“Yup, you children are right. I failed to educate him properly as his mother. I can't believe I raised a giant iceberg who has no idea what being considerate means.”Francine pinched Stefan on the arm while admonishing him.However, her son's arm muscles were so firm that her fingers could not get a good grip, so she ended up slapping him hard on the back instead.Stefan was dumbfounded. He pointed at his head and told Aiden and Abigail, "Kids, come here. This old lady has a bit of a problem here. She might hurt you by accident.”“No, the fairy godmother is a good person. You're the bad guy. You bullied Mommy! We're not on your side!”Although Abigail was charmed by Stefan's good looks, she was still able to distinguish between good and bad. She defected on the spot and stood behind Francine like a good girl.“That's right. Your Mommy is a good person, while you're the bad guy. I agree that your Mommy should punish you and teach you a lesson!”Aiden chose Francine’s side too, wh
“Umm...”Seeing the thick cane, Francine and Stefan could not help but gulp.“Isn't this cane a bit too thick?” Francine asked Aiden cautiously.Although she had already decided to sell her son out to get in her grandchildren's good books, she had never beaten Stefan before, and now she had to beat him with such a thick cane? She could not do it.“It's not. This is just a normal cane. Mommy said caning is good for building character. The harder you hit, the better the person's character would turn out. Your son is bullying the weak now because you didn't cane him enough when he was young.Aiden tried to convince Francine with logic and reasoning.Francine stared at the thick cane and frowned. She rubbed the little boy's head and asked, "You mean your Mommy hits you with this a lot?”“No.” Aiden said seriously, "Mommy just uses it to intimidate me. She rarely beats me. She said other people's children get caned with this, but I don't because I'm a good boy and I never do anything
The current Renee was no longer someone he could control. She had no intention of joining the Hunt family. This made him very frustrated.“I'm asking who the children's mother is. Why won't you answer the question?”Francine started speculating, "Let me guess which family she's from. She must be from one of the eight major families, right?”“Is it Seraphina? You two have been close since you were young. I knew it was only a matter of time before you two got together. That's great news! Both our families have been waiting for this day for a long time!”“It's not her!” Stefan denied it. "Seraphina and I are just buddies.”“Then it must be your first love. What's her name again?... Cecilia Smith, right? She comes from a rather average background, but at least her family isn't a shady family. She's acceptable as your match.”Stefan couldn't help but chuckle. "Mom, you're so picky...”“Who else can it be? I can count on one hand the number of women you have a relationship with. It ca
This time, Francine was not faking it. The cane struck Stefan with a loud crack.“Ouch!”Stefan could not remain stoic anymore. He complained, "You're doing it for real?! Stop!”“Of course I'm doing it for real. If I don't teach you a tough lesson, you'll make the same mistakes again in the future. My precious grandchildren won't be able to see our sincerity either... So just grit your teeth and endure it. Also, you should groan once in a while to make the kids sympathize with you.”Francine gave out thoughtful advice while whipping Stefan.“Makes sense.”Stefan agreed with Francine's plan. He started groaning and screaming.“Ah, it hurts!”“Ah, I've learned my lesson!”“Ah, I'm gonna die if you keep hitting me!”Children were naive and innocent, so as long as he kept acting pitiful, they would forgive him in no time.However... Renee was not a child, and she was extremely clever, so this trick would definitely not work on her!Renee finished making lunch and brought the de
Renee stood next to Aiden and Abigail. She stared at Stefan and Francine with a puzzled expression for a while before asking weakly, “What are you doing?”“The bad guy's mommy is teaching him a lesson so that he wouldn't bully you again. I think... she wasn't hitting him hard enough. They look a bit like they're acting.”Aiden remarked expressionlessly.“No way! Bad Daddy cried really miserably just now. He seemed to be in real pain. It didn't look like an act to me,” Abigail pouted and retorted foolishly.Seeing his proud son stop cooperating even when she kept hitting him, Francine could only give up and think of another solution.“My dear daughter-in-law, I heard this brat bullied you, so I gave him a hard beating, but I don't think it's enough punishment, so take this cane and let out any anger or resentment you have. I promise he won't dodge or retaliate!”She stuffed the cane in Renee's hand.“Isn't this... a little inappropriate?”Renee looked at the thick cane in her ha
They sat at the dining table, waiting for Renee's answer.Stefan did not stop Francine, which was as good as agreeing to Francine's proposal.As long as Renee was willing to reconcile, he was willing to pay any price.“I don't have any requests. Well, maybe just one...”Renee paused for a second before continuing with determination in her eyes, "I hope you can clearly recognize that the two children belong to me alone. Their family name is Everheart, and they have nothing to do with the Hunt family. Don't even think of touching them, or I'll fight you to the death!”Her stance was still the same as before. It was firm, with no room for negotiation.“In your dreams!”Stefan pursed his thin lips, his handsome face filled with uncontrollable anger.This woman was so obstinate and unreasonable. He really wanted to tie her up and tame away her stubbornness like she was a wild cat.In contrast, Francine was calm.After a moment of silence, she slapped the table and said, "I underst
“That's enough!”Stefan stood up coldly, turned to Renee, and threw out these threatening words, "If you want to come back, bring the children with you. The Hunt family will treat you well. If you insist on going against the Hunt family, I'll do everything in my power to stop you!”After that, he went upstairs expressionlessly.Obviously, Francine was open-minded, but Stefan was still a very arrogant man.How could he accept marrying into a woman's family? How could he let his children take another family name?Renee actually heaved a sigh of relief when she saw Stefan lose his temper.If Stefan had actually agreed to Francine's proposal, Renee would have no idea what she should do.It's not like she could lash out at them for being considerate of her!She would much rather fight him fair and square. At least, if she lost, she would be able to accept it.“See how upset your son is? I don't think he wants to be with me at all. Please stop it with the pointless matchmaking...”
“Well...”Aiden rubbed his chin and seemed to be in a dilemma. "Q has his strong points, but Bad Daddy has his values too. It's such a difficult choice.”“I know!”Abigail raised her hands high and said with sparkling eyes, "Since Daddy Q and Bad Daddy are both pretty good, why not just accept both of them, Mommy? One can take care of the cooking and household chores for you, while the other can take care of your business. You can marry Bad Daddy first, then marry Daddy Q, and then you'll have both!”“That's right. Abby's proposal is very good. I agree with what she said.”Aiden also raised his hands high in support.He was very pleased to hear his sweet, foolish little sister finally say something clever for once..“Ugh. You two have such daring thoughts...”Realizing that the two children were serious, Renee did not know whether to laugh or cry.Neither Mr. Q nor Stefan was an easy opponent to deal with. One was enough of a headache for her. Both of them? She might not get t
While Macsen was talking, his subordinate reached Leia and grabbed her neck with one hand. A light was reflected on the shiny machete; it seemed he was about to slash Leia.Frightened, Leia hunched and screamed in terror. "Ah, no! Save me, Liam! Ren, save me!" "Stop!" Reia yelled at Macsen, anxious. "What do you want to let us go? Tell me, I'll do it!"At first, she was carefree. She was fine even if she got killed and couldn't be bothered to resist. However, she grew restless since her friend was about to be harmed. She would rather take Leia's place. "Stop stalling for time. You've used this trick too many times tonight. Do you think I'll be fooled again?" Macsen sneered. "You're too vicious and nearly bit off my neck. I'm just avenging myself!""Then, you're asking for trouble!" Renee's gaze grew sharp. "Listen. If you harm her, you'll die very miserably right away!""Hahaha! Stop bluffing!" Macsen laughed. "People who can save you now can't even protect themselves. Plus, th
"What?" When Leia heard that, she swallowed and her hair stood on end. Although she didn't know what it meant, using human skin was terrifying. "You guys look confused. I'm sure you don't know what that is…" Macsen was calmer since his neck was bandaged. He said generously to his subordinate, "Come and explain it to them. Prepare them for fear that the lamp might not be bright enough because they're too nervous.""Okay, boss!" Macsen's subordinate nodded. He walked to them and said arrogantly, "Well, we'll use a machete to skin people from head to toe to make lamps. The light from these lamps is blurry and beautiful. It's a top and valuable item.""That's crazy!" After listening to that explanation, a chill ran down Leia's spine. She gnashed her teeth and said to Macsen, "Are you out of your mind? That's a crazy habit! Aren't you worried the victims might come demanding your life in the middle of the night?"The people here were used to a human lamp, so it became common among th
The three of them rolled their eyes in unison and looked speechless."Look, Liam. She's the top love-struck idiot. She'll never learn though she'd suffered much." Leia shook her head and sighed. She felt sorry for Renee's bad luck and disappointing actions.Although Leia was a love-struck fool herself, she was better than Renee. She would quickly retreat if she found anything wrong unless the guy shamelessly pestered her. Also, he had to show his sincerity. Only then would she forgive him. Renee was way worse. She suffered countless times because of one single man, but she didn't even hate him. She even wanted to ask him if they could start over.No one could be as "humble" as her.Renee used to be a bright and awesome figure, and it seemed like there was nothing she could not resolve. Yet, she lost herself several times because of a man. It infuriated Leia. Leia was not alone in feeling that way. Liam shared her sentiments and gnashed his teeth furiously. "Seriously, I wonde
Silence washed over everyone instantly. It seemed they were waiting for Renee's answer.Mateo, who was unrelated, was all ears too. He wanted to listen to a spicy story before he got killed. After all, it was related to Stefan, the mighty president of Hunt Enterprise. Of course, it would be amazing. However, Renee remained silent after a long while."Hey, silly. Of course, Renee wants to meet Adie and Abby the most!" Leia glared at Liam because the latter had asked the obvious. She also helped to get Renee out of the awkwardness. "Of course." Liam didn't let it go, and kept pressing Renee. "Is there anyone else you want to meet other than Adie and Abby?" "Certainly. Both Quinton and Margaret are very important to Ren. I know Ren can't bear to let them go," Leia casually mentioned other people except Stefan. She knew Stefan's name was too special to Renee. If she mentioned Stefan, Renee might break down. Hence, she could never mention Stefan."No, you're wrong!" Mateo finall
Previously, Amber cared very much about Liam. Later, she wanted nothing but to stay away from him.She had happily planned their wedding and imagined how to lead their married lives. Later, she planned her wedding with another man…and wanted to learn sewing from Liam to sew their wedding suits. It was heartbreaking!Hence, Liam chose a noble excuse to try and ruin the wedding between Amber and Mateo. He kept using pessimistic wedding opinions to influence Amber's thoughts as a traditional woman.True, he hadn't influenced Amber's mind solely out of his selfishness. Women would have more freedom if they stayed single. He dissuaded Amber from getting married mainly for the sake of her happiness, but it didn't cover up his despicable thoughts. Hence, he chose to keep quiet."Wow, Liam! I didn't expect you to fall for her. I thought you were forced to be with her!" While enjoying the fun, Leia forgot about her sadness and fear. Her eyes went wide as she teased Liam. "Hey, you kno
Liam found Leia unlucky and disappointing. He simply stopped talking.A brief silence overcame them. It seemed like they had accepted their fate to get killed as they quietly waited for their death.Macsen had returned to the shop to treat his wound. After struggling for a long while, Mateo failed to struggle free. Macsen's subordinate whipped him several times. "Motherfucker! Just wait. I'll make you pay!" Mateo furiously cursed Macsen's subordinate. Macsen's subordinate sneered. "Hmph. You want to make me pay? I think my boss will skin you alive. It's been a long time since I've seen a lamp made of human skin. We're waiting for a good show!"Leia had closed her eyes, but when she heard that, she shuddered and reopened them abruptly. Her voice was shaky as she asked, "Liam, what's that?" "Uh…" Liam found it too cruel and couldn't bring himself to explain it to Leia. He hated his incapabilities. "It's my fault. I got you guys into this mess. Damn it all!""No, we can't blam
Renee was well aware of the situation and was calm in the face of death. "If Macsen wants to kill us, Benjamin will feign ignorance. I think we're doomed here today.""Whatever. I'm not afraid!" Leia didn't take it too seriously, grinning. "You and Liam are the most important people to me. Although we weren't born on the same day, it's great that we can die on the same day. I want us to be siblings in our next lives!""Silly, you're so optimistic. We're going to get killed, not attending a party! Why are you this happy?" Liam's gloominess and tenseness gradually relaxed because of Leia's optimistic and happy tone. "Yeah, it isn't a big deal. I have no regrets since I can die with you guys.""You guys have no regrets, but I'm unlucky!"Mateo kept sighing. "If I knew, I wouldn't have meddled in this or caught you guys. At most, I'd be suppressed by another guy. But now, I'm about to get killed. I regret it! You have big supporters, don't you? Is there any way to contact either of
When the fight reached an intense moment, Macsen's subordinates managed to surround Liam and Mateo. They were disappointing.Macsen's most loyal subordinate aimed a gun at Liam's head and screamed at Renee, who had gone mad. He tried to threaten her. "Let our boss go, or I'll make you pay a price!" Renee regained her wits and turned to look at Liam. Her mouth was bloody. A helpless sigh escaped her. "Why are you this useless? How could they get you?"Helpless, she slowly got up and let Macsen go temporarily. "Motherfucker! Go to hell!"When Macsen regained freedom, he was no longer a gentleman. He slapped Renee twice with one hand and held his neck with the other. Then, he ordered his subordinates, "Tie them up with the woman on that ship!""Okay!" Macsen's subordinates were obedient. They quickly grabbed a thick and heavy rope to tie up Renee, Liam, Leia, and Mateo together, tying the rope around them thrice."Liam, why are you caught too? You're so useless. We even wanted
Everyone looked at each other in dismay before raising their weapons to attack Renee.Liam ordered his subordinates to fight Macsen's men when he noticed the danger. "Don't hurt her, or I'll fight you!"There were more than ten people from both sides. When they started fighting, the whole jetty was filled with the sounds of weapons and bullets. It was a mess.That battle sacrificed a lot of Liam's subordinates. Gradually, he failed to hold on."Mateo, where are your men? Get them into the fight. If anything happens to Boss, you'll suffer too. That crazy Stefan will kill everyone!"While fighting Macsen's subordinates, Liam wanted to involve Mateo in the fight since the latter was merely watching. Besides, he knew what a man like Mateo, who was good at weighing the pros and cons, cared about the most.As expected, Mateo chose to side with Liam when he heard that this mess would affect his relationship with Stefan.After all, Macsen was the most powerful person in the fort. It wou