Hit And Scold Me

Upon seeing this, Zoey secretly gritted her teeth, wishing she could tear Lucille's mouth apart.  D*mn it! How come this b*tch has become so hard to deal with since waking up from drowning?! "Dad, I'm sorry," Zoey lowered her head and started crying again. "It's my fault. I shouldn't have accepted Samuel's pursuit. Please hit and scold me instead!" Charles looked at Zoey with distress and said, "What kind of era do we live in now? Zoey and Samuel have feelings for each other, yet you keep harassing Samuel just because of some old engagement arranged by the previous generation! Your behavior is bringing shame to our family, Lucille!" "You not only pushed Zoey down the stairs, but now you're also showing disrespect towards your own father. This behavior is completely unacceptable!" Upon hearing this, Howard immediately waved his whip and shouted, "You are one rebellious daughter! Kneel down now!" "You think you have the right to make me kneel?" Lucille sneered at Howard. She would only kneel to her parents, and not to anyone else.  Who did Howard think he was? Did he really think he could make the God of War of Dilsburg kneel to him? "You!" Howard was almost driven to insanity, raising the whip and ready to strike Lucille. "I'm so going to kill you today!" Lucille sneered coldly, her lips curling in anticipation of the fight.  As she lowered her wrist, preparing to strike, a deep and magnetic voice boomed from the doorway, interrupting the tense silence. "Mr. Jules, it seems that you're busy. Alas, it appears that I have arrived at an inconvenient time." Howard was frozen in place, his body tensed in shock as he stared at the newcomer in disbelief.  "M-Mr. Joseph..." he stuttered, unable to contain his surprise.   Joseph Collins was a name that resonated throughout the business world.  The Collins family, a prestigious and influential aristocratic family that had reigned over Shein City for over a century, was renowned for its vast power and reach. Joseph, on the other hand, was a man of remarkable talents and strategic acumen. He was hailed in the business world as the undisputed "king of commerce", thanks to his unparalleled expertise and astute decision-making abilities. With his sharp insight, Joseph commanded the respect of everyone in Shein City, young and old alike. So, how could a person of such high stature suddenly appear in their humble abode, when they two had literally no chance of ever crossing paths? Zoey gazed at Joseph in stunned silence, her heart beating wildly within her chest.  He was incredibly handsome!  She could hardly believe that such a stunning man existed in the world! Zoey's heart was pounding as she finally laid eyes on Mr. Joseph, whose name she had only heard before.  Now, she understood the true definition of the word "magnificent".  Howard was equally elated and rushed over to greet him, "Mr. Joseph, why have you come? Please take a seat! Someone, bring tea!"  Joseph glanced coldly at the whip in his hand and asked, "Mr. Jules, are you welcoming me or trying to chase me away?"  Howard awkwardly smiled and handed the whip to the butler to take away.  Howard had never encountered anyone of Mr. Joseph's stature before. Now that Mr. Joseph had come to their home, he felt the weight of the responsibility to serve him with the utmost reverence and respect.  "I apologize, Mr. Joseph, for my momentary negligence. Please forgive me."  He gracefully lowered his hand as he took a seat on the couch. Culver then approached him with a beautifully wrapped silk box in hand. "This is a gift from my grandmother, as a token of apology to Mr. Jules," he said in a calm yet commanding voice. Howard was struck dumb, only then realizing what had happened two days prior.  Two days ago, Madam Collins' car had rear-ended Howard's car. Howard had declined her offer of compensation then, and that had led to their meeting now. Little did he expect that Madam Collins would go as far as sending Mr. Joseph himself to his doorstep.  Howard was beyond thrilled. He accepted the gift graciously. "Please help me extend my gratitude and regards to Madam Collins." Joseph replied, "May I inquire if your outburst earlier was related to the event that happened to Miss Lucille last night? I heard that she's been wrongly accused."