Chapter 33

While dodging his father's blows, Darren raised his head and shouted, "I didn't hit her! She bruised herself!"

Those outside the door reacted with contempt, even the maids. In the past, Darren, though irritable, never denied his actions. But now he was lying, the maids thought. The Bennetts were disappointed, their disgust evident in the servants' eyes.

Darren wanted to explain, but the accusing stares sapped his resolve. No one would believe him. Everyone thought he was lying.

Lauren stood before him, indifferently watching his father beat him. Darren suffered intensely, unable to escape Mr. Bennett Sr.'s wrath.

He looked up at Lauren. Sensing his gaze, she lowered her head, smiling quietly. This smile made Darren tremble; he realized he was afraid of her. She was the most beautiful woman he'd ever seen, yet also the most dangerous. Is she a beautiful demon? After eighteen years of misery, how could she be so clever? Is she really my lost sister? Who is she? he wondered.

"Stop," Lauren said, her voice and face cold.

Mr. Bennett Sr., enraged, stopped instinctively, then realized it was Lauren who had spoken. Mr. Bennett Jr. felt guilty; his affair with Mona had caused Lauren's disappearance eighteen years ago. The sight of Lauren constantly reminded him of his mistake.

He loved his daughter Sally, but not Lauren. He wanted nothing to do with her, offering only money as recompense. Yet, she was his daughter. Thinking of Darren, his anger resurfaced. "I'll beat him to death," he roared.

Lauren remained silent, uninterested in her father punishing Darren. She had only stopped him because they were blocking the door, and she wanted to retrieve her backpack and leave.

Her indifference surprised Mr. Bennett Sr. Even if she doesn't care about her father beating her brother, she should at least acknowledge her injuries. Why is she so emotionless? he thought. He stopped her as she was leaving. "Lauren, please stay."

Lauren's eyes lifted; her curled eyelashes fluttered like butterflies, evoking pity. "But it hurts, Grandpa," she said.

Her words silenced everyone. For the first time, everyone seemed to care about her.

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