Chapter 93

A blow from an iron rod shattered David's legs. "Ahh!" he screamed, feeling the sickening crack of his bones. The pain was unbearable, making him grit his teeth, unable to speak. The attacker continued, breaking his hands with the rod. The crunching sounds echoed ominously. Almost every joint in his body was shattered. He could barely see the person on the sofa, noticing only a pair of feet pinning him to the floor, trapping him in a position from which escape seemed impossible. After enduring this brutal torture, David lost consciousness.

With disdain, the assailant said, "To oppose Isabel is to invite death!"

He thought, Even if Isabel forgives you, I never will. I will always protect Isabel! She is my everything.

That weekend, the Galvez family gathered for a meal, summoned by Sophia. This was their most complete gathering in a long time. They were family, after all, and appearances mattered.

In the dining hall, the Galvez family buzzed with life. Sophia sat at the head of the table.

"Today, we are fortunate to reunite, and it's a moment to celebrate," she announced. "From now on, if anyone dares to target Hannah and Samuel, I will show no mercy. You must respect them. Understand?"

Hannah sat between Samuel and Isabel, looking slightly nervous. This was the first time she sat at the Galvez family table with dignity, finally acknowledged after years of struggle. She knew her husband and daughter had fought for her recognition, making this moment possible.

Everyone nodded in agreement. William and Hugh even stood to offer a toast. "Samuel, Hannah," William began, "we apologize for our past mistakes. Now that we are family, we ask your forgiveness for any wrongs we have done."

Samuel looked at Hannah, and they both raised their glasses. "All I hope is that you treat Hannah with the respect she deserves from now on," Samuel declared. "I'm willing to overlook past mistakes."

While the others seemed amicable, their true intentions remained hidden.

"Samuel is amazing," Sophia continued. "Since he took charge of Star Electronics, it has thrived, far exceeding William's management. William, Hugh, you should both learn from Samuel."

Hugh nodded, but William's disagreement was evident. Their earlier pleasantries were clearly superficial.

"By the way," Sophia turned to Alex, smiling, "I heard Alex has a girlfriend." Alex, the eldest grandson, had always been a favorite of Sophia's for his intelligence. Among Samuel's children, he was the only one she truly cherished. Sadly, a fall down the stairs had distanced him from the family, leaving Sophia heartbroken.

Samuel urged Alex to respond. With a goofy grin, Alex said, "Y-yes, Grandma!"

Fiona and Grace exchanged disdainful glances. Guinevere muttered, "Idiot."

"Mom, Joanna has been excelling in her piano studies and is about to take her exam," Grace interjected. "She'll even be performing."

Sophia looked at the obedient Joanna. "Joanna is very smart," she said. "As a young lady in society, those skills are important. In the future, she will surely marry well and bring honor to the Galvez family!"

Sophia's praise filled Grace with pride. Joanna stood politely and said, "Grandma, I will do my best."

Sophia nodded, satisfied. But Guinevere offered no such promise. Her obsession with cosmetic procedures was a problem, and her past disregard for advice, including associating with unsuitable suitors, was a concern. Her playful nature lacked the refinement and reserve Sophia saw in Joanna, who she envisioned as the Galvez family's social climbing representative.

Guinevere knew Sophia constantly compared her to Joanna, making her feel inferior. But today, seeing Roy, she felt a surge of self-assurance.

She came from a prestigious family, unlike Roy, who had grown up in a village and, in Guinevere's estimation, couldn't compare. So, she decided to belittle Roy. "Boy, what have you been up to lately? I think I saw you delivering takeout. Are you still doing that?"

Roy, usually quiet and reserved, found himself under scrutiny, struggling to find the words. Guinevere recognized his discomfort, realizing the embarrassment of revealing his job.

At that moment, all eyes turned to Roy. Stammering, she finally said, "I… I no longer deliver takeout. I've changed jobs."

"Oh, please tell us what your new job is," Guinevere pressed, her sarcasm dripping. "Has Samuel convinced you to join Star Electronics? He's eager to bring everyone on board! Alex is in Security, Isabel is in Finance, and now even Roy is joining!"

Sophia's expression darkened. "Samuel, is this true? Have you gotten all your children into the company? Are you trying to take over the whole business?"

"Mom, it's not like that at all!" Samuel exclaimed. "Alex joined Security because the whole department was empty; he was just helping out, as he's always been security-minded. It's better to work for family than for strangers. Isabel is only helping with finance temporarily, until we find someone else. She's supposed to continue her education, and I don't want her exhausted. As for Roy, she's working in design at Dely Studio, which has nothing to do with our family! It's not at all what Guinevere suggested!"

Samuel's explanation fell on deaf ears. The name Dely Studio caught their attention. "Samuel, what did you just say? Roy has joined Dely Studio?" William asked, shocked.

"Samuel, is this true? Don't lie to us!" Hugh pressed.

Samuel's face darkened under their scrutiny. "Why would I lie about this?"