Chapter 207: Beyond Your Reach
Milo quickly understood Derek’s silent instruction. He deliberately slowed his pace, casually unbuttoning his cuffs and rolling up his sleeves as he walked. As the Mitchells neared, he suddenly grasped Diana’s arm and delivered a sharp slap across her face. Diana was knocked to the floor by the force of the slap. A collective gasp rose from the crowd, and the Mitchell relatives, wary of getting involved, swiftly retreated, abandoning Diana.
From a safe distance, Marianne observed Milo with keen interest. He looked polite and composed, but his actions caught everyone off guard. And the slap was hard enough to knock Diana down. Diana found herself on the floor, feeling her cheek puff up and tasting blood in her mouth. Numbness spread across half her face, and a ringing in her ears muffled the surrounding noises.
“Diana!” Melissa hurried to her side, dropping to her knees to embrace her. “Sweetheart, are you alright?” The comfort of Melissa’s arms triggered Diana’s tears, which now flowed freely. Melissa’s heart ached at the sight. Having had Diana at the age of thirty-five, Melissa had doted on her, ensuring she grew up in luxury. This turned Diana into a bossy and demanding young woman. Despite her challenging nature, Diana remained Melissa’s beloved daughter.
“Don’t cry, sweetheart. I’m right here.” Melissa lifted her head with defiance, her eyes burning as she faced Milo. “What gives you the right to hit her? We’ve never done anything to you.”
“Who says I had no reason to attack her?” Milo glanced at Melissa with a cold look. He then turned his gaze to Diana. “Your daughter disrespected my boss’s wife. A slap is nothing—she deserved much more.” Diana shuddered and clung to Melissa even tighter.
Milo, having been influenced by Derek’s demeanor, showed the same level of ruthlessness. It was clear to Milo how deeply Derek cherished Vivienne. Vivienne was the first to truly win Derek’s heart, proven by his sudden return from overseas, leaving important business matters behind. Disrespecting Vivienne in front of Derek made their punishment well deserved.
“That’s a threat and it’s illegal!” Melissa’s voice quivered as she sensed the menacing aura emanating from Milo. Her fear prevented her from confronting him further.
“Feel free to involve the police. Let your daughter admit to her defamation,” Milo suggested calmly. Melissa was left speechless.
“Consider this a warning—Vivienne is far beyond your reach!” Derek’s steady, deliberate tone sent shivers down the spines of the onlookers, as if the air around them had suddenly frozen. A hush fell over the crowd, with no one daring to utter a word. Melissa’s face tightened as she glared at Derek, who was standing in the distance. “You really have some nerve!”