Chapter 79
Hortensia quickly backed him up. “It’s normal for couples to have their squabbles. Don’t take it so seriously, officer. Besides, does my daughter-in-law look like she has a single scratch on her? It was just a joke p>
“Some jokes go too far!” the officer retorted.
Just as they were about to escort Rebekah out, Old Mr. Forrester suddenly struck Benjamin across the back with his cane. Benjamin grunted in pain, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
“You little brat! Who taught you to treat your wife like this? Rebekah has been part of this family for years, and you’ve never laid a hand on her. No matter what she did, locking her in the attic was inexcusable! Is this how I raised you p>
“Grandfather!” Candice cried, rushing to Benjamin’s side. “Don’t be angry. Benjamin was just upset because he saw my sister with another man p>
Hortensia’s eyes widened. “You shameless harlot! You cheated on my son!” She marched over to Rebekah and slapped her hard across the face.
*Crack p>
The force of the blow sent Rebekah’s head reeling. The taste of blood filled her mouth, and a ringing started in her ears. A bright red handprint instantly appeared on her cheek.
Benjamin took an instinctive step forward, a flicker of pained regret in his eyes, but Candice grabbed his arm. “Are you okay? Let me see p>
He stopped, his gaze softening as he looked at Candice’s worried face. “I’m fine p>
His mother raised her hand to strike again, but Rebekah backed away. “I’m not the one who’s cheating. If you hit me again, I’ll hit you back,” she said, her voice quiet but firm.
The police intervened, holding Hortensia back.
“Officer, this is a family matter,” she said, turning to them. “My son would never abuse this woman, but she is most certainly having an affair. Now who’s the real criminal here? Thế man who called you was her lover p>
Realizing this was a domestic dispute they couldn’t resolve, the police issued a stern warning to the Forresters about domestic violence offered a few words of comfort to Rebekah, and then left.
After this, Rebekah knew she couldn’t stay at the estate any longer. It wasn’t safe. She had to leave.
As she turned to go, Old Mr. Forrester’s voice stopped her. “Rebekah, what
Benjamin did was wrong. For my sake, please try to forgive him p>
He stood there, leaning on his cane, his expression benevolent. But Rebekah saw through the mask now. His concern was just another way of protecting his grandson Hitting Benjamin had been a calculated move to płacate the police.
A small, cold smile touched her lips. “Grandfather, you know why I’ve stayed this
long. But I can’t stay anymore. And I am divorcing Benjamin, for good p>
“Good! A promiscuous woman like you doesn’t deserve to be a Forrester anyway!” Hortensia rejoiced at the news.
Rebekah ignored her and walked upstairs.
“Rebekah!” Benjamin shouted, chasing after her.
She quickened her pace, rushing into her bedroom and slamming the door. But he
was faster, jamming his hand in the frame to block it.