Chapter 4 Secret Pact

• Is he from the Education Department?
• Is this about Tahlia's education?
• Did I make hasty assumptions about Daphne?
• Maxwell chastised himself for his impulsive actions.
• "Daphne, you'll regret this," Ged seethed.
• Frustration was evident in his bulging eyes as he warned Maxwell, "I can assure you, your child won't find a place in any primary school in Northbury."
• "Ged, don't do this! My daughter has nothing to do with this."
• Daphne pleaded tearfully, dreading Ged's potential influence on Tahlia's education.
• "Daphne, don't beg him."
• Maxwell interjected, feeling remorse for his earlier misjudgment of Daphne. He said, "Tahlia can attend any school she chooses."
• "I'll remember this. You'll see what happens next!"
• Ged's gaze turned ominous as he glanced at Maxwell, no longer daring to provoke him.
• Maxwell exuded a menacing presence, causing the room's temperature to seemingly drop despite the warmth outside.
• When faced with Maxwell's intimidating demeanour, even an officer from the Education Department couldn't muster the courage to threaten an Army Commander like him. He was doomed from the start.
• Seeing Maxwell's threatening stance, Daphne intervened. "Maxwell, move aside and let him go."
• Suppressing his anger, Maxwell stepped back.
• Ged passed by cautiously, wary of any sudden attack. Maxwell's unpredictability left Ged on edge.
• Once Ged had left, Maxwell closed the door, intending to speak with Daphne. However, when the moment arrived, he found himself at a loss for words. All he could manage was an apology.
• "I don't know who you are. Please leave. I'll pretend you were never here," Daphne said.
• She regarded Maxwell's seemingly sincere expression and chuckled.
• After enduring years of hardship, she was convinced that Maxwell was deceased and braced herself for a surge of resentment upon encountering him.
• Daphne's emotions were surprisingly subdued, likely due to their shared daughter.
• "Daphne, there's no need for you to seek assistance from the Education Department to ensure Tahlia's schooling. I can handle it," Maxwell assured her.
• Actually, making a simple phone call would suffice.
• "Have you met Tahlia?"
• Daphne's gaze bore into Maxwell's with palpable animosity. Clenching her fists, she asserted, "Let me be clear: Tahlia is my daughter, not yours. She has no connection to you."
• Maxwell's visage twisted with bitterness as he acknowledged the suffering he had inflicted upon Daphne in the past.
• Were it not for him, she wouldn't have endured insults, ridicule, or estrangement from her family.
• It was all his doing.
• Now, as a military commander with a multitude of soldiers under his command, he had returned to repay the debt and atone for his past transgressions.
• "Don't you dare appear before me," Daphne snapped.
• She snatched her bag and briskly left.
• Maxwell hastened to catch up with her.
• "Daphne, I'm now part of the Royal Guard."
• "Whatever your status or occupation, it holds no relevance to me or my child," Daphne interjected firmly.
• "Whether you're a billionaire or a begger, it has nothing to do with us.
• "I'm warning you. If you bother me again, I'll involve the authorities and have you arrested."
• Without affording Maxwell an opportunity to explain, Daphne stormed off, her jaw clenched in determination.
• Observing Daphne's resolute departure, Maxwell smiled bitterly, acknowledging the naturalness of her reaction.
• He exited the eatery.
• John, stepping out of the car, noted his emergence. He said, "Madam has driven away. Shall we follow, Army Commander?"
• "She might want to tear me apart the moment she lays eyes on me. It's understandable. I've deeply wounded her, and mere words won't resolve it."
• Maxwell mused despondently, his expression reflecting his inner turmoil. Nonetheless, he held onto the belief that, with patience, Daphne would eventually come to terms with his presence.
• "Arrange for someone to handle Ged's situation from the Education Department. Bury him."
• As he climbed into the car, Maxwell instructed with a tone of indifference.
• "Understood," John acknowledged before they drove off.
• They left with the car.
• At the Lewis villa.
• Samantha Norris was busy in the kitchen, while Jose Lewis sat on the sofa, engrossed in a newspaper.
• "Daphne, you're back. Have you sorted out Tahlia's school affairs?"
• After noticing Daphne's arrival, Jose asked.
• "Dad, where's Tahlia?" Daphne's tone was sour as she entered swiftly.
• "She's upstairs drawing," Jose replied, unaware of the tension brewing.
• "Tahlia Lewis, come down here," Daphne called out sharply, heading toward the staircase.
• Within moments, Tahlia descended the stairs.
• "Mom," she said tentatively, mindful of the secrecy pact she had with her father.
• Daphne's expression darkened as she glared at Tahlia and commanded, "Kneel."
• Tahlia complied with a heavy thud, her confusion evident.
• "Daphne, what's the matter? Why are you making Tahlia kneel as soon as you return?" Jose interjected anxiously.
• Samantha, apron-clad, emerged from the kitchen, concern etched on her features as she queried, "Daphne, what's wrong?
• "Even if things aren't going well at work, you can't take it out on the child."