Chapter 6 Everyone turned toward the source of the voice. A middle-aged man strode in, dressed in a crisp general's uniform, the stars on his shoulders gleaming. He was escorted by a squad of armed guards, his every step radiating the formidable aura of a high-ranking military commander. All the security staff in the residence snapped to attention, standing at a perfect military salute. "G-Greetings, Sir!" Richard's eyes lit up with joy and hope the moment he recognized him. "General Hayes! Thank heavens you're here! Sir, you have to help me!" "There's a crazy woman here forging orders and pinning false charges on me!" Isabella looked at Richard, confused. "Darling, this is...?" "This is the person I've mentioned to you countless times-the one who promoted me personally, General Thomas Hayes of the military! Quick, Isabella, greet the general properly!" Isabella's face instantly regained its poised and graceful composure. She forced the perfect smile and said ingratiatingly, "General Hayes, it's such an honor to meet you. I'm Isabella Monroe, Richard's wife. Sir, you must understand, this deranged woman here..." "Wife?"Her words were cut off coldly by the general. His tone was calm, yet it carried an unyielding authority that made Richard and Isabella shiver. Ignoring them, the general strode directly to me. His gaze landed on me, and the sharp anger in his eyes melted instantly into a mix of heartbreak and fury. "Catherine, what happened here?" The moment I saw General Hayes, all my strength and facade crumbled. Tears poured uncontrollably. "Dad..." "Dad?!" A collective gasp of disbelief rippled through the room. Richard and Isabella were struck dumb, mouths hanging open like they could swallow an egg. "She's lying! Catherine, have you lost your mind? How dare you call him 'Dad'! You..." "Silence!"General Hayes's roar, seasoned by years of battlefield command, made Richard shut his mouth immediately. Chapter 6 5.13% He gathered me into a firm embrace, his fingers gently tracing the bruises on the back of my head. His voice trembled with suppressed fury. "Catherine, tell me, who did this?" Feeling the warmth and strength of General Hayes's embrace, my racing heart finally settled. I took a deep breath and pointed at Richard. "Richard was unfaithful. He fathered a child with this woman and let them usurp our home. He stood by while they made our lives a living hell, abused Emily, and slandered me as some obsessed, crazy ex!" "He even tried to have security commit me to a psychiatric hospital and send Emily to an orphanage!" Every word landed like a hammer, striking everyone present with undeniable weight. General Hayes's eyes narrowed dangerously. I knew this was his calm before an explosion of rage. His gaze swept across the room like a blade, finally resting on Emily, as thin and fragile as a baby bird, peeking out from behind me, her tiny fists clutching at my clothes. When his eyes fell on the shocking bruises on her arms, they reddened with unshed tears. He knelt down and reached out to her, his voice choked with emotion. "Come here, sweetheart. It's Grandpa." Emily glanced at me, then at this imposing yet gentle man. Hesitating for a moment, she ran into his arms. He held her small body close, gently stroking her dry, yellowed hair, his heart aching unbearably. "My poor, sweet girl...what have they done to you? This is Grandpa's fault. I should have been here for you." Emily had only met her grandfather a handful of times and was initially shy. But the blood connection and the genuine care radiating from him made her feel warmth and safety. She couldn't help but press her face into his shoulder, quietly sobbing. The sound of his granddaughter's quiet sobs shattered the last of his restraint. He leapt to his feet in an instant, lunging at Richard and delivering a crushing punch to his face! "Ah-!" 513%