Joyce couldn't take it anymore. She quickly stepped forward and pushed Lily away.

"Dad? Are you out of your mind?" Joyce asked.

She didn't use much strength, but Lily looked as if she were in great pain, tears welling up in her eyes.

Ethan looked helpless. "Joyce, Lily didn't do anything wrong. She's innocent, isn't she?"

Joyce was beside herself. "That's not the point. The point is, you should have some self-respect and dignity. Did you stoop so low for that woman? She's the same woman who abandoned you."

Ethan stood up and slammed the table. "Joyce Maddox, she's your mother! Do you have any respect for her?"

Joyce's eyes glistened with tears.

"Mom?" she whispered, incredulously. Then, as if finding something absurd, she pointed to her slightly red and swollen face. "Which biological mother would slap her daughter in public?"

Only then did Ethan notice something was wrong. He knew Joyce had always been strong-willed and rarely cried like this in front of others. A trace of guilt flashed across his eyes, and he was speechless.

Then Kelly walked in, crying.

"I didn't want to hit you, but you kept scolding me, saying why I didn't die. You even told me to get out! Joyce, I'm your mother. Do you hate me so much? When I hit your face, it hurt me too. If I wasn't so disappointed, do you think I would have slapped you?" Kelly said, looking sadly at Ethan.

Ethan's gaze hardened. For the first time, he looked at Joyce with annoyance.

"Joyce, your personality has changed drastically since your mother returned. You used to be so sensible. How did you become like this?"

Joyce's eyes widened. Kelly's performance astonished Joyce, but what hurt her most was Ethan's favoritism and distrust.

Joyce laughed bitterly and wiped away her tears. "If you believe her over me, there's nothing else to say. You two enjoy your meal. You're the family. I'm nothing," she said, turning and leaving.

Ethan watched her go, wanting to call her back, but he didn't know what to say. He was momentarily confused, wondering if he'd done something wrong. However, seeing Kelly's tear-stained face, his heart softened.

"Don't cry," he said. "Joyce hasn't had you in her life; it'll take time for her to adjust."

Kelly immediately turned cold and pushed his hand away. Her eyes were cold and disgusted. "So, that's your problem. If you knew how to raise your child, this wouldn't be happening."

Ethan wasn't angry. He nodded guiltily. "Yes, it's all my fault. I'm sorry."

Kelly stopped crying and said calmly, "So, I'll handle Joyce's education and future development from now on. Do you object?"

Ethan hesitated. "I wouldn't object, but Joyce is independent. She has her own thoughts. As parents, we shouldn't interfere too much."

Kelly's face fell, and she threw her fork to the ground. Ethan, helpless, changed his tune. "All right. I'll listen to you. I'll help you persuade Joyce."

Hearing this, Kelly smiled.

Thea planned to return to the Rowland family the day she was discharged. After all, she had fulfilled her grandfather's will; it was time to reclaim her inheritance. However, she met Max before she returned.

Neither Max nor Thea expected this encounter. Recalling his actions toward Thea, Max felt embarrassed. He coughed awkwardly. "You've been discharged. Is your leg alright?"

Thea stirred her coffee, smiling casually. "My leg is fine. The doctor said—"

Max's expression changed slightly. He hesitated. "The dosage of stimulants you were given that day was a little too high. My head has been hurting lately. I'm worried about long-term effects." He didn't dare meet her eyes.

"I didn't expect them to overdo it. Don't worry, I'll investigate. I'll get you justice, regardless of intent," Max said.

Max felt sincere, but Thea only sneered. Leaning on her hand, she gazed out the window. "Max," she said faintly, "don't you understand? I've suffered because of you. I'm talking to you now because of temporary expediency, not forgiveness. Our relationship is irreconcilable. After all," she pointed to herself, "my wounds are a constant reminder that forgiving you would be letting myself down." Seeing her seriousness, Max couldn't bring himself to dismiss her concerns.

He felt depressed. He'd always been an outsider in his dealings with Thea, concerned primarily with the interests of the Rowland family. He felt he'd had his difficulties, and Thea should understand. Blood ties, he felt, couldn't be ignored. He assumed Thea's talk of leaving and hatred was insincere. He was wrong. Her disgust and hatred were genuine. He realized he was about to lose her forever.

Max stared at Thea's cold eyes, suddenly disappointed. "I remember you and Duncan always fought as children, but you always reconciled quickly. I worried constantly about getting you two to reconcile. I racked my brain, only to see you playing together again. You and Duncan laughed at me, calling me a 'little adult' burdened with worries. Later, when you two made a mistake, I took the blame. Mom punished me, and you both cried. You said you'd protect me when you grew up. At that time…"

"Max Rowland," Thea interrupted, not even using his first name. "I don't have time for your childhood stories. I don't remember. I only have memories from after I turned ten."

A bitter taste filled Max's mouth. Futility and bitterness welled up, his eyes reddening slightly. Thea was ten when Emmalie was found, when her relationship with the Rowland family worsened.

He stood abruptly, losing his composure. "Excuse me, I need to use the restroom."

Thea nodded, gazing out the window again, never looking back as he left. She knew if she turned, she might talk about family with him, but she felt it was unnecessary.