Yvonne Rhodes is the one in the Rhodes Family whose temperament is most like Mr. Rhodes, discerning right from wrong, fair in dealings, addressing issues and not people. Wrong means wrong, even family ties and close relations don’t change that for her; she’s unyielding and impartial, no matter the circumstances. Years ago, Hayden Rhodes made a mistake, committed adultery leading to divorce, causing relations between the Rhodes Family and the Vaughn Family to plummet to the bottom, reaching a freezing point. Worse yet, he later married Ronia Ackerly. Since then, Yvonne has never called Hayden once, and over these decades, she hasn’t set foot in Hayden’s home even once. In fact, as long as Hayden and Ronia are around as a family of four, Yvonne will leave, not even bothering to glance at them. One could say she is rather ruthless. Ronia Ackerly despises every member of the Rhodes Family who doesn’t accept her, who looks down on her, except for Hayden Rhodes, especially Yvonne Rhodes. Because every time Yvonne looked at her, it was as if viewing something dirty, a kind of deep-seated disgust that made Ronia want to gouge out Yvonne’s eyes and crush them. Why look down on her ? Is it just because she was born in a better family? If she were born into the Rhodes Family, she wouldn’t have done such things; what makes Yvonne so superior? Yet, every time, she loathes it immensely but can’t change the fact that Yvonne was born into a better family, forcing Ronia to endure. Enduring Yvonne’s disdain, even until today. Yvonne was wearing a black shirt, army green work pants, and a pair of black flat-bottomed Martin boots, striding over with an air of cool severity. She was only two years older than Hayden, yet her upright spirit and years of physical training made her appear particularly youthful, looking only about thirty or forty. At this moment, she walked over with powerful steps, swift yet steady, carrying a fierce wind that silenced everything around her. The tense, worried atmosphere was replaced by this sudden oppressive feeling; no one dared to speak, including Ronia. Yvonne came directly in front of Ronia, stopped her steps, then raised her hand. "Smack!" The sound was loud, and Ronia was slapped so hard that she staggered backwards, with Hayden swiftly supporting her, looking at Yvonne in shock: "Yvonne, you..." Yvonne stepped forward, raised her hand. Another loud slap, but this one didn’t land on Ronia’s face; it fell on Hayden’s instead. Although Hayden is a man, he didn’t retreat like Ronia, but even he became unsteady. Because Yvonne didn’t hold back in that slap. It was real and solid. Including with Ronia, she didn’t spare any force. For both of them, she exerted her full strength, not withholding a single ounce. Hayden’s face turned to one side, and the slapped cheek instantly swelled, visibly reddening rapidly. He was dumbfounded, not reacting at all. Mr. Rhodes was a strict father, but rarely struck his children, unless they did something extremely wrong; only then would he take action as a lesson. Hayden had always been mild-mannered and sensible, seen by everyone as a model child, both in conduct and academics. Growing up, he had never been hit, but when he committed adultery within marriage and Mr. Rhodes learned of it, he was punished. Just like the slap Yvonne gave him now, a proper, real smack. Now several decades have passed since then; he’s no longer young. Being slapped anew, his eardrums buzzed, and for a moment, his mind was muddled. Yvonne fixed her gaze on the two, coldly speaking out. "If you’re quiet, get lost!" Ronia was so stunned by Yvonne’s slap, her mind went blank, for she had never been hit before; it was her first time. Compared to the pain, the greater sensation was shock. Someone actually hit her. Dared to hit her, in front of so many eyes. She was angry, very angry, fury rising through her body; she wanted to retaliate immediately, recklessly. The latest_epɪ_sodes are on_the N0v3l.Fiɾe.net However, before she could react, before she could make a move, Yvonne’s next slap interrupted her thoughts. Seeing Hayden’s face turn to one side, swelling rapidly, Ronia’s eyes widened, in disbelief. She actually dared to hit Hayden, she really... Ronia was beyond anger, filled with wrath and loathing, her eyes turned red, seemingly wanting to tear Yvonne apart. Yet, Yvonne’s heartless voice fell upon her ears. As if they were trash polluting her view, polluting everything here. Ronia’s whole body tensed, tense enough to tremble, as she faced the person before her, with those contemptuous, cold eyes stirring rage and hatred within her. If she disregarded everything, she would surely leap on Yvonne and tear her to pieces. She couldn’t do that. Julian was still in Las Vegas, hadn’t returned; she couldn’t just do what she wanted heedlessly. She had endured for decades, and she had come through it; what was this now? The more Yvonne treated her , the more Hayden loved her, and she should thank Yvonne for it. Ronia, in extreme anger, suddenly laughed; in an instant, her expression reverted, returning to that pitiful and fragile look, tears instantly filling her eyes as she held Hayden’s face shakily: "Yvonne, what are you doing?" "I know you hate me, hate me for ruining Hayden; it’s my fault. You can hit or curse me as you like, but don’t hit Hayden, it’s not his fault, it’s all my fault, my fault, hit me, hit me instead." Ronia cried, reaching to grasp Yvonne’s hand, urging Yvonne to hit her. Hayden reacted upon hearing her voice, especially seeing her swollen cheek, his brow furrowed tight, about to speak. But, just as he was about to speak, Yvonne coldly interrupted him: "Alright." Hayden suddenly looked at Yvonne, but Yvonne ignored him entirely; even Ronia was stunned by Yvonne’s words, unable to comprehend. And swiftly, before they could react, Yvonne grabbed Ronia by the collar, cold-bloodedly and heartlessly, as if holding some trash, directly pulling Ronia out of Hayden’s embrace, leaving in large strides. Hayden stood there, momentarily dazed, understandably shocked. But soon, he reacted, hastily chasing after them: "Yvonne, what do you want to do?!" Yvonne ignored him, directly pulling Ronia towards the corridor’s end corner. Her grip was strong, the collar tightens like a choke around Ronia’s neck, instinctively making Ronia reach to grab Yvonne’s hand, wishing Yvonne would release her. But Yvonne would never let go of her; Yvonne dragged her as if hauling something, pulling her forward with steps as swift and steady as before. Hayden called out, but Yvonne seemed not to hear, her stride unbroken. Hayden watched as Ronia’s face rapidly turned red from suffocation, her eyes closed, her hands persistently clutching Yvonne, tapping her, pleading her to let go. If this continued, Ronia might lose her life. Hayden hurriedly caught up, attempting to snatch Ronia from Yvonne’s grasp, only to be kicked by Yvonne, causing him to fall to the ground, unable to move.