Since Arthur was the one directly involved in this, Spencer and Nancy left the decision up to him. Stephen remained in his deep bow, fully expecting Arthur to come forward and lift him up. That was how it usually worked. Arthur might be the chairman of Cloudia Corporation, but at the end of the day, he was still a businessman. The Yarbroughs, on the other hand, were in politics. The only reason Zane cared so much about Cloudia Corporation was because of its rapid rise. If he could build a connection with Arthur, it would benefit both his own career and his sons' futures. Personal grudges meant nothing in the face of power and influence. As long as they maintained surface-level courtesy, those grudges would naturally fade over time. That was how high society worked. But as the seconds ticked by, Arthur made no move to step forward. Stephen’s bow grew more awkward. Now, he was stuck—getting up too quickly would make it seem like his apology was insincere, but staying down too long just made him look pathetic. He had expected Arthur to help him up and use the moment to smooth things over. That was how this game was played. In the world of elites, interests always came first. Relationships were built on convenience, not sincerity. Besides, Arthur was unharmed, while Maris had actually broken a hand. They had only come here to give both sides a way out—a chance to turn hostility into a more beneficial alliance. They never intended to be humiliated. Zane had already endured Spencer’s mockery without retaliating. That was the biggest concession he could make. But Arthur? Arthur just wasn’t playing along. Maris was already at his breaking point when Arthur finally spoke. And his words nearly sent the Yarbroughs into a fit of rage.Arthur nodded lazily. "Alright, I’ve received your apology. You can go now. Just stay out of our way from now on." The Yarbroughs were stunned. Maris thought he had misheard. "Arthur, what did you just say?" Arthur gave him a patient look. "What’s wrong? Did you catch rabies from your father? Is your hearing going bad now?" Then, he stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I’d suggest you go to the hospital for a full check-up. You might have more issues." Pausing for a moment, he glanced at Maris’s head. "Like your brain." Nancy and Ashley were the first to crack. "Pfft!" Then, unable to hold it in any longer— "Hahahahahahahahaha!" The two of them burst into laughter, nearly doubling over. Spencer tried to suppress his grin, but his lips were twitching too hard. "Hahahahahaha!" He gave up. Arthur was too sharp. His insults were effortless. The Yarbroughs’ faces turned black. Maris snapped. "Arthur! You’re looking for death!" He lunged forward, raising his uninjured hand and swinging it straight at Arthur. The Gibson family barely had time to react before the fist came down— Arthur was already prepared. The moment Maris’s fist came at him, Arthur moved.His expression turned cold and merciless, his hand snapping up to intercept. "Crack!" A sharp, sickening sound echoed through the Gibson residence. "Ah—!" A bloodcurdling scream tore through the air. Arthur let go of Maris’s now useless hand. It flopped down, twisted at an unnatural angle—exactly like his other one. Maris’s face turned deathly pale. He instinctively tried to clutch his new injury, but his other hand was still broken. Arthur stepped back, admiring his handiwork. Perfect. Now both hands matched. It had been bothering him last time—he had wanted to break the other one too, but Maris had already been too weak to fight back. If he had done it then, it would’ve been considered excessive force. But now? Now it was self-defense. Zane and Stephen stared in horror at Maris’s grotesquely bent hand. "Maris!" They rushed to his side in panic. At the same time, Spencer immediately stepped forward, shielding Arthur behind him. His expression was stone-cold as he stared down Zane and Stephen, his body tense with warning.