Chapter 7

"Elise!" Victor strode over, first helping Quinn and Daniel to their feet. Then, he grabbed Elise's arm, demanding sharply, "What were you doing?"

Elise stumbled from the forceful pull. She ignored his anger and instead asked, "What are you doing here? Didn't they tell you that there's no birthday celebration this year?"

She glanced at Michael and Sheila. They averted their gazes, their expressions evasive.

"Oh, so they only told me it's canceled so I wouldn't come, huh?" Elise got the picture. "Figures. I've always felt as though Quinn is their actual daughter, not me. You two are a perfect match. Look at how they only informed you two about the birthday celebration."

She smiled and lifted her leg toward Quinn again. "Isn't it obvious what I'm doing? I'm bullying her."

Elise yelped as Victor shoved her away, making her stagger back and slam into a wall.

"Elle!" Victor's expression shifted and softened. "It's your father's birthday today. Whatever you have to say, it can wait until tomorrow."

Elise laughed softly. "I have nothing to say. You're one big happy family celebrating a birthday together. What does that have to do with an outsider like me?"

She straightened up, smoothed her clothes, and said, "Remember to go to the courthouse with me after the party. We need to get the divorce finalized first so that it seems more appropriate when you come visiting the Livingstons next time."

"Elle!" Sheila panicked at her words and rushed forward. "You can't just throw out the word 'divorce' like it means nothing. You and Victor have been together for years! How can you just end the marriage like that?"

"How will your precious Quinn replace me if I don't get a divorce? You don't expect her to be a homewrecker and drag her kid through the mud with her, do you?"

Elise lifted her chin at Victor. "If you won't agree to a divorce, I'll bully Quinn and Daniel each time I see them. I'll also announce to the world that she's a shameless homewrecker!"

She pointed at Quinn and Daniel.

"Quinn, take Danny upstairs. You're not going anywhere today. I've always thought of you as my daughter. No one can throw you out!" Michael stood, looking stern.

Quinn carried Daniel upstairs.

"Bring me my whip!" Michael barked at the butler. The latter jogged off and returned, handing him the whip.

Michael pointed at Elise. "I've spoiled you rotten over the years, making you so arrogant that you're jealous of your sister and scaring a child. Do you own up to your mistakes?"

Elise looked at him coldly, her face devoid of remorse.

"Fine. Fine! You won't admit you're wrong, huh? Then I'll whip you until you do!" Michael shook with anger and snapped the whip toward her.

Sheila covered her mouth as tears spilled down her face.

Elise squeezed her eyes shut by reflex, bracing for impact. However, the familiar searing pain that would set her nerves on fire never came.

"Victor!" Michael shouted, startled. "What are you doing?"

Elise's eyes flew open. Victor had stepped in front of her, taking the strike across his back.