Serena and Coco knelt on the cold tile floor, enduring the Swifts’ scolding.Tim was outraged, with his bruises still apparent. He pointed at Serena and thundered, “Look at the mess Xayne has caused! Our family has offended the Lennings. Tell me, what do you expect us to do now?”Vivian had dark circles around her eyes as she scolded, “You’re a curse to this family! We wouldn’t have offended the Lennings if it weren’t for you and Xayne. That’s Adrian’s family. If we upset the soon-to-be Lieutenant, our family will be in hot water.”Serena held her frightened daughter and looked at Eric, who sat on the high chair. The older man had a bandage wrapped around his head. Serena said, “Grandpa, it was all my fault. I beg you to forgive us. Xayne didn’t intentionally offend the Lennings. He was just—”"Hmph!" Eric scoffed and slammed his cane on the floor. He scolded, “Don’t bother pleading for that useless guy. If he cared, he wouldn’t have let you two return alone. That good-for-nothing

Xayne rested one knee on the ground. He extended his hand to wipe her face and said, “I’m sorry. It’s all because I dragged you into this.”The sunlight shined through the window and cast a warm glow on the couple. The light illuminated Serena’s face, highlighting her flawless complexion. Her eyelashes were still slightly wet as she looked at Xayne with sorrow.She said, “I don’t fear implication. I would have died five years ago if I were. Xayne, I want to ask you a serious question. Can you handle the Lennings alone?"Xayne looked into Serena's eyes and caressed her cheek, replying, “Yes, I can. You must trust that I will never endanger you and Coco. Even if everyone wants to harm you, I won’t allow it. It’s my promise to you and Coco.”However, Serena grabbed his hand and looked at him affectionately. She shook her head and said, “There’s no need to make a vow. I believe you.”Xayne embraced her and allowed her to cry in his arms. He knew he owed her too much. Although Serena h

Violet shoved Xayne aside before scolding him, “What are you doing? Are you insane? How dare you be so rude to Mr. Zachary?!”Tony and Royce joined in the rebuke and apologized to Zachary profusely.Tony lowered his head, saying, “W-We’re sorry, Mr. Zachary. He just returned and has a hot temper. Please don’t take his impulsiveness personally.”Zachary was displeased as he adjusted his tie again. He pointed at Xayne and shouted, “Just wait, Xayne Xavier! I’ll keep you in mind.”Xayne clenched his fist to punch Zachary, but Serena held him back, saying, “Don’t! He’s the heir to the Hyger family, and we can’t afford to offend them. Don’t worry. Even if we go out for a meal, I won’t agree to my parents’ demands.”Xayne frowned and said, "Fine, then I'll go too."Violet panicked when she heard that. “You’re going too? Why would you do that? What are you even going to do there?”Zachary chuckled and mocked, “Ms. Serena, just let him come along. I want to show him the difference betwe

The private room was extravagant, with dining, resting, and meeting areas. It even had a sprawling outdoor garden balcony featuring an infinity pool. One could feel the gentle breeze and gaze at the street and skyscrapers from the balcony.“Mr. and Mrs. Swift, Serena, please have a seat,” Zachary spoke courteously, refraining from sitting immediately.Violet smiled as she remarked, “Oh my, Mr. Zachary, you’re so polite to let your elders sit first. The more I see of you, the more I like you.”Soon, she, her husband, and her son took their seats. Violet was excited as she patted the seat under her, saying, “Oh, these chairs are genuine leather? They’re simply too extravagant!”Finally, Zachary took the head seat and smiled. “Of course, otherwise, this room wouldn’t be worth forty-five grand, right? The staff replace these chairs daily, each costing about seven hundred dollars. I’m afraid it’s even higher than most people’s salaries.”As he spoke, he looked mockingly at Xayne and Se

Tony’s expression turned grim as he said, “Heed my advice, Serena. The Lennings will eventually come for Xayne. You need a suitable husband to support you immediately. Mr. Zachary is an excellent choice.”Tony did not want to pressure his daughter, which might lead to an irreversible situation.Serena’s heart ached when her parents and younger brother pressured her into remarrying for their benefit. She wiped her tears and said with a hint of resentment, “No, I will never agree! I won’t eat a thing. Xayne, we’re leaving.”She turned to leave while Xayne picked up Coco.Violet became anxious and hurried to grab Serena, saying, “All right, all right! Don’t leave yet. We won’t pressure you anymore, okay? Mr. Zachary has been a gracious host, so you can’t storm out like that. At least eat something, will you? Come on, sit.”She realized she was too hasty and needed to approach the situation more cautiously.Serena reluctantly pulled her chair and sat down, displeased.Meanwhile, Zac