Karina's pale skin made the fiery red handprint on her cheek strikingly clear, almost shocking to see.

Mrs. Stone took a step back not out of guilt, but because of the look in Karina's eyes. It sent a shiver through her.

"What's with that look? Are you saying I hit you for no reason?" she snapped.

"No," Karina replied, her voice calm and steady.

It was as though she didn't even feel the burning pain on her cheek. In fact, the pain was grounding that it kept her focused. "Actually, I should thank you."

That slap had completely shattered any lingering desire Karina had for familial love.

Mrs. Stone stammered, at a loss for words.

When Karina was weak, Mrs. Stone felt brave enough to slap her. But now that Karina stood firm, Mrs. Stone shrank back in fear.

Looking at Mrs. Stone's cowering demeanor, Karina suddenly recalled the woman she had known from childhood. Mrs. Stone had always seemed timid and docile. She was easily frightened and bound by outdated ideas.

She had lived by the belief that her husband and son were always right. No matter how poorly her son treated her, whether through insults or physical abuse, she accepted it without question.

"I used to think you were pitiful," Karina said with a faint smile.

from others,

exchange any longer, stormed

to him, her tone indifferent. "I'm sorry, but I

Mr. Stone raised his hand to

it could land, Wilfred appeared behind Karina and caught

face was rigid with barely contained rage, as though he was on

place where you can throw your weight around. Get out,"

budge. His eyes filled with fear and

could someone who didn't look

was that Wilfred had once been forced into a coliseum fight, where he faced off against a lion weighing several. hundred pounds. He fought

bare hands and

lion, snapping Mr. Stone's wrist would be

tightened, drawing a pained cry from Mr. Stone. Then, with a sharp shove, he released him, sending him

happens elsewhere, but in this hospital, I make the rules. Leave now, or you won't be able to walk

Wilfred said coldly.

was merely a threat, the look in Wilfred's eyes made Mr. Stone

Stone, and they fled the hospital

leave,

her voice filled

"Thank you, Dr.

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