Chapter 267

Linda and Travis stood with bowed heads, their earlier arrogance gone.

On the other side stood Patrick and Susanne, both looking uncomfortable.

Susanne gave Renee a cautious glance.

Renee immediately presented her gift box: "Michael, excuse the intrusion. I bought this gift, I hope you'll like it."

"Mm, you shouldn't have."

Michael barely glanced at the box, clearly uninterested.

But he approved of Renee knowing her place.

Guests should act like guests - that line must never be crossed.

He waved to the butler, who had a servant take the gift away, not even asking what it was.

Renee had expected this dismissal and felt nothing.

She quietly stood beside Susanne, trying to be invisible.

The room fell silent, but the tension kept building.

Suddenly, Linda knelt at Michael's feet, clutching his sleeve.

"Father, I was wrong. I'll never dare again. Please, help our family - spare a thought for us, a widow and orphan."

Michael, hardened by years in business, showed no mercy to fa