Chapter 874

Joe cast a cold glance at Keith. Keith’s raised fist froze. One look told Keith this man was not to be trifled with.

“You…” Keith stammered.

Jimmy and Valencia, bullies of the weak and fearful of the strong, paled. Jimmy’s face was ashen after his earlier kicking. Valencia opened her mouth to speak, then hesitated, falling silent.

“Do you know who you were about to hit?” Joe asked.

Jimmy, Valencia, and Keith were speechless. Their usual bravado vanished in the face of Joe’s presence.

They had underestimated the girls, assuming easy intimidation. But now…

Witnessing Wendy's family’s plight, Simona felt even greater sympathy. Wendy had endured a brutal day, now compounded by her family’s abuse. Her heartbreak was palpable.

“You were about to hit my wife,” Joe said coldly.

Hearing "wife" and seeing Joe's protective stance, Skylar's heart leaped, recalling his earlier words about not divorcing.

“We didn’t hit anyone… We didn’t get the chance,” Jimmy hastily disclaimed, relieved they hadn't struck anyone.

Valencia’s eyes flickered. “It’s a misunderstanding. We don’t hit people.”

“We’re victims’ family, emotionally distraught. You came to cause trouble,” Keith defensively claimed.

Wendy trembled with anger at their blatant lack of accountability.

“Don’t listen to their lies! They blamed Wendy and me, even trying to extort money from the perpetrators. They’re despicable!” Simona raged.

Joe’s gaze sharpened, his already intimidating presence now radiating menace.

“We… We didn’t say anything wrong. If you hadn’t hung out with those boys, they wouldn’t have bullied you. Girls should be more self-disciplined and avoid associating with boys,” Valencia stubbornly protested, believing modern girls were shameless and arrogant.

Chapter 874

“Shut up! All of you, just shut up!” Wendy cried out in despair. Each word was a fresh wound. They were her family. She’d dreamed of escaping, believing financial independence would earn her better treatment and spare her from forced marriage to a wealthy man. She'd been naïve.

Simona sobbed uncontrollably. “Wendy…”

“Ungrateful girl! Who gave you the nerve? Do you think someone else's presence stops us from hitting you? We may not hit others, but you're my daughter! You're already disgraceful, and now you dare silence us? I'll teach you a lesson!” Valencia lunged toward Wendy, raising her hand to strike.

Wendy trembled violently, years of abuse leaving her defenseless. Simona reacted swiftly, shielding Wendy. Skylar intercepted Valencia’s blow.

“What you just said and did is all recorded,” Skylar said coldly.

“Get out,” Joe commanded, his voice chilling.