Tim stood frozen for a moment, watching Sylvia and Dina disappear from sight before finally breaking from his spot. His face remained stoic, though inside, he was seething. Just as he was about to make his move toward Paul's mother, a voice interrupted him, smooth but venomous.
"Looks like you've lost the Smiths at this rate," Michael Astor said, manoeuvring his wheelchair closer. "But gained a Lancaster. If you play your cards right, the Lancaster is definitely the better pick. But—"
Before Michael could finish, Paul's mother stormed toward Tim, her face twisted in rage. Without warning, she slapped him hard across the face, the sound echoing through the air.
"This is your daughter's fault!" she shrieked, her voice thick with hysteria. "My Paul is innocent! The police dragged him away because of your bastard!"
