The Unveiled Rose

Penelope shoveled food into her mouth, saying, "I haven't eaten something this delicious in a long time!"

Suzy smiled, pleased to see her daughter enjoying the meal so much. "Then eat more."

...

After dinner, Howard drove them home.

On the way, he said, "I don't have much work during the day, so feel free to call me if you need anything."

Suzy was silent momentarily before saying, "I have many extra rooms at home. Would you mind staying over at my place in the evenings?"

She nervously watched Howard, afraid he might decline.

Recently, Liam had been coming over at night to cause trouble, which was becoming too much for her to handle.

Howard said without hesitation, "Of course. No problem. I don't have a place to stay right now. If you're willing to take me in, I'll be more than happy." Suzy finally smiled. "Thank you."

The car stopped in the underground garage, and Howard led them upstairs.

Penelope held Howard's hand. "Mr. Lardon, if you see my dad later, can you send him flying with your fists?" Howard seriously considered the question. "My punches aren't that strong. At most, I could knock him out." Penelope pouted and reluctantly said, "Knocking him out is fine as long he stops bothering my mom." Howard smiled and reassured her, "Don't worry, as long as I'm here, he won't have the guts." Just then, the smile on Howard's face disappeared. He saw a man standing not far away.

Penelope hid behind Howard. "That's my dad."

She then pulled Suzy to her side.

Howard slowly approached the man.

Liam stared at Howard suspiciously and asked, "Who are you?"

"Does it concern you?" Howard stopped at the door and told Suzy, "You go inside first."

Suzy knew she couldn't help much, so she obediently opened the door, led Penelope inside, and quickly shut it behind her.

Liam tried to follow but was blocked by Howard.

Howard's tone wasn't friendly as he said, "You're her ex-husband, yet you're still bothering her. Don't you think you're being too intrusive?"

"I don't think so." Liam scoffed, completely dismissing Howard. "She had my child, so she's mine!"

Howard hadn't expected to encounter such an unreasonable man. "The law doesn't recognize that kind of thinking."

Howard knew that reasoning with Liam was useless. He flexed his muscles and said, "From now on, I'll accompany them home every day. If I see you again next time..." He shook his fist. "The only thing greeting you will be my fist."

Liam asked, "Are you her new boyfriend?"

Before Howard could answer, Liam quickly added, "I never gave her permission to have a boyfriend."

"What she chooses to do is her business. She doesn't need to explain anything to you," Howard said coldly. "And you no longer have the right to control her."

With that, he knocked on the door, and Suzy opened it.

Howard stood at the door and saw Liam was also trying to get in.

He opened the door wide, warning Liam, "If you dare, step inside. My fist will land right in your face."

Liam stopped in his tracks.

Howard then walked into the living room quietly as he stared at him.