Betrayed by the Father Reborn in His Rival's Arms novel Chapter 116

If the police got involved, a case of this malicious nature, combined with the severity of the injuries, would undoubtedly erupt into a massive public scandal.

Secondly, Millicent knew perfectly well that Leo was her great-grandson, whereas Madeline was merely an outsider. The Whitman family always protected their own; there was no room for fairness when it came to outsiders like her.

Millicent also wanted to keep a lid on the incident before Arthur, who was resting in the back wing, caught wind of it. If the police showed up, it would be a disaster.

While waiting for the ambulance, Madeline clutched Lucius's sleeve. "Help me call the police. Please, help me. This is intentional assault."

Lucius reached for his phone, but Millicent slammed her hand over his. "Lucius, do not call the cops. Madeline brought this on herself. She didn't watch her step, so who can she blame? Even if there were marbles, the boy was just playing around without malicious intent. Besides, Leo is your son. Weigh your priorities carefully."

Lucius's expression turned grim. "But Maddy is seriously hurt. This isn't a small matter. If we don't call the police, it's incredibly unfair to her."

Millicent turned her weathered, wrinkled face toward Madeline. "Madeline, as an elder, I am begging you not to blow this out of proportion. If you feel wronged, I will apologize on Leo's behalf. He's young and ignorant. Why must a grown adult hold a grudge against a child? Medical technology is very advanced these days. You're hurt, so we'll get you treated. It's a minor incident; there's no need to make a fuss. Who hasn't taken a tumble in their life? The stairs aren't even that high, how bad could it possibly be? You'll be back on your feet in no time."

Tears streamed down Madeline's face. "I am in excruciating pain! I have absolutely no feeling in my legs. This is not a minor incident! A fall from the second floor could easily be fatal. Are you saying that even if I died, it would just be a 'minor incident'?"

Millicent's demeanor turned hostile as she spat, "Stop your crying! Even if you died, the Whitman family would give you a grand, respectable funeral. You were careless, and you have no one to blame but yourself."

Staring at Millicent's face, Madeline realized for the first time just how truly sinister the old woman was. Millicent had always looked down on her, but it had never reached this level of cruelty. Perhaps she was blaming Madeline for all the recent scandals surrounding Lucius.

She turned her desperate gaze back to Lucius. "Where is my phone? Give me my phone. I'll report it myself."

The truth was, Lucius was also hesitating because he was terrified of provoking Arthur's wrath over his illegitimate son's actions.

His massive hand cracked across Leo's face, sending the boy into a fit of agonizing wails. Lucius then flipped him over and rained heavy blows onto his backside. He didn't hold back, and the boy's cheek and backside swelled up instantly.

By the time Millicent registered what was happening, Lucius had already struck the child multiple times. She rushed forward and frantically wrestled Leo away from him. "Are you trying to beat the boy to death? That's enough! Stop it!"

Still seething, Lucius reached for a cane, but Millicent hurriedly ordered the nanny to carry the child away.

Breathing heavily, Lucius regained a fraction of his composure and turned to Madeline. "Maddy, just let him off this time. He's so young. Even if we prove he did it, he can't be held criminally responsible. It would just end in a civil settlement. I will make sure you get the best treatment, and I'll compensate you. If this blows up, the Whitman family will become a laughingstock. Having the police investigate during Arthur's birthday celebration is unacceptable. Once you recover, if you want to teach him a lesson, you can beat him yourself. As many times as you want."

He had beaten Leo so brutally simply to appease Madeline's anger. But Madeline just wept, completely speechless.

Right at that moment, the ambulance finally arrived. To everyone's shock, Millicent physically blocked the paramedics at the door. She marched back inside and glared at Madeline. "You sign this Legal Waiver of Liability promising not to press charges, and then I will let the paramedics come in and take you."