Andrew turned to see Victor nearby, his face cold. Andrew thought, The Carters haven't learned their lesson; they still dared to mess with Bonnie. He asked, "Is it you?"

Victor, startled, quickly recognized Andrew. His voice strained, he blurted, "Is your last name Mitchell? Are you from the Betrico Mitchells?"

Andrew lifted his chin. "It's me. I didn't know the Carters would crumble so easily. One move, and you fled Betrico pathetically. I should have been gentler. Did I overestimate them?"

Victor's grip tightened as he listened. His eyes drooped, a fierce expression replacing his initial shock. After a long silence, he lifted his head, plastering on a polite smile. His tone was overly pleasant, almost fawning. "Hello, Mr. Mitchell. I apologize to Bonnie. I didn't mean to bother her. I sincerely apologize. I hope she can forgive the Carters; Winona was at fault. If Bonnie's still upset, Winona can apologize personally."

Andrew smiled faintly. This guy changed his demeanor quickly. Shock? he mused. He tilted his head and softly asked Bonnie, "Do you need Winona to apologize in person?"

Bonnie shook her head vehemently. "No! I don't have time for Winona. Just stay away from me."

Andrew chuckled, flicking her forehead and ruffling her hair. Feels good, he thought, whispering, "It's up to you."

Bonnie stared, a flutter in her heart. Andrew actually looks quite handsome! she thought, immediately followed by, Oh no… it's my imagination. I must have a fever.

Andrew sneered at Victor. "Did you hear that? Keep your fiancée away from Bonnie. Betrico was a warning." He pulled Bonnie away, leaving Victor alone. Students gossiped curiously. Victor, controlling his anger, walked away, his reputation in ruins.

Meanwhile, Winona sat on the sofa, sipping milk Yulia had prepared. Yulia, pregnant, was the only one Winona could currently manipulate. Winona spent the morning directing Yulia, relishing the other woman's frustrated silence. This, she thought, was the life she'd always wanted.

Victor sped back to the Carter home. Seeing Yulia serving Winona, he stormed in, grabbed Winona, and without a word, slapped her. Winona fell, protecting her belly. Yulia rushed to her, anxious. "Is your belly okay? My grandchild! We need Mark and a doctor!"

Winona's pregnancy was unstable. Yulia feared a miscarriage. Winona, terrified, cried to Victor, "Why did you hit me? What did I do wrong? I'm carrying your child!" Yulia added, "Victor, what are you doing? Winona's pregnant!"

Victor's blue eyes, red-rimmed, held a mocking smile. His gaze was cold, hostile. Winona’s confidence faltered. After a long, cold stare, he said mercilessly, "Do you not know the mess you caused? You ruined years of careful planning. The Carters could have achieved so much more, but because of you, it's all ruined."

Winona didn't dare argue, only pleading with her eyes. "I'm sorry, Victor. I didn't know Bonnie had such strong backing. Bonnie hit me twice yesterday! Mom was there; ask her!"

Yulia, fearing for the baby, agreed. "Yes, Victor, Bonnie hit back. How did it get so out of control?"

Victor wanted to tell Yulia the truth but feared the impact on her health. He swallowed his words, his gaze like a wolf's. "Winona, my mother is the hostess of the Carter family. If I accept the child, he's a Carter; if not, he's illegitimate. If you boss my mother around again, you're out. You think you're an heiress? You're illegitimate, Zachary doesn't acknowledge you, and the Smiths are bankrupt. You're a burden. If you don't understand that, take your child and leave."

Winona, shocked, stared at him. Afterward, Victor asked Yulia to join him upstairs. Yulia, worried but unable to defy him, obeyed. Winona, left alone, silently vowed revenge. She called Robert, her voice laced with feigned sobs. "I'm so scared, Victor wants to kill me. Come save me."