"Absolon, that's your daughter. She's been tormenting Karol. Do you still consider Karol your daughter?" Danna snapped.

With a smirk, Absolon lifted his head. The disappointment was evident in his eyes.

"Really? Lilah bullied Karol? All I saw was Karol smashing the teacup on Lilah. I heard Karol tried to play dirty but got beaten fair and square by Lilah. Then..."

The more Absolon spoke, the angrier he got. He fixed his gaze on Karol, his tone turning colder.

"You lost to Lilah but couldn't accept it. You badmouthed her to your grandma, wanting her to teach Lilah a lesson."

The room fell silent.

Lilah felt a surge of warmth seeing her father stand up for her.

It was a different feeling altogether.

"Dad, I didn't do that..." Karol began to sob, tears streaming down her face as she looked at Absolon.

But Absolon cut her off sharply, his tone icy. "You have disappointed me, Karol.”

“Stop!" Danna interrupted abruptly. “Absolon Morris, do you even care about me, your own mother, and Karol?"

Absolon was startled and glanced at his mother. Suddenly, she seemed like a stranger to him.

"Think about it. Since this little troublemaker came back home, have you shown any concern for Karol? She's done everything to earn your approval but you always take that troublemaker's side. Do you realize how hurt Karol is?"

Danna's tone softened slightly but remained cold.

Her words left Absolon speechless.

After a long pause, he ascended to the second floor and retreated into his study.

After a while, Lilah brewed a cup of coffee for him.

Absolon sat in the dimness by the window, lost in thought. He was usually confident, standing tall, but now he looked defeated, shoulders slumped.

Lilah felt a pang of sympathy for him.

She gently knocked on the door before entering.

Absolon turned to her with a faint smile. "Ah, Lilah, you're here."

"Dad, it was my fault. I shouldn't have talked to Grandma like that,"

Lilah admitted, taking a seat beside him and hanging her head in shame.

Absolon chuckled. “Lilah, you didn't do anything wrong. You're just outspoken. That's a good quality. It'll keep you from being pushed around. I'll feel better knowing that."