Bet''s gaze was cial, his dark eyes bottomless pits. "Your Rogers family certainly has a lot of nerve. Attacking on Thompson family territory, time and time again. Do you really think I''m that good-natured?"


    With that, Bet delivered another vicious kick to Darcy''s chest. Darcy saw stars, a metallic taste flooding his throat as he coughed up a mouthful of blood.


    “If there''s a next time, don''t me me for tearing your Rogers family out by the roots," Bet warned, his voiceced with ice.


    Oscar''s face was just as grim, the atmosphere crackling with tension.


    "What''s going on now? What are you boys up to this time?" A deep, authoritative voice suddenly cut in from behind them.


    Frank had approached unnoticed, nked by several of Istra''s most influential figures.


    "Mr. Thompson." Upon seeing Frank, Oscar immediately reined in his fury and hostility, his tone bing respectful.


    In Istra, the Thompson family''s wealth was legendary, practically rivaling that of a small country. And Frank was the current head of the Thompson Group.


    In this city, a stomp of Frank''s foot could make the ground tremble. Oscar, a junior member of the Rogers family, wouldn''t dare act out of line in his presence.


    “Just a misunderstanding. Darcy, what are you doing lying on the ground? Get up and greet Mr. Thompson," Oscar said pointedly.


    Wincing in pain, Darcy struggled to his feet, blood still coating his mouth. “Mr. Thompson," he mumbled.


    He was clearly in bad shape, and Frank shot his own son a disapproving look. Then, he chuckled and said, "These rowdy boys, they never know when to stop. Where''s the family doctor? Have hime take a look at Darcy''s injuries. We don''t want them getting infected."


    Darcy couldn''t even move one of his arms, which was obviously broken, but Frank was deliberately downying it.


    Everyone in their circle knew that Frank doted on Bet, spoiling him rotten.


    "When these boys get together, all they do is roughhouse. Daughters are much better. Having a daughter


    "}


    is a real blessing these days, one of the guests chimed in, eager to


    please the Thompsons.


    Oscar knew how to y the game. When the doctor arrived, he took Darcy away to


    have his injuries treated without another word ofint.


    After the Rogers brothers left, Frank called Bet over to join him and his


    important guests for coffee in the study.


    Once the guests had departed, Frank asked Bet to stay behind.


    A servant came in and reced their cups with fresh, hot tea.


    Frank took a sip from his cup before speaking. "What''s this business with the Rogers family? Don''t you think it''s beneath you?"


    Bet sat on the sofa, his back straight, his demeanor rxed yet elegant. He briefly exined what the Rogers family had tried to pull at the party.


    Frank frowned, his brow furrowing in displeasure. "The Rogers family is rotten to the core. A century-old legacy, sooner orter it''ll be destroyed."


    It was a passingment; he wasn''t particrly interested in the affairs of the Rogers family.


    "Bet, what''s going on between you and that. Ms. Jones?" Frank asked, his tone gentle and paternat but with an undercurrent of probing. "I heard from your mother that your rtionship with her is... not ordinary."


    Bet didn''t answer. Instead, he leaned forward, picked up his teacup, and took a slow sip.


    "Bet, your engagement to the


    Walker family is about to be


    announced, Any kind of scandal at this time would be bad for both


    families," Frank continued.


    At that, Bet finally looked up at his father and said coolly, "What if it''s not a scandal?"


    Frank''s hand faltered, the teacup nearly slipping from his grasp.


    "Are you serious?"