Chapter 458

The living room fell into dead silence.

Andrew Smith narrowed his eyes slightly. He hadn't expected his seemingly gentle daughter-in-law to show such defiance.

"Dad! Look at her attitude!" An Zhiyuan—Andrew's third son—clutched his stinging cheek, disbelief flashing in his eyes. "She actually dared to hit me in our own home!"

Luna White slowly withdrew her hand, the faint smile still lingering on her lips. "Andrew Junior, this slap is to teach you manners. First, I, Luna White, live with integrity—I don’t need your judgment. Second, my marriage to your brother was approved by the authorities. It’s none of your business."

Andrew Smith stepped in front of Luna, his expression icy. "Apologize. Now."

"Brother! Have you lost your mind?" Andrew Junior trembled with rage. "Who does she think she is, demanding an apology from me?"

Slap!

Another sharp crack echoed through the room.

This time, it was Andrew Smith who delivered the blow.

"That one was from our parents," he said, his voice colder than steel. "Luna is my lawfully wedded wife. You will not insult her."

Suddenly, Old Man Smith burst into laughter. "Good! Very good!"

His wife, Eileen, tugged at his sleeve anxiously. "Andrew, what are you—"

"My son should have this kind of backbone!" Old Man Smith slammed his palm on the table, his piercing gaze fixed on Luna. "Girl, I knew I wasn’t wrong about you."

Luna met his eyes steadily. "Father, I respect you as my elder. But some things can’t be compromised."

Andrew Junior clutched both burning cheeks, his eyes filled with venom. "You... you’ve all gone mad! For an outsider—"

"Silence!" Old Man Smith roared. "One more word, and you’re out of this house!"

Andrew Junior froze. He had never seen his father this furious.

Luna gently linked her arm with Andrew’s. "Let’s go upstairs."

Andrew nodded, casting a final warning glance at his brother. "Remember—this is your last chance."

As the couple ascended the stairs, Old Man Smith murmured meaningfully to his wife, "That girl is worthy of our son."

Eileen fretted, "But Andrew Junior—"

"It’s time he grew up," Old Man Smith scoffed. "Acting like a gossipy old woman—what kind of soldier does that?"

At the second-floor landing, Luna suddenly stopped.

"What’s wrong?" Andrew asked.

A glint of steel flashed in Luna’s eyes. "Your brother won’t let this go."

Andrew tightened his grip on her hand. "I’m here."

Luna shook her head slightly. "This time, let me handle it."

Below them, a door slammed shut with a thunderous crash.

The storm had only just begun.