The Million-Dollar Heart (Percival and Vivienne) novel Chapter 92

When Coral got home, Gabriel was already gone.

She saw her parents sitting in silence on the sofa. She wanted to say something, but the vibe was off, so she tiptoed towards her room.

But as soon as she took one step, Brandon's angry voice boomed, "Stop!"

Coral instantly stopped, looking at Brandon with terror, "What's up, Dad?"

She knew that her actions had caused Uncle to lose his job and trouble for Vivienne, which had plunged the Lockwood family into crisis. Her parents were upset, and she knew they were going to hold her accountable.

Days passed and her parents hadn't mentioned the incident. She thought they wouldn't blame her, but now, she was starting to worry.

Her mom was usually pretty laid back and spoiled her, but her dad, oh boy, when he was angry, it was terrifying.

"Kneel down!" Brandon roared.

Coral was shocked. She wanted to argue back, but seeing the fury in Brandon's eyes, she lowered her head and obediently knelt down.

Jaylan Lockwood, hearing the commotion, came out. He glanced at Coral, but didn't say a word.

Yeah, this little sister definitely needed some discipline.

"Whack!" Brandon's hand came down on Coral's face, "You ignorant child! I have always been upright and never harmed others, but I never expected to raise such a troublemaker like you!"

Coral, clutching her face, looked at Brandon in disbelief.

No matter what wrongs she had done in the past, her father had never hit her. This slap was a heavy one, and she could feel her face swelling up.

Feeling wronged, she suddenly stood up, crying and glaring at Brandon, "Dad, you hit me? What did I do wrong, why did you hit me?"

"Whack!"

Before Coral could finish, she got slapped again, this time by Mrs. Lockwood.

Coral looked at her mother in disbelief.

Her father hitting her was one thing, but her mother too!

"We've spoiled you rotten! You're so reckless, and you still don't know to repent. You've really let me down." Mrs. Lockwood said coldly.

Coral had never seen Mrs. Lockwood so stern before, and she was a bit dazed, "Mom! Why? Why is this happening? I don't understand!"

Wasn't it just asking Uncle for a little favor?

Vivienne's diploma was real, she had no idea! Who would've thought that someone raised in Emerald Monastery would have a double degree doctorate at the age of sixteen?

Uncle got fired, and she felt guilty. This wasn't what she wanted to see, but her parents didn't understand her and even hit her.

"You don't understand?" Mrs. Lockwood said sternly, "The Lockwood family's company is on the brink of collapse, your uncle and aunt have lost their jobs, and your brother is under investigation and suspended from work."

Coral lowered her head, not saying a word.

"All these problems, you caused them all, and you're saying you don't understand?" Mrs. Lockwood was filled with disappointment.

Her parenting style was not strict. As a girl, she wanted Coral to have a privileged upbringing, to be loved and taught the right values. But she never imagined her daughter would go astray. This was her responsibility.

"Your father started from nothing and founded the Lockwood Group. Your brother studied until two in the morning every night to earn his current job. Do you know how hard it was for our family to get to where we are today? Your brother is transparent and fair in his dealings. He never acts out of line. Last time when you framed Vivienne for theft, your brother almost lost his job. Now, because of you again, your brother is under investigation. Can't you stand to see the success of our family?"

Luckily, the last time Coral framed Vivienne for theft, Jaylan took Vivienne back for investigation. It was a normal procedure, but because Coral was his own sister, he was suspended from work, but he was quickly reinstated.

But this time was different. This time was an investigation!