Chapter 3

The guests whispered amongst themselves.

"I heard he's just some washed-up ex-soldier with no money, no connections, and no one backing him. He must really have a death wish by acting this way."

"Just wait until the Sutton family's security gets here. He'll be lucky if he even gets out alive."

Noelle was so frightened she clung tightly to my chest. She buried her face against my back, saying in a trembling voice, "Zane, let's just leave. I don't want to be part of this family anymore. Let's just go home."

I patted her hand, keeping my voice gentle. "Don't be scared. As long as I'm here, no one can hurt you."

I looked down at Kenneth, who was still writhing on the floor. My expression remained completely calm.

He dared to lay a hand on my family, so really, a broken leg was letting him off easy.

Fred was so furious that his lips trembled. He pulled out his phone and made a call, yelling at the top of his lungs, "Get every security guard over here! Bring the batons! Beat him until he can't get back up! If anything happens, I'll take responsibility!"

After hanging up, he glared at me viciously. "Mark my words. You're not walking out of this house in one piece!"

Shortly after, over two dozen security guards stormed into the hall. Each of them carried a heavy rubber baton, their faces grim as they instantly locked onto Noelle and me.

Penny stood nearby, looking smug. "Are you scared now? It's too late! Once they break your legs, I'll have you thrown to the dogs!"

Maeve also smiled mockingly, folding her arms as she watched the show.

The guests around us quickly stepped back, afraid of getting caught up. They looked at me with pity in their eyes.

Noelle wrapped her arms tighter around me, her entire body trembling. I moved her behind me and reached into my pocket, closing my fingers around the Guardian's Seal.

Originally, I didn't intend to reveal my identity. I didn't want to frighten Noelle or invite unnecessary trouble.

Unfortunately, it seemed these people were determined to push their luck.

Just as I was about to take out the Guardian's Seal and summon my men, the butler's voice suddenly rang out from the entrance.

"Mr. Sutton Sr. has arrived!"

The noisy hall immediately fell silent.

Everyone straightened up and turned toward the entrance, their faces filled with respect.

Robert Sutton was the unquestioned patriarch of the Sutton family, though he rarely appeared in public now that he was in his eighties. He had built the Sutton family's entire business empire with his own hands, and his word still carried weight throughout Hyton.

Supported by two maids, Robert slowly made his way into the hall. His hair was completely white, and he leaned on a rosewood cane.

His expression was dark as he swept his gaze across the room. Finally, he noticed Kenneth rolling on the ground and frowned.

"What is the meaning of this? What is all this commotion?"

Fred immediately hurried over, bowing and scraping as he complained, "Dad, thank goodness you're here! This nobody came into our house and caused trouble! He broke Mr. Wright's leg and even insulted our family! Please give the order and have him beaten to death so we can get justice for Mr. Wright!"

Maeve rushed over as well, shedding crocodile tears. "Grandpa, he even hit me! Noelle keeps defending him, and she wants to steal my inheritance too."

Robert's frown deepened. His eyes followed the direction Fred was pointing and landed on me.

I remained where I was, meeting his gaze calmly as I continued to shield Noelle.

The moment he saw my face, his entire body froze. The cane in his hand slipped and clattered onto the marble floor.

Then, he shoved away the two maids and staggered toward me.

Everyone in the hall was stunned. No one understood what had gotten into Robert.

Fred hurried forward to try to help him, but Robert flung his hand away, far too quickly for a man in his eighties.

Just as he was right in front of me, he suddenly dropped straight to his knees with a loud thud.