Bernard spoke with cautious deference . " Ms. Windsong , I know this worthless son of mine has angered you . Nothing he does will ever make up for it . But he's my only child . Please spare his life . " 1/3 +25 BonusS Witnessing his father's humiliating submission , Lucas finally realized that I was not just some nobody . " Dad ... who is she ? We're the Goodwin family , one of the three most powerful families running this city ! Since when has there been anyone we can't afford to offend ? " Bernard glared at him with disgust . " You stupid brat ! How many times have I told you there's always someone above us ? I told you to behave , but you never listened ! " Let me make this clear . Ms. Windsong is exactly who we can't afford to offend . Whether you walk out of here depends entirely on her mercy . " Finally comprehending the gravity of the situation , Lucas's expression shifted from resentment to pure terror . He stammered and said , " M - Ms . Windsong ... I've been a fool . P - please ... forgive me ... ' I sat in my chair as I slowly sipped the coffee beside me before addressing them . " Bernard , you're actually wrong about Lucas . He wasn't the one who offended me . It's his ' sister in all but blood ' that did . Lucas merely wanted to stand up for her . " Bernard immediately slapped Lucas across the head . " You're such a disgrace ! Instead of learning proper conduct , you're messing around with some ' pretend sister " ? Get that woman out of my sight now ! " Seeing this , Vivian instantly realized Lucas was barely keeping his own head above water at the moment . He could not save himself , much less her . Just remembering her time in the water cell , she vowed never to suffer like that again . Her legs gave out . She collapsed to her knees with a thud and started apologizing frantically . " Ms. Windsong ! I'm sorry ! I'm the worthless poser ! Please forgive me ! Please spare me just this once ! " Please , I beg you ! Please spare my miserable life ! I'll never dare again ..." 2