"I meant what I said." Noah swept a glance at Stephen before looking at Philip once more.

"Ever since I was young, no matter how hard I tried, all you ever saw was Stephen. I knew that I could never be as good as him in your eyes.

"Which is why I had long given up on getting your approval. I'll fight for the things that I want."

Noah sniggered. "Setting you up to hurt you was my choice. It's only a pity that it wasn't successful. If not, I would surely have had the last laugh."

A slap landed on Noah's face. William yelled, "You bastard!"

Noah smirked and wiped away the blood from the corner of his mouth.

"I'm just telling the truth. I've lost. I'll admit it, but if you want me to beg for mercy, you can dream on!"

William raised his hand once more, but Hazel stopped him.

She pleaded through her sobs, "S-Stop it. Noah is already an adult. How humiliating would it be for him if you slapped him?"

She turned to look at Noah. "Noah, you should stop too. Just apologize to your gr