eyes from the pain, but she bit down on her lip, refusing to cry out.

"Stop it!"

I panicked, rushing forward to pull Eugene away, but Freddy gripped my arm in a vice.

"They're just children playing. Why are you interfering? Eugene knows what he's doing. He won't hurt her."

My fury boiled over, tearing my voice raw.

"Elise is your daughter! Freddy, she's your own flesh and blood! How can you just watch her being beaten? How can you be so heartless?"

But he only turned his head, avoiding my eyes. His reply was soft, yet each word struck like a blade.

"Eugene is my son."

At that moment, Eugene drove his foot savagely into Elise's stomach.

She doubled over with a gasp, her face drained of all color.

"Elise!"

I screamed, my heart nearly stopping. She tried to shield her belly with trembling hands, but Lisa still held her in an iron grip, preventing her from protecting herself.

Eugene, thrilled by her helplessness, lifted his foot again, aiming at her already scraped knee.

"That's enough!"

At last, I tore free from Freddy's hold. I lunged forward, shoving Eugene aside and wrapping my daughter protectively in my arms.

She shook violently against me, her hands clutching at my clothes, her voice weak and broken.

"Mommy… it hurts…"

The push sent Eugene tumbling against a nearby table. He burst into loud wails, clutching his side.

Lisa rushed to him in a frenzy.

"My precious son! The Richmond heir! What if he's seriously hurt?" she shrieked, throwing a venomous glare my way. "Could you even afford to repay the damage?"

Seeing Lisa and Eugene clutching each other and weeping, Freddy's rage ignited. He raised his hand to strike me.

"Valerie! How could you be so vicious?"

But before the blow could land, a sudden commotion erupted at the grand entrance of the banquet hall.

A man strode in, clad in a black jacket, his presence radiating authority and command. His eyes were razor sharp, his aura brimming with unspoken power. A secretary carrying a briefcase followed closely at his side.

The potbellied vice president who had sneered at me earlier immediately straightened up, his demeanor transforming into obsequious awe. He scrambled forward, a sycophantic grin plastered on his face.

"Mr. Lindt! This is an unexpected honor, sir! Freddy, allow me to introduce the official I've told you about—the newly appointed Mr. Lindt."

But Freddy wasn't listening. He stood frozen, staring at the newcomer as if he'd seen a ghost. The color drained from his face.

"D-Dad…?"

Clutching my injured daughter tighter, I looked at the familiar, formidable figure. A sob caught in my throat, and the tears I had fought back all evening finally broke free, streaming down my cheeks.

"Dad…"