Chapter 55

Feeling overwhelmed, Winona called their parents. Then, she quickly approached Frederick, trying to comfort him as he remained sobbing on the ground. When Gregory, Eleanor, and the others arrived, their expressions were filled with sympathy at the scene. Frederick's sobs grew louder and more heartbreaking when he spotted them. "Mom, Dad, Bella, Steph—Jonathan hit me again!" Bella rushed forward, her voice sharp with anger. She snapped, "Jonathan, are you out of your mind? Frederick begged us for ages to let you join us for dinner. We reluctantly agreed, and not only are you ungrateful, but you're also physically violent in public! You're nothing but a heartless, selfish jerk!" For the first time, Eleanor's gaze toward Jonathan shifted from guilt and pity to disgust. This was not the first time Jonathan had struck Frederick, and everyone's patience had its limits. Eleanor stepped forward angrily, raising her hand, but Jonathan caught her wrist. Sneering, he said, "Madam Eleanor,