Seth had been stuck in meetings all morning, and his mood was already foul. 

When he entered his office and saw Clarissa waiting for him, his frustration only deepened, clearly written across his face.

"Why are you here?" he asked coldly.

Hearing this, Clarissa's eyes filled with tears, and soon they were streaming down her face.

She sobbed, and her voice trembled with emotion as she said, "Seth, I didn't mean to hurt Layla. I just couldn't stand how cold and indifferent she is toward Ben. You have no idea what happened yesterday. Layla was so kind to other kids, but when it came to Ben, she treated him like he didn't matter."

She continued, "Ben's just a child. He can't handle that kind of rejection. He cried so much in the car. My heart broke for him. I thought if I could just get rid of Layla, Ben wouldn't have to feel so hurt anymore.

"Please don't stop me from seeing Ben. He'l

But when Layla had left the Parker family, Seth still hadn't given her the chance to wear a wedding dress.

Unconsciously, he opened his drawer, wanting to check if the sketch of a wedding dress was still there.

Before he could take a proper look, his phone rang. It was Daniel.

Seth glanced at Clarissa and said coldly, "I have another meeting. I'll let Sean take you home."

With that, he grabbed his phone and walked out.

As soon as the call connected, Daniel's voice came through, full of frustration.

He said, "Seth, I've used every connection I have, but I still can't find any leads on Layla's case. If you would at least tell me where she got hurt, I might be able to locate some witnesses. But with no details? How am I supposed to find the culprit?"

Seth frowned. "If Layla is willing to talk to me, do you think I'd need your help?"

Daniel let out a sarcastic laugh. "Well, whose fau

After that, Layla bent down to pick Daisy up in her arms. Her earlier coldness instantly melted away as she held her daughter close.

She planted a kiss on Daisy's cheek, then said tenderly, "I'm sorry, sweetheart, for letting you get scared. But I want you to know that no matter how small or weak you may feel, when you face injustice, you must fight back. Don't let anyone walk all over you, understand?"

Daisy nodded while reaching her chubby little hand out to gently caress Layla's swollen face, then leaning closer to blow warm air over it.

Seeing such a heartwarming moment, Seth suddenly felt a slight sting in his eyes. As the images of someone calling Daisy a mute and stepping on her photo flashed through his mind, there was a sharp pang in his heart.

He knew it was his fault that Layla suffered so much injustice. But why did the little girl evoke such indescribable feelings within him? Was it because of the guilt he felt for Layla?

Seth clenched his fists by his sides as he coldly turned toward Aaron behind him. "I'm giving you one chance. Find out who was behind this. Otherwise, you're fired from Parker Group."

Aaron broke into a cold sweat and bowed quickly. "Understood, Mr. Parker. I'll find out the truth."

The commotion at school was finally over.

Layla didn't have the time to take care of the swelling on her face and hand. Instead, she walked to the podium to begin her lesson.

She bowed toward her students, her expression sincere. "Today's class was delayed because of me, and I even set a bad example by hitting someone. That was my fault, and I apologize.

"But I want to say this—I don't think what I did was wrong. As individuals, we must respect one another. When someone disrespects you, you must know when to fight back and protect yourself instead of letting yourself be bullied.

"We must be kind and grateful, but at the same time, we must make sure we don't let other people trample over us. This is the most basic way of showing respect to ourselves. I hope that no matter what challenges you face in the future, you'll know how to defend yourself."

Her words were met with thunderous applause. All the students' eyes sparkled with admiration.

The only one who remained silent was Benjamin. He had just witnessed Layla fiercely standing up for her daughter and confronting parents without hesitation. He even dragged Mommy Clarissa into it.

The day before, she had completely ignored him when he had called someone else "Mommy", but she was willing to fight for her daughter. It was clear who she loved more.

Unaffected by the drama, Layla taught her lesson as usual. After class, she brought Daisy to her office, where she saw a man sitting there in a chair.

When Seth saw her, he immediately stood up and handed her a box of ointment, his gaze unreadable.

"This is for reducing inflammation and pain. Apply it, and you'll heal faster."

Layla didn't take it. Instead, she smiled faintly and said, "Mr. Parker, is this your way of pleading for your fiance? If so, don't bother. I will not forgive her."

Her sharp words were like thorns, making Seth's brows furrow, and his tone deepened. "I've already investigated. It was Clarissa who instigated those parents to target you, hoping to force you to quit.

"I've banned her from coming to the school. From now on, I'll handle Benjamin's matters; not her. As for how you wish to take action against her, do as you see fit. I won't stop you."

Layla's expression remained indifferent. "Let me make this clear, Mr. Parker—if Clarissa dares to come after me again, I won't hesitate to take her to court."

Seth opened the ointment, grabbed Layla's hand, and firmly said, "I won't let her hurt you again. Let me apply this for you."

Layla pulled her hand back, her face showing nothing but disdain.

"Seth, in the past, you used me as a shield for Clarissa. Why are you trying to get close to me now? Do you want Clarissa to misunderstand and attack me and my daughter again?

"Yes, your family sponsored the orphanage, helping me attend university. But, I repaid that by giving four years of my life being married to you, even risking my life to give you a son. Isn't that enough?

"If it's not, please tell me what else I must do to repay the Parker family's generosity. All I want is to sever all ties with you and your family for good."

Every word was like a knife to Seth's heart, bringing up painful memories of the past. 

He remembered Layla tirelessly caring for their family, showering him and their son with all her love. He also recalled scenes of her drinking excessively with business partners just to secure deals. Even in the delivery room, she kept comforting him, assuring him that she and their son would be fine.

It was this woman, who loved him and this family with all her heart, that he had hurt so deeply. He had made her lose faith in marriage, convincing her she no longer needed him.

Seth clenched his fist in pain, his voice hoarse and unrecognizable as he spoke. "Layla, I was wrong in the past. I just want to make up for the pain I caused you. Please don't misunderstand. I don't want to hurt you; I just want to help."

Layla was unmoved. "Thank you for your thoughtfulness, Mr. Parker, but I don't need it. I only ask you to stay far away from me. What happened today was because of you, and I don't want there to be a next time. Please leave now. I have things to do."

After saying that, she opened the door, gesturing for him to leave.

Seth glanced at Daisy, who was staring at him with her big, bright eyes. Her small mouth was slightly puckered, making her look both adorable and a little pitiful.

He squatted down, pinched Daisy's cheek, and said softly, "It was my fault that you got scolded today. I will go back and punish those bad people. Can you forgive me?"

Daisy sneaked a glance at Layla, then shook her head. But then, feeling a bit guilty, she nodded.

Seeing her torn expression, Seth felt even more heartache. He gently hugged Daisy and whispered, "I'll leave now. If there's anything, we'll talk on the phone."

He then stood up, looked at Layla, and said, "I won't forgive the people who hurt you. I'm leaving now. Don't forget to apply the medicine."

With that, he opened the door and left.

The moment the door closed, Layla felt all her strength drain away, and she slumped into the chair.

She believed that day's incident was just the beginning. Seth wouldn't do anything to Clarissa, and Clarissa would only grow more brazen.

Clarissa had depression, and a casual suicide threat could easily make Seth compromise.

Layla didn't want to think about these troublesome people. She only hoped Daisy's illness would improve. Only by leaving this place and Seth could she and her daughter live peacefully.

She sighed deeply and threw the ointment in her hand straight into the trash.

Seth had been stuck in meetings all morning, and his mood was already foul. 

When he entered his office and saw Clarissa waiting for him, his frustration only deepened, clearly written across his face.

"Why are you here?" he asked coldly.

Hearing this, Clarissa's eyes filled with tears, and soon they were streaming down her face.

She sobbed, and her voice trembled with emotion as she said, "Seth, I didn't mean to hurt Layla. I just couldn't stand how cold and indifferent she is toward Ben. You have no idea what happened yesterday. Layla was so kind to other kids, but when it came to Ben, she treated him like he didn't matter."

She continued, "Ben's just a child. He can't handle that kind of rejection. He cried so much in the car. My heart broke for him. I thought if I could just get rid of Layla, Ben wouldn't have to feel so hurt anymore.

"Please don't stop me from seeing Ben. He'll miss me. His mother already abandoned him. If I leave him too, he won't be able to handle it. I do

Chapter 21