Chapter 183
Chapter 183
Vanessa was stunned. Her breathing was short, and her chest heaved violently. "You...".
Vanessa looked at Caleb but didn't dare say a word. Just meeting his gaze filled her with fear. It was only now that she realized how terrifying Caleb truly was. She had once dreamed of marrying him, but now, regret washed over her. Gritting her teeth, she cast a resentful glance at Madeline.
Madeline remained calm, shielded by Caleb's presence, Vanessa couldn't help but think, 'No wonder a woman like her dared to hit me. She has someone powerful backing her.
"Vanessa, what are you doing? Hurry up and apologize to Madeline!" Conner urged with a darkened expression. If Caleb really decided to punish Vanessa, the latter would suffer greatly today.
Vanessa reluctantly lowered her head and said, "I'm sorry, Madeline. It's all my fault. I didn't mean to bully you. I just let my emotions get the best of me. I was speaking nonsense in anger earlier. Please, don't hold it against me... I'm sorry. Please forgive me! However, Madeline remained unfazed as the bodyguard continued to move toward Vanessa. All eyes in the crowd were now on Vanessa, not in admiration of her beauty, but in anticipation of seeing her get beaten up.
The bodyguard flexed his wrist, knowing that if he held back today, his master wouldn't be lenient with him. Everyone was well aware of how much Caleb cherished Madeline. With a fierce look, the bodyguard set his sights on Vanessa, determined to make a strong impression in front of Madeline.
"Don't come any closer!" Vanessa cried out, stepping back in panic. "Mom, Dad, you can't leave me like this. I don't want to get beaten! Dad, Mom, do something! I'm Ms. Larson! Call our bodyguards to protect me!"
Vanessa couldn't understand why her parents were just sitting by, doing nothing. The Larson family was one of Top Ten Families, and while Caleb was rumored to be powerful, she didn't fully grasp the extent of his influence. She didn't understand why her parents would allow Caleb to trample on the Larson family's dignity without even trying to stop him.
Thomas looked away. He looked like a mess, a sharp contrast to Madeline, who was protected and cherished by the powerful Caleb. Thomas felt small and insignificant. Lowering his head in shame, he couldn't help but feel inferior.
Tiana, growing anxious, quickly stepped in front of Vanessa "Madeline, please forgive Vanessa this time. She didn't mean it. She's just a bit blunt. We're family, after all. We'll be seeing each other again in the future. Are you sure you want to burn all the bridges? Please ask Mr. Simmons to stop
this
Madeline exhaled and shrugged. I have no say on this. Caleb doesn't listen to me, If you don't believe me, go and ask him yourself?
Noticing Madeline's cunning expression, Caleb smiled and, playing along, said, "No one can change my mind today
"See! I told you it wouldn't work" Madeline nodded with a helpless smile. "You can only blame your daughter for being too blunt. But don't worry. It's just a few slaps, right? She loves slapping others in the face, so she must not be afraid of a little pain herself, Vanessa gritted her teeth, nearly crushing them in frustration. She hid behind her mother, too afraid to speak. When she slapped someone, her hand might sting, but it felt satisfying. That didn't mean she wanted to be on the receiving end of it
on Caleb's face, the bodyguard shoved Tiana aside. In an instant, the sharp sound of staps echoed, followed by pained
Noticing the impatience on hourl
Vanessa's hair was disheveled, and her cheeks were red and swollen. She struggled desperately to escape, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free.
Tuna, held back by her husband, sobbed with tears in her eyes. Conner's face was darker than charcoal, filled with anger and frustration. After more than ten minutes, Vanessa's face had gone numb, and her voice was hoarse. She lay on the ground, no longer struggling, as tears streamed down her swollen cheeks. She looked utterly miserable, just hoping it would all end soon.
The gossip around her made her heart sink, and she wished she could disappear. She didn't know how she could face everyone after the humiliation Her dignity was shattered
Those who arrived Late were confused by the scene before them when they saw a member of the Larson family being beaten, while a tall, imposing man stood opposite, shielding a beautiful girl.
No one dared to get closer.
"What's going on! is that Vanessa Larson Who did Conner and Tiana offend?" one of the onlookers asked.
Tiana is about
In pass out from crying. It's so horrible; another commented.
Chapter 183
"Don't they care about their daughter?" one said.
The onlookers sneered, saying, "Who would dare interfere! They were foolish enough to cross Caleb. Let's keep our distance, so we don't get caught
up in it!"
"Exactly. They're making an example out of them, showing everyone what happens when you offend Ms. Larson!" another chimed in.
"Caleb cares so much for Ms. Larson that he doesn't even consider the status of the Larson family. The Larson family is one of Top Ten Families, after all... someone added.
"I think Caleb just doesn't take the Larson family seriously at all. What could they possibly do to him? another remarked,
Everyone couldn't help but stare at Madeline, making sure to memorize her face. None of them wanted to end up like the Larson family by crossing her in the future. Hearing Vanessa's cry weakened, Madeline raised her hand and said, "Enough. That's about it. She should learn the lesson by now,"
Caleb nodded and said, "Since Madeline has said yes, you can let her go.
"BuL." Caleb lowered his eyes and looked at Madeline affectionately. "What are you going to do with the Larson family? Do you want to teach them a lesson too?" Madeline was stunned. "Really? One person makes a mistake, and the whole family gets dragged down? Is that truly necessary!"
"Or what?"
Caleb asked back.
Tiana's sobbing stopped. What? This is completely unreasonable! It's getting outrageous! Our daughter was beaten, then forced to apologize, and they kept hitting her. Now they want to punish all of us? This is outright bullying Tiana cursed in her heart, but she didn't dare to say a word. Madeline sighed and said, "Forget it! I don't think they were trying to oppose me. I'm sure this is just a small misunderstanding.
Conner hurriedly echoed, "Yeah, it's just a misunderstanding. We didn't know....
"All right," Madeline smiled faintly, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "But now, I think we need to clear up one more thing-about the Horton family canceling our marriage."
Madeline raised her fingers and pointed at Sharon, who was hiding behind the crowd, "She. She should give me an explanation
Caleb's eyes grew cold as he asked, "Cancel the engagement? Who called off Madeline's engagement? When did this happen, and why didn't I know about it?"
Emma's throat tightened. "No, the Horton family is engaged to Madeline. I-Is your name Madeline too! It's probably a misunderstanding. When we were discussing the proposal... Thomas, do you remember? The girl we were talking about back then wasn't this one Emma's thoughts were a tangled mess. "Why are there two Madelines? Is Thomas out of his mind? Why would he give both of his daughters the