Chapter 70

Peter finally stepped forward, gasping for breath as he pointed past Oliver at James. "Move aside. I'm about to teach this punk a lesson," he said. Oliver took Grace's hand and cleared a path for Peter to confront James. "Uncle Oliver," James called out, watching as Peter approached with evident anger. Oliver chose not to interfere. Turning to Grace, James remarked, "Grace, you're not backing me up at all." Grace appeared bewildered. She had no idea what had happened. Peter hadn't actually intended to strike James. He had simply wanted to intimidate him. After calming down, he proceeded to explain to everyone what had actually happened. Earlier that morning, James had approached Peter demanding money. Upon hearing the amount, Peter deemed it excessive and refused to hand it over. In response, James threatened Peter with his cherished porcelain vase, warning him that he would smash it if he didn't comply with his demand. Seeing his cherished vase in James's hand, Peter was fill