Chapter 3

My daughter had become even quieter lately. After coming home, she barely spoke and kept avoiding my eyes.

I asked about school, but she only said that nothing had happened.

I wanted to ask another girl in her dorm about what was going on, but instead I saw my daughter being bullied by the owner of the watch and Ava.

"Don’t you like taking other people’s things? Come on. Crawl between my legs. This is yours."

Ava held my daughter’s head down while ignoring her struggles.

I was consumed by rage. I rushed over, shoved Ava away, and pulled my daughter to her feet.

"What are you doing? Is this how students are supposed to act?"

"Oh, look. The thief’s father is here," Ava sneered. "I wonder what Uncle Ryan ever saw in you pathetic mother and daughter."

"Shut your mouth. Say one more word and you’ll be sorry."

I glared viciously at Ava, and perhaps my expression was frightening enough to intimidate them.

I took my daughter home, only to discover that she had numerous injuries. I asked whether Ava and the others had beaten her.

My daughter lowered her head and didn’t dare answer.

"Don’t be afraid. Starting today, you’re not going back to school. Tell me what happened."

But all she did was cry and shake her head. She had always been introverted and rarely socialized with anyone.

I felt helpless. I took her phone from her hands and discovered several messages from Ryan.

He had told her not to oppose Ava.

[Your Aunt Victoria once saved Dad’s life. Do it for me and stop going against Ava.]

[Be a good girl. If you listen to me, I’ll take you out to dinner tonight.]

No wonder Ryan had just sent me a location and said that our family hadn’t eaten out together in a long time.

He had even chosen an upscale restaurant. When we arrived, Ryan was dressed in a suit and came out to greet us.

"Claire, Mia, over here! Look at all the dishes I ordered. They’re all Mia’s favorites. After dinner, Dad will take you shopping."

Seeing the delight on my daughter’s face, I remembered that she had endured all that humiliation to earn this moment.

My anger only grew.

But I didn’t want to make my daughter uncomfortable. As soon as we sat down to eat, Ryan’s phone rang.

When I saw the caller name, "My First Love," I knew it was Victoria.

Ryan’s expression changed instantly. "How could this happen? I’m coming right now."

"Dad?"

Ryan said Ava had gotten into trouble and was in the hospital. He had to go there.

Then he pulled his hand away from our daughter’s and left.

I clenched my fists.

This marriage no longer seemed worth saving.

I asked my daughter, "If your father and I get divorced, will you come with me?"

I respected her choice. She lowered her head and stayed silent for a long time.

I patted her shoulder, not wanting to put too much pressure on her.