Chapter 39
Finndy nodded. “That’s right: your intention is what matters most. Everything else is secondary. This ‘Love for Faith’ symbolizes your heart.” At that moment, the door suddenly swung open, and Joe Russo barged in.
His dark expression made the Curtis couple tremble. They nervously stepped forward, trying to ease the tension. This was not the time for any unnecessary distractions. Joe completely ignored them, his eyes locking onto Kyle with a cold glare. “One of my men reported seeing a young man carrying a jewelry box. I thought he…”
Hands clasped behind his back, Joe spoke coldly. “Anthony, I want an explanation. What’s the relationship between these two?”
There was a shred of courtesy in Joe’s tone—albeit not the usual respect for Anthony as the family head.
Before Anthony could speak, Faith stepped forward with a polite but firm tone. “Mr. Russo, with all due respect, my parents don’t need to explain anything to you. There’s no connection between me and your family to begin with. The engagement was never real; I’ve never taken it seriously. I’ve looked down on Peter from the very start. Now you barge into my hospital room uninvited—don’t you think that’s a bit rude?”
Faith’s sudden assertiveness wasn’t recklessness; she was deliberately trying to draw all of Joe’s anger toward herself. She knew that if Joe found out about Kyle, he would undoubtedly target him. To her heart, nothing—no one—was more important than Kyle.
Even though she knew Kyle wasn’t an ordinary person and had the protection of the Rivas family, she still instinctively wanted to shield him from harm. She couldn’t bear the thought of him being in any danger. Besides, Joe was already on the edge of madness after what happened to Peter. If he discovered that Kyle was responsible, things would spiral out of control. Given Joe’s temperament, he would never let Kyle off the hook.
Joe narrowed his eyes and nodded slightly. “Impressive. Quite the sharp tongue for a young woman. So, now that my son’s been hurt, you’re backing out of the engagement? You won’t marry him—even if it meant…” He sneered. “Do you think you have the right to choose? Let me make this clear: even if Peter were dead, you’d still be next to him. Otherwise, I’ll make sure your entire family pays the price.”
As his venomous words landed, Joe turned his glare toward Kyle. “And this is the kind of person you fancy? Ha! No grace, no class, and completely beneath Peter. Is that all you’re worth?”
He then directed his words at Anthony and Maria. “And you, his parents, are just going to stand by and let your daughter make a fool of herself? Or do you intend to side with her against the Russo family?”
Joe’s tirade darkened Anthony’s expression. Though he was the head of the Curtis family, being openly berated like this was humiliating. In the past, they had no choice but to endure and rely on the Russo family, but now, with the Rivas family keeping an eye on the Hussos, their fate wouldn’t be so easily controlled.
“Mr. Russo, this is my daughter’s hospital room. Don’t you think your words are a bit inappropriate here?” Anthony said, his tone measured but firm. “My daughter has no ties to your family. Your behavior here is disruptive and we don’t welcome you. Please leave.” Anthony’s words left Joe speechless.
The inner submissive Anthony, who had always been deferential toward him, had the audacity to speak back today!
Joe let out a bitter laugh. “Ha! Well, well, looks like even bodies like you have the nerve to go up against the Russo family now. Is that it?” He focused on Kyle. “That Peter beat Faith because he caught her with Kyle. I'd like to say he was in a good mood; rather, still doing light training with an old friend yesterday. But for a previous matter"
"If Marrandi and Julian had been present, they probably would’ve beaten Joe to a pulp," he stated. "So, you must be the little lover boy, huh?”
Just as Kyle was about to speak, Faith stepped in front of him, shielding him. “Whatever you intend to do, confront me. This has nothing to do with my friend.”
Joe’s eyes narrowed, and he instantly understood everything. He added, his rage boiling over, “Well, well, quite the bold thing, ain’t you? Do you really think you can stop me? Do you think you can protect this…”