Lyle froze. Without needing to raise his eyes, he recognized her voice—it was Evelyn, Yvette's mother.
Ten years ago, Lyle was under the guidance of a revered mentor when his enemies pursued him. His mentor sacrificed himself to save Lyle who was left severely injured. Subsequently, Lyle wandered the streets of Yeminville until he collapsed in torrential rain. Later, Yvette discovered him and tended to his injuries at home. With Evelyn's backing, he married Yvette and lived with the Hale family.
At the sight of Evelyn, Lyle was flooded with gratitude.
Upon approaching closer, Evelyn immediately recognized Lyle. Her expression darkened as she forcefully pulled Abigail away and exclaimed, "Lyle? Why did you come back, you bastard? You should rot in hell!"
Evelyn shot a glance at Abigail and restrained herself from saying more. Clutching Abigail's hand, she declared, "Abigail, let's go home! He's a bad guy. You cannot stay with him!" Evelyn's eyes brimmed with distrust and hatred. She couldn't forget how, eight years ago, she believed Lyle was the man who would love her daughter forever. Yet he abandoned them all and disappeared without a trace. And now, he just popped up from nowhere.
Evelyn couldn't understand why Yvette continued to defend Lyle despite his betrayal. Frustrated by this thought, she pushed Lyle out of the way. "Did you hear me? Get out of here! Abigail doesn't wanna see you! We were too foolish before to believe a bastard like you!"
Lyle held back his retort, guilt written all over his face.
Abigail interjected hesitantly, "Grandma, how could you say that? This gentleman isn't a bad guy. He helped me. He is a good person."
"A good person?" Evelyn's eyes blazed as she shouted, "You know nothing about him, Abby! Let me tell you the truth—he's the real bad guy. From now on, stay away from him. It's best if you never see him again!" With that, she took Abigail's hand, ready to leave.
Lyle shuddered. Evelyn's harsh words echoed in his mind. How was he supposed to distance himself from Abigail? Despite finding Evelyn's rage reasonable, he reached out to grasp Abigail, attempting to explain, "But..."
The next moment, Evelyn delivered a harsh slap across his face.
Lyle made no move to avoid the blow. He was indebted to Evelyn, Yvette, and Abigail. He knew it was impossible for Evelyn to welcome him back into their lives now.
"Let's go!" Evelyn tugged Abigail's hand and cast a glare at Lyle before leaving.
Confused, Abigail clutched the packet of gummy bears, stealing a backward glance at Lyle with both reluctance and longing.
Meeting Abigail's gaze, Lyle understood her hopes for the upcoming Parent-Teacher Meeting tomorrow. Her wish was simple—she merely needed a father figure, someone to boast about and receive affirmation from while being praised by the teacher.
"I'll be there!" Lyle mouthed as he nodded with determination.
Abigail's eyes widened in disbelief, then lit up with hope.
Shortly after, Evelyn led Abigail far away, vanishing into the distance.
Lyle's smile faded. He took out his phone, dialed a number, and ordered coldly, "Locate Jasper Nolan in five minutes!"
Lyle's directive held the authority of a five-star general. Without delay, the military intelligence located Jasper's precise location. Additionally, the military promptly informed Fletcher Tate, the wealthiest man in Yeminville, to provide Lyle with any help he needed.
Before his business endeavors, Fletcher had a military background. Taking advantage of his military connections and resources, he had risen to his current status as Yeminville's wealthiest man. He also provided support to the local military garrison.
Upon receiving the call from the military top brass, Fletcher broke out in a nervous sweat. The call from the Empire Building, the highest authority in Meriana, indicated that a five-star general was in Yeminville, necessitating Fletcher's absolute cooperation under strict confidentiality.
Fletcher was shaken. He was just a retired lieutenant. Direct orders from the Empire Building's central intelligence bureau were beyond his wildest imagination.
"Of course, I'll handle it immediately. I'm heading to AmberEyes Nightclub!" Fletcher ended the call, his legs barely supporting him. It seemed that Jasper, a mere small fry with modest resources, had somehow provoked a high-ranking military officer. Without hesitation, Fletcher dashed to his car and sped towards AmberEyes Nightclub.
At the same time, inside a luxurious VIP room at AmberEyes Nightclub, Jasper seethed with anger. Downing an entire beer bottle, he bellowed, "f**k that guy! That motherfucker ruined my plan. Damn it! Get Yvette over here! I'm gonna f**k that b***h tonight!"
Shortly after, Yvette walked cautiously into the room, her appearance striking. She was dressed in a tight blouse and a pleated mini-skirt, with black stockings that accentuated her sexy legs.
Her delicate features was always a captivating visage that one cannot tear their eyes away from. Even with minimal makeup, her beautiful face resembled a finely sculpted masterpiece.
"How can I help you, Mr. Nolan?" Yvette clutched the hem of her skirt nervously. The scent of alcohol was heavy in the air. She nibbled her lip, sensing Jasper's foul mood.
Jasper sneered and asked, "Tell me, Yvette, when will that wretched bastard of yours die?"