Chapter 459

"Oh dear, Luna, my third son has no brains. Please be the bigger person and don't stoop to his level." Clara Smith wrung her hands anxiously, stepping forward to mediate. She never expected her seemingly gentle daughter-in-law would dare raise a hand in front of the entire family.

Luna White smirked coldly, shaking her stinging palm. "Mother, you make it sound so simple. If I hadn't slapped him today, who knows what vile rumors would've spread later?"

Her gaze sharp as a blade, she glared at Kevin Smith. "I've lived with integrity, and I won't tolerate a brother-in-law dictating my reputation. If today's words spread, what would people think of me as his sister-in-law?"

Kevin clutched his burning cheek, eyes wide with shock. "You—"

"Me what?" Luna cut him off mercilessly. "A twenty-one-year-old who still speaks without thinking. Should I teach you the consequences of loose lips?"

Andrew Smith stood nearby, his expression dark as storm clouds. Slowly, he stepped toward Kevin, his voice icy. "Apologize."

Kevin stubbornly jutted his chin. "Second Brother, I only spoke the truth! Fiona—"

Slap!

Another sharp crack echoed through the room.

This time, it was Andrew's hand that struck.

"Andy!" Clara gasped, heartbroken as her youngest son's face swelled instantly.

John Smith, seated on the sofa, snorted heavily. "Serves him right!"

Kevin stood dumbfounded, clutching both burning cheeks, tears welling in his eyes.

"Now. Immediately. Apologize to your sister-in-law," Andrew enunciated each word. "Or else—"

"Or else what?" Kevin lifted his head defiantly.

Andrew turned expressionlessly, taking Luna's hand. "Or else we leave now. This house won't hold both of us."

Clara panicked at his words. "Kevin! Apologize at once!"

Seeing his brother's resolute back and his father's livid face, Kevin finally grasped the gravity of the situation. Biting his lip, he reluctantly lowered his head. "Sister-in-law... I'm sorry..."

Luna regarded him coldly. "Remember this lesson. If I ever hear such words again—" She flexed her wrist. "I won't hesitate to teach you manners once more."

Andrew wrapped an arm around his wife's shoulders, sweeping a stern gaze over the family. "This ends here. But if I hear anyone spreading gossip—" He paused, eyes sharp as daggers. "Don't expect mercy."

Without another word, he led Luna upstairs.

The living room fell deathly silent.

Kevin turned pitifully to his mother. "Mom—"

"Quiet!" Clara snapped, rare anger directed at her youngest. "Do you realize the disaster you nearly caused?"

John slammed his hand on the table, rising abruptly. "You insolent brat! Starting tomorrow, you're enlisting in the military! Clearly, you have too much free time!"

Kevin was utterly stunned. All he'd done was defend Fiona—how had he become the family's enemy?

Meanwhile, in the second-floor bedroom, Luna leaned into Andrew's embrace, a cold smile curling her lips.

This was only the beginning.