Oberon lifted his gaze, his eyes sharp and cutting through the air like a blade. "Apologize? For what exactly? I haven't even held Bryan accountable for what he did to your sister." Linara froze, her heart pounding in disbelief. What was happening? How could everything change so suddenly? Her father, who had always been firm in his principles, wasn't just holding back—he was now openly defending Seraphina. What had Seraphina done to sway him this way? What had she said to him yesterday? "I'm full," Seraphina said, standing up gracefully, her words carrying a calm finality. Linara didn't spare her a glance. Full or not, Seraphina would still have to wait. Frustration simmered within her. She deliberately slowed her pace, pushing her food around her plate with exaggerated care, her movements slower than usual. Soon enough, she saw the family car rolling slowly out of the driveway, heading for the school. "Dad, Jack just left with her to take her to school! How am I supposed to get there now?" Linara's voice trembled with grievance, her gaze fixed on her father. Oberon set his knife and fork down with deliberate calm. "Take a cab to school," he replied, his tone measured and composed. He rose from the table and walked out of the dining room, leaving Linara seething with frustration. Her anger rippled through her, her chest tightening with the sting of it. … Later that evening, Linara made her move. She'd left the house early, slipped into the car, and commanded with a flick of her hand, "Jack, let's go." But Jack didn't budge. "Miss Seraphina hasn't arrived yet." Linara flashed a sweet smile, her voice as warm as honey. "Oh, Seraphina told me just now she's staying with a friend tonight. She won't be coming back." Jack raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback. "Really? That doesn't sound like her." Before he could say more, she sweetened her voice, almost coaxing. "Of course. She told me herself. Didn't she, Jack?" "But—" Jack opened his mouth to protest, but Linara was quick to cut him off. "Jack, I'm starving. I can't wait to have some of your wife's pastries." Her words were soft, almost childlike, a sharp contrast to the impatience brewing beneath her surface. Her charm was enough to make Jack relent, but he still hesitated. "Miss Linara, Miss Seraphina is already on her way," Jack said, his voice cutting through the tense silence. "What? She is?" Linara stiffened, her movements rigid as she turned. Her expression froze as she watched Seraphina approach the car, gracefully opening the door before sliding into the seat beside her. "Jack, let's go," Seraphina said with a smooth calmness, her tone unwavering. "Right away." Jack fastened his seatbelt, casting a brief glance at Linara through the rearview mirror. He sighed inwardly, a sense of quiet resignation settling over him. With over fifty years of life experience, he had encountered all kinds of people. Linara's little schemes weren't difficult to see through. Yet, he remained silent, choosing not to call her out. His thoughts stayed locked away, a secret he didn't feel the need to share. Linara felt the weight of the moment like never before. It wasn't just that her lies had been exposed—it was the sting of being caught so openly, the feeling of humiliation spreading across her skin like fire. It was as though someone had slapped her in front of everyone, a blow too public to ignore. She seethed, her chest tight with frustration. In her mind, she blamed Jack for his hesitation. If only he had driven off earlier, no one would have noticed the web of lies she'd tried so carefully to weave. Her carefully curated image wouldn't have crumbled in such a spectacular fashion. The car ride was a suffocating silence, the air thick with unspoken tension. As soon as the car stopped, Linara practically sprang from her seat, eager to escape Jack's presence. She hurried into the house, but as she stepped inside, her eyes immediately brightened. In the spacious living room stood several managers from luxury brands, their arms heavy with racks of exquisite clothing, each piece more beautiful than the last. Chloe, always the gracious hostess, flashed Linara a wide smile and waved her over. "Linara, come here! Look at all these gorgeous outfits. Choose whichever ones you like." The sight of the stunning garments lifted Linara's spirits instantly. The heaviness in her chest eased as she moved forward, her mood shifting as she admired the elegant collection before her. One of the managers, a tall man with a warm smile, addressed her. "Miss Whitewood, these are the latest pieces from this season, and many of them haven't even hit the shelves yet. We've brought them specifically for you, per Mr. Whitewood's instructions." It was the first time Oberon had personally arranged for clothes to be delivered to Linara. In the past, Chloe had always handled such tasks. Despite not being his biological daughter, Linara was still someone he held dear. The words of the manager lifted Linara's spirits, erasing any lingering resentment she had felt toward her father. So, it seemed that, despite everything, Oberon still cared for her after all.