Chapter 3

Although Stanley found the arrangements rushed, he acceded to Fred's plans. After further conversation with Stanley and Lillian, Fred departed with Rachel. Meanwhile, Matthew arrived at Sagewood Residences. Gazing at the familiar villa gate, he was overwhelmed by a complex mix of emotions. He had purchased this prestigious villa after his first significant financial success; it was its allure that had initially captivated Tessa and drawn her to him. Years later, however, everything had irrevocably changed.

As Matthew approached the gate, his eyes fell on three figures in the courtyard. Two had their backs to him; he recognized the builds of his mother-in-law, Jennifer Baker, and brother-in-law, Xavier. A little girl, seemingly five or six years old, stood before them, facing him directly. She was strikingly beautiful, with a round face, large, sparkling eyes, and an enchanting charm. At a single glance, his heart leaped—it was his daughter, Lorraine.

Lorraine appeared to be in trouble; Jennifer and Xavier were scolding her. Matthew hesitated to intervene, believing children should learn from their mistakes and preferring to understand the situation before acting. Remembering the adage, "Spoiling a child is harming them," he chose to observe.

Jennifer then twisted Lorraine's ear. "Are you deaf? I've told you countless times your mother is the only one who truly cares. Those good-for-nothing grandparents of yours must have spoken ill of her."

Lorraine, her ear aching, stood on tiptoe, tears streaming down her face. "Granny! Grandpa and Grandma didn't say anything bad about Mom!"

Jennifer retorted sharply, "If they hadn't, how would you think she doesn't love you?"

Lorraine sobbed, "Other moms pick up their kids from kindergarten, but Mom never does. Other moms help their kids to sleep, but Mom never has. When I cry for her, she never comes! She doesn't love me! Other kids say I don't have a mom!"

Jennifer was momentarily stunned, then snapped, "Your mother loves you very much! You're not without a mother; you're without a father! Did your father even visit you these past three years? He's the one who doesn't love you!"

Lorraine wiped her tears, arguing timidly, "No, I know Dad loves me! And Mom too."

Jennifer raged, "Nonsense, you little brat! You don't know anything! Your father is a criminal—an ex-convict! The police arrested him!"

Lorraine wailed, "Dad isn't bad! He went to jail for Mom! I heard them arguing. I know Dad loves me! You can't say bad things about him!"

Matthew's eyes welled with tears. His guilt intensified as he reflected on his three-year absence.

Jennifer, enraged by Lorraine's crying and defiance, shouted, "He is an ex-convict! How dare you talk back? You'll be a handful! You need a beating!" She raised her hand to slap Lorraine.

Lorraine closed her eyes in fear. Then, a large hand intercepted the blow. It was Matthew. Jennifer recoiled in fright. "Y-you... What are you doing here?"

Matthew scooped Lorraine into his arms. "If I hadn't arrived, wouldn't you have abused my daughter?"

Jennifer, regaining composure, said, "What's the meaning of this, Matthew? Put Lorraine down. You're not leaving with her until you sign the divorce agreement!"

Matthew glanced at Lorraine, concerned she'd be upset. Instead, she gazed at him intently, asking, "Are you really my dad?"

His heart aching, Matthew replied, "Yes, sweetheart. I'm so sorry I haven't been there. But I'm here now, and I won't let anyone hurt you again."

Lorraine hugged him. "Please take me home. Granny yells and hits me. I'm scared."

Matthew embraced her, feeling her tremble. His heart ached. "Alright, Lori. I'll take you home now."

Jennifer lunged to stop him. "Matthew, you're not leaving with Lorraine until you sign the divorce agreement!"

Matthew, suppressing his rage, said, "I already signed it."

Jennifer scoffed. "Don't be ridiculous! Tessa would have told me. Do you think you can cling to us now that she's worth millions and a successful president? This divorce is happening! You're not leaving with Lorraine!"

Matthew barely controlled his fury. Tessa had forcefully taken his company, yet they accused him of clinging. Feeling Lorraine tremble, he inhaled deeply, forcing calm.

Xavier approached. "Matthew Grant! You've avoided Tessa for three years, stalling the divorce, costing her three years! I've even trashed your house dozens of times! If you don't sign today, I'll end you!"

Matthew's anger surged. He recalled his ruined home, Stanley's white hair, and Lillian's fear. Fury boiled within him. "You're not the only one with a score to settle!"

Xavier smiled coldly. "I'm a trained boxer. You don't want to mess with me. If you want a fight, I'll give you a good beating!" He lunged, aiming a punch.

Matthew, cradling Lorraine, used his leg with incredible force, kicking Xavier's stomach with lightning speed. Xavier flew back, hitting the ground hard. He clutched his stomach, staring in disbelief.

"How did you beat me? Fine, I was careless. But I'll make sure you leave crippled—"

Matthew swiftly delivered another kick. Xavier cried out, collapsing. Matthew rained down punishing blows. Xavier screamed, begging for mercy.

Matthew stopped. "If you cause trouble at my house again, I won't give you a chance to beg! And I signed the divorce agreement."

Xavier, in agony, finally believed him. He'd suffered for nothing.

Jennifer, having assumed Matthew would be no match for Xavier, had kept her distance. Now, grabbing a broom, she charged at Matthew, enraged. "You've gone too far, you worthless trash! How dare you lay a hand on my son? I'll beat you to death!"