With just one glance, Cullen’s legs felt weak, and he almost knelt down. “Uncle Winford, I really didn’t mean to offend you. I didn’t know her husband she was talking about was you!”

Chapter 29: Winford Backed Her

“Mr. Winford! Cullen didn’t mean it. I beg you to be magnanimous and spare him this once.” Arturo hastily stepped forward, his face drenched in cold sweat as he pleaded for his son.

Winford’s fingers tapped rhythmically on his wheelchair armrest. His gaze remained impassive as he started to speak, but suddenly felt his hand being restrained. Ophelia intercepted decisively.

“He was boasting just moments ago that Mr. Winford wasn’t fit to shine his shoes. Do you think a simple ‘didn’t mean it’ can absolve him? That’s way too generous.”

Cullen’s face twisted in shock. “Ophelia?” He couldn’t believe it. Ophelia was once head-over-heels in love with him. Why was she now acting like she wanted him dead?

Ophelia paid him no heed. Turning back with wide, luminous eyes fixed on Winford, she demanded, “Isn’t that right, darling?” If he dared say otherwise, she’d immediately clamp her hand over his mouth. It was evident she truly intended to make Cullen suffer.

Winford’s gaze dropped to the delicate hands pressing down on his own. His hand was burning hot, yet Ophelia seemed completely unaware of the feverish heat radiating from him. An inexplicable sense of satisfaction softened his demeanor. Withdrawing his gaze, Winford said in a deep, steady voice, “Of course it won’t be that easy.”

“Mr. Winford!” The Pruitts turned ashen. Since when did Winford take orders from Ophelia? Ophelia smiled, narrowing her eyes as she glared menacingly at Cullen. Rubbing her hands together, she asked, “So darling, how should we punish him?”

“What do you suggest?” Winford’s response held an unexpected note of indulgence. Ophelia’s eyes lit up like fireworks. “You’re letting me decide?”

“Sure,” he said. A chilling premonition shot through Cullen, and it quickly came true. Ophelia strode to the poolside and commanded, “Set the pool to 140°F.” The temperature control system hummed to life. Within minutes, the water began churning with tendrils of steam.

Ophelia turned back, a malicious smile playing on her lips. “Mr. Cullen, you can come over now.” Realizing her intention, Cullen’s face darkened. It was the peak of summer. Even standing outdoors was unbearable. Submerging in near-boiling water would be pure torture.

Cullen remained rooted. Ophelia’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “Darling,” she called over her shoulder, “Mr. Cullen seems reluctant.”

Chapter 20: Word Backed In

Winford didn’t hesitate to back his wife’s mischief. “Arturo,” he intoned, “your son appears reluctant.” Cold sweat instantly poured down Arturo’s face. He raised his hand and slapped Cullen hard.

“Are you deaf? Do as Mrs. Pruitt says!” Cullen’s face cycled through shades of crimson and chalk white as he walked to the pool. Ophelia crossed her arms, tilted her chin up, and leisurely ordered, “Turn around!” Cullen did so with a sullen expression.

Ophelia lifted her foot, then suddenly paused. “Stick your butt out,” she said.

“What?” Cullen was stunned, thinking he’d misheard. Ophelia smiled. “I said, stick your butt out. Otherwise, I won’t have a good angle to kick. Need me to repeat that louder?”

Cullen’s face turned livid. “Ophelia Greene! You’ve gone too far!” How could she ask him to do such an undignified act in front of so many people? What about his reputation?

When Cullen refused to comply, Ophelia’s expression hardened. She turned and called out, “Darling!” “Arturo.” Winford’s voice cut through the tension.

Chapter 24: Warlord Discked Her

Arturo’s shoulders jerked. He forced an obsequious smile before roaring at Cullen. “Do as Mrs. Pruitt says this instant!” What was a little suffering in the water? What was a little loss of dignity? If they couldn’t appease Mr. Winford’s wrath, their family might be doomed.

Under the pressure, Cullen finally bent over in the humiliating position. Muffled snickers rippled through the onlookers. Cullen’s ears burned crimson as he growled through gritted teeth, “Ophelia, this is your last chance to apologize—”

Before he could finish, a sudden, powerful kick landed on his backside. Splash! Cullen crashed into the 140°F water, howling as the scalding liquid engulfed him. Ophelia loomed over the edge of the pool, watching Cullen’s spluttering form with a half-smile playing on her lips. “What did you say just now, huh?”

Apologize to him? Was this jerk’s brain malfunctioning? Cullen struggled to surface. “Ophelia, you—” “Let me remind you,” Ophelia interrupted, “I’m now Mr. Winford’s wife. Your position doesn’t grant you the privilege of casual address.”

Cullen’s expression instantly froze. While she spoke of address, she was actually warning him that she was now someone he couldn’t afford to offend. After all, she had Mr. Winford backing her.

Watching Cullen thrash like a soaked dog in the water, panting heavily yet swallowing his rage, Ophelia’s lips curved in pure delight. “Stay until I’m satisfied.” Ophelia chirped. Then she turned around and walked briskly back to Winford.

“Are you content now?” Winford asked her. Ophelia was about to nod but suddenly paused. “Not entirely.” As she spoke, her gaze swept the surroundings, focusing on those who had gossiped.

“Darling, there were more than one person badmouthing you just now.” The faces of those people instantly turned pale. Who would have thought that Mr. Winford would suddenly appear? And who would have thought that he was actually Ophelia’s husband?

Nicole and her daughter, the most vocal gossipers earlier, now stood with legs trembling. “M…Mr. Winford! We didn’t mean it.” “They absolutely did!” Ophelia interrupted, “They mocked you by name. I tried to stop them, but they wouldn’t listen and even insulted me!”

She acted like she had suffered a great injustice, but the truth was, she had held her own against them without losing any ground. On the other hand, Nicole and the others were still in a sorry state.

“Does it anger you that much?” Winford looked at her with an amused expression. “Of course I’m angry. They were badmouthing you.” Ophelia huffed. Winford paused slightly. A peculiar sensation tightened his chest.