Sandra glared at the silent Lea.

"You are our stepmother. Why didn't you speak for us while that bastard was insulting all of us?"

Lea was stunned for a moment by her words. When she replied, her voice was weak.

"You know how your father is. Once he makes a decision, few people can change his mind. And I can't interfere in matters related to

Sheffield. My words carry no weight, that's why I didn't say anything.

Please don't be mad at me, Sandra.”

Sandra knew that Lea was right. Few people could change Peterson's mind. She was depressed and desperate. She shifted her hostility towards Evelyn.

Outside, Sheffield leaned against his car. He Lit a cigarette and gave one to Peterson as well. They both smoked silently.

When his cigarette was about to burn out, Peterson said slowly, "I'm sorry. I was wrong about your mom."

In an instant, Sheffield's face changed. The one thing he hated the most was Peterson mentioning Ingrid. His father was not qualified to speak of her or the past. But before he blew up, Peterson said, "Hear me out first."

It took a while for Sheffield to regain his composure. He looked away indifferently, waiting for his father to continue.

“I have been with many women in my life, but I've only ever loved your mother. And you are just like her! I was always happy around her. She was much younger than me, and sometimes behaved like a child. When

Sidell framed your mother for dealing in fake drugs, I thought that she was just a young girl who had made a mistake. But she refused to admit the accusation and insisted on arguing with me. I wanted to help her when she was put in prison, but she refused." Peterson could only offer his help in secret, and he had succeeded in cutting down her sentence.

“Before passing away, you were the only one she was worried about. I wanted to contact you after you left, but I was too ashamed. I didn't want to see my sons killing each other, so..."

Sheffield gave him a quizzical Look.

Peterson didn't look at him. His eyes were fixed ahead in the distance.

“Pierson has always wanted your grandfather's notes, but your grandfather gave it to you. You said that you burned it all, and I believed you. But Pierson didn't. That day, I deliberately made a scene to make him give up completely." Peterson was well aware of what

Pierson had done to Sheffield.

"I used the incident about Kaylee as an excuse to drive you away from here. But what I didn't take into account is that you are as stubborn as your mother. I was angry at that time. I beat you, but you still refused to accept the mistakes. You let me beat you bloody...”

As Peterson recalled the scene from their past, extreme guilt washed over hin.

“Stop talking." Sheffield Looked at his father coldly. He was ashamed of his past and didn't want to hear any more of the old man's rambling.

“I didn't come here to talk about the past. If you don't want to give the betrothal gifts, it's fine. I don't expect you to do anything for me.

Sheffield turned around to leave.

Peterson ignored his harsh tone and continued to explain with a sigh

“I just want you to formally come back to the Thompson family. You are a strong man now. Even without my protection, you can take care of yourself. I'm relieved."