Chapter 56

After Jonathan's figure disappeared around the corner, Winona took a deep breath, feeling an unexpected surge of indignation. Frowning, she said, "Dad, Mom, Bella— I think you were all too harsh with him!" Everyone froze at her words, including Frederick, who was so shocked by Winona's criticism that he momentarily forgot to cry. Normally, Winona stayed silent during these family confrontations, never once standing up for Jonathan. "We all know Jonathan's personality, and he would never join us for dinner, right?" Winona continued tensely. "Frederick, if you knew it was impossible, why did you even approach him? Now that there's a conflict, somehow, it's all Jonathan's fault?" Frederick's face stiffened briefly before he quickly recovered and whimpered, "Winny, I just wanted to improve our relationship with Jonathan. I didn't expect him to hurt me again..." His voice broke as he burst into tears once more. "Winny, how can you take his side? Jonathan was wrong—he hit Frederick!" I