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 She was easily frightened and bound by outdated ideas.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.

I don't. Your suffering may come from others, but a part of it is your

their exchange any longer, stormed forward,

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

Mr. Stone raised his hand

Wilfred appeared behind Karina and caught

Wilfred, startled. She had never seen him so angry before. His face was rigid with barely contained rage, as

weight around.

couldn't budge. His eyes filled with fear and disbelief as he

someone who didn't look particularly muscular have such

Mr. Stone didn't know was that Wilfred had once been forced into a coliseum fight, where he faced off against a lion weighing several. hundred pounds.

but his bare

he could take down a lion, snapping Mr. Stone's wrist would be as easy as snapping a

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

elsewhere, but in this hospital, I make the rules. Leave now, or

Wilfred said coldly.

threat, the look in Wilfred's eyes made Mr. Stone believe

grabbed Mrs. Stone, and they

them leave, Karina

her

"Thank you, Dr.

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