Chapter 48
Troy stepped into the Duncan family’s living room, a place unfamiliar to him. This moment should have been filled with pride, but under the weight of the day’s mission, he faced Lloyd feeling anything but confident.
Forcing a smile, he spoke up. “Lenore didn’t recognize you, Mr. Carlos Duncan. It was a mistake on her part, and I’ve brought her here to make amends.”
Carlos, standing nearby, let out a dismissive chuckle. “And who are you?”
Troy’s smile faltered. “I’m Lenore’s father, and I’m prepared for you to handle her as you see fit.”
Carlos had been seething, but upon realizing Troy was Lenore’s father, he smirked. “You’re catching on.”
Troy had never felt more humiliated, but he couldn’t afford to show his anger. Tugging at his mouth, he called toward the door. “Get in here and apologize to Mr. Carlos Duncan!”
Lenore leaned against the doorway, hands in her pockets, exuding a casual and defiant air. Her pale skin and wild, untamed aura made her seem like a lone wolf. She spoke lazily. “I’ll apologize if he’s man enough to handle it.”
Carlos’s eyes flicked over her striking features, a greedy glint in his gaze. Rubbing his sore wrist, he smiled smugly.
“See how reasonable your dad is? Get on your knees and admit you were wrong, and we’ll call it even for hitting me. Otherwise…”
His threat was cut short as a cane lashed out, striking Carlos in the back.
“Shut your mouth!” Lloyd yelled.
The blow was swift and forceful, sending Carlos face-first to the floor with a pained cry. He writhed, eyes wide. “Grandpa, why did you hit me?”
Ignoring him, Lloyd walked to the door and looked at Lenore, his eyes widening in recognition. “It’s really you!”
Lenore arched a brow, a cold smile playing on her lips. “Your grandson was driving drunk. He broke the law and used his status to get Ken suspended. He messed with my man. Don’t you think he deserved it?”
“Lenore!” Troy snapped out of his shock at Carlos being struck, grabbing her sleeve and pulling her into the room, his face darkening. “I brought you here to apologize to Mr. Carlos Duncan, not to speak to Lloyd like that.”
He knew angering Lloyd could mean the end of the Smedley family in Jinslenburg.
Lenore straightened, smoothing out her uniform sleeve where Troy had gripped it. Her cold gaze slid to him. “Ask him if he dares let me apologize,” she said, her tone sharp and defiant.
Troy, believing she was still out of control, raised his hand to strike her. But before he could, someone caught his wrist.
Seeing the man who had appeared out of nowhere, Troy’s expression shifted. “You again!”
It was the same man who had stopped him from hitting Lenore at Culinary Ascent the other night. Troy thought he was like a persistent ghost.
Silas flung Troy aside, his gaze cold. “Only cowards hit their daughters.”
Wayne poked his head in from outside, his smile charming but devoid of warmth. “Forcing your daughter to apologize without even asking who’s right or wrong? You must be a terrible father.”
Their silent arrival put Lloyd, already on edge, even more on guard. “Mr. Faulkner. Mr. Garcia.”
Silas carried the subtle scent of white sandalwood, calming and purifying the air.
Lenore wasn’t surprised to see him and didn’t bother asking questions. Instead, she turned to Lloyd, her patience wearing thin. “Anything else you want to say?”
Lloyd’s gaze lingered on her, his lips trembling for a moment before he bowed. “I apologize for my grandson’s behavior, Ms. Smedley. As for Ken, I’ll restore his position immediately.”
He hesitated before adding, “Carlos’s father died young, and he’s the only heir of the Duncan family. I beg you to be merciful and forgive him this once. I promise to discipline him properly in the future.”
