C11 The Villain First Complains!

"Mom, what's wrong? Don't scare me like this."

Tella dropped everything and rushed to support her mother Hassie, who was sobbing uncontrollably. A sense of dread filled her. Had something happened at home?

Hassie, tears streaming down her face, clung to Tella. "Qing Ya, I'm so relieved you're here. While you were out, we had visitors. Wood came home in a rage and lashed out, attacking someone right here!"

"Look at Raleigh; Wood has left a mark on his face that hasn't even faded yet."

"He just started hitting people over a disagreement. He even tried to hit me. How can we live like this?"

What?

Tella was stunned.

Raleigh caught on quickly and adopted a look of hurt innocence.

"It's been a while, Qing Ya. You've become even more beautiful over the years."

"I had hoped to visit you after coming back to the country, but it seems my timing was poor. My visit has only caused confusion. I'm truly sorry; I should leave." Raleigh offered an apologetic smile, wincing as he touched the imprint on his face.

Raleigh's expression was a stark contrast to his earlier bravado, now replaced by the image of an underdog.

According to Hassie and Raleigh, Wood was a villain, acting without reason or conscience.

Seeing their distraught faces, Tella's own expression darkened. She struggled to reconcile their portrayal of Wood with the man she knew.

"Mom, could there be some kind of mistake?" Tella asked, her voice shaking with doubt.

Hassie's voice rose an octave. "Mistake? The evidence is right there on Raleigh's face! Go inside and ask Wood if you don't believe me."

Wood was responsible?

A cloud of distress overshadowed Tella's once-peaceful morning. She strode into the living room to confront Wood, who was seated on the couch, his expression changing to one of surprise as she entered.

"Qing Ya, you're back."

Slap!

Tella's hand connected with Wood's cheek, and he made no attempt to avoid it.

"You've really let me down, Wood," Tella said, her lips pressed tightly together to keep from crying.

Wood sat in stunned silence, not understanding Tella's reaction—until he saw Hassie and Raleigh at the door, and the pieces fell into place.

"Qingya, listen to me, it's not what you think..." Wood began, urgently trying to explain himself.

"Shut up. I don't want to hear it," Tella cut him off sharply.

"Raleigh has been a friend for years and has helped our family. What gave you the right to hit him?" Tella's eyes were filled with disappointment.

Hassie's eyes sparkled with vindication. "You're right, Qingya. Wood will never change."

"He just barged in and started hurling insults at Raleigh and me. When Raleigh tried to reason with him, Wood lashed out. He's completely unreasonable and barbaric," Hassie continued, fueling the fire.

Wood was seething with anger, blindsided by Hassie's manipulation of the situation.

Tella looked at Raleigh, her eyes brimming with regret. "I'm so sorry, Raleigh. You came all this way only to be attacked by Wood."

"It's nothing serious, just a scratch," Raleigh reassured her with an easy smile. "Don't be too hard on your husband; he probably just misunderstood. Let's not dwell on it, Qingya."

The more Raleigh downplayed the incident, the deeper Tella's guilt grew.

Wood stood there, his face darkening. He, the God of Soldier, had been outwitted by two ordinary people.

"Qingya," he started.

"That's enough, Wood. I don't want to hear your explanations right now," Tella interrupted, her voice firm.

"You've really disappointed me today."

"Selena and Eldon will be out of school soon. You should go pick them up. I'll take care of things here. I don't want to see you right now. Just go," Tella commanded, her anger flaring as she recalled the time she had rescued an injured Wood.

And now, he had the nerve to strike her friend.

She pondered whether she had misjudged his character.

Wood clenched his teeth, feeling a profound sense of frustration. Tella was the only person in the world who could make him feel so powerless.

Resigned, he thought to himself, 'I owe her too much.'

With that, Wood left to pick up the children.

As he reached the door, Raleigh stepped in front of him, blocking his path with a taunting look.

"You've got a lot to learn before you can take me on, kid," Raleigh said with a smug grin.

Wood's eyes flashed with a dangerous intensity.

If not for Tella, Raleigh would have faced his wrath then and there.

Watching Wood walk away, Hassie couldn't help but feel a surge of pleasure.

She pleaded with her daughter earnestly, "Tella, listen to me and divorce Wood already. After what happened today, it's clear he's just an uncivilized brute."

"You'll only end up getting hurt by him again if you stay."

Tella, visibly upset, replied, "Mom, please, I'm not going to divorce him."

Hassie, undeterred and exaggerating her fears, continued, "You saw his eyes when he came in, like he was ready to attack. If anything ever happens to me, Wood would be the culprit."

Tella was taken aback. "Mom, what are you talking about? Wood would never harm you."

Hassie was adamant, "How can you be so sure? You barely know him. The sooner you leave him, the better."

Tella's frustration grew as she wrestled with her mother's disturbing assertions, her thoughts in turmoil.

After stepping out of the house, Wood dialed Denis's number.

"Commander."

"Denis, which school are Selena and Eldon attending?" Wood asked.

"Master, I've placed the young masters in Class 1 of the first grade at Huan'an Academy, the finest private school in Vriayledo. Shall I come and pick you up?"

"No need, just text me the address. I'll head over on my own."

With the address from Denis, Wood set off for Huan'an Academy.

The academy's expansive grounds and luxurious facilities were a testament to its reputation as Vriayledo's top private school, catering to children from well-to-do families.

As the school day drew to a close, Wood patiently waited at the gate, his eyes searching for Selena and Eldon among the departing students. Time ticked by, but there was still no sign of his children, adding to the day's already heavy strain.