Chapter 976
Camilla could not help but sneer. "Dominic, I told you long ago that Nyla isn't loyal to our family. She's always been the type to side with outsiders. You treat her well, and in the end, she'll never remember what you did for her. If you ask me, raising a stray dog would've been better than raising her."
Dominic’s voice turned cold. "You’re right. I must’ve been blind to raise such a disgrace. If I’d known she’d turn out like this, I should’ve let her die with her mother!"
The alcohol was clearly taking over. Dominic had downed a couple of drinks, and now his true colors were coming out. His face turned red, his eyes fierce, and a violent temper simmered just under the surface.
Nyla was terrified. Before long, her vision blurred as tears welled up. She was used to Camilla being mean to her and trying to push her out of the family, but she never expected her own father to be so cruel.
She never imagined Dominic would say something so venomous—something like wishing she had died with her late mother. Tears spilled down her cheeks as she quietly set her utensils down and stood from the table.
For years, she had known, deep down, that Dominic did not love her anymore. In fact, he had grown colder and more aggressive toward her—just like Camilla.
She had been gaslit, shamed, and emotionally worn down by both of them. Still, she tried to numb herself, to pretend things were not that bad.
After all, Dominic was barely home as he was always traveling for business. Even when he returned, it was late at night, and he’d go straight to Camilla’s room without saying a word to her.
Nyla was invisible, forgotten, which she had accepted. As long as she could hold onto the title of the Goth family’s eldest daughter, it was enough.
But tonight, there was no escaping it. She had to face Dominic’s abuse head-on.
“Stop right there! Where do you think you’re going?” Dominic roared as he saw her rise.
Nyla flinched, her shoulders trembling. She wiped her tears and said quietly, “Dad, I’m going back to my room. I’m done eating.”
Dominic slammed the table. "Sit down. I’m not finished talking. You’re not leaving this table until you say yes. I’m telling you this is the moment the Goth family is about to rise. As my daughter, someone with Goth blood running through your veins, this is when you should be stepping up for your family!
"But you? You’re selfish, short-sighted, and only thinking about yourself. Not once have you considered the needs of your family. Do you have any idea how disappointed I am in you right now?"
The barrage of guilt and verbal blows left Nyla pale and shaken. She sat back down slowly and pleaded, “Dad, I’ll help however I can, truly. But why does it have to be this? You’re asking me to steal something that doesn’t belong to us—it’s just not right.”
Dominic’s voice dropped into a bitter sneer. "What’s so impossible about that? No, I think the truth is, you’re just a coward who doesn’t want to do anything for her family. Don’t forget–you’re my daughter. And if you won’t listen to your own father, that makes you downright disgraceful."
Silent tears streamed down Nyla’s cheeks. Every time Dominic used their relationship to manipulate her, she did not feel love—she felt something colder than ice.
“And that Andrew guy—didn’t he have a thing for you?” Dominic growled. “Sleep with him, seduce him, I don’t care how, just get the damn formula.”
His eyes burned with ruthless intent, and his voice was sharp with command.
Camilla clapped her hands like it was the best idea she had heard all night. "Now that’s a plan! Nyla, you’ve really blossomed lately—you’re looking stunning these days. That Dr. Lloyd you talk about? He’s young, full of energy, and clearly still ruled by hormones. A little flirtation from you, and he’ll fall like a brick!"
Nyla ignored Camilla completely. She turned to Dominic, staring at him with disbelief, “W–What did you just say? You want me to seduce Dr. Lloyd? I’m your daughter. Your own flesh and blood!”