In the entire Executive Residence, the Young Master was the only one who dared to give the Executive Chief an attitude.

"Right."

Getting her answer, Luella strode briskly toward the main wing of the residence. It was the perfect time to ask about her mother's memorial plaque.

Inside the study.

Lachlan sat rigidly behind his imposing desk, dressed in expensive loungewear and wearing his reading glasses. A secretary stood nearby, assisting him with documents.

*Bang―!*

The door was shoved open without warning. The secretary jumped in shock, and Lachlan's brow furrowed in severe displeasure.

"Young Master!"

Recognizing the intruder, the secretary immediately adopted a respectful posture and bowed deeply.

"You may leave," Lachlan told the secretary, waving a hand dismissively. "Tomorrow's meetings will proceed as scheduled."

"Yes, Chief."

The secretary sneaked a quick glance at Luella, not daring to linger, and silently closed the door behind him. Now that this menace was back, the residence was about to lose whatever peace it had.

"What do you want?"

Luella stood near the doorway, her face devoid of emotion, her tone as cold as if she were speaking to a complete stranger.

"What kind of attitude is that?"

Lachlan slammed his hand on the desk, his dark eyes glaring at her, his voice booming with authority. "You've been running wild out there for so long you've forgotten your basic manners?"

No matter what, she should at least address him as her father!

"Manners?"

Luella's lips curled into a cold, mocking smirk. "My mom died when I was five. You

were too busy marrying your new wife and focusing on your career."

"Come to think of it, I really didn't get a proper family upbringing."

"Don't you dare take that tone with me."

Lachlan stood up, clasping his hands behind his back as he looked her up and down. He was in his fifties, but thanks to constant exercise and top-tier healthcare, he looked remarkably youthful and vigorous.

Luella sighed internally.

*What a shame.*

She actually wished his health was a bit more fragile so he'd drop dead sooner.

"I warned you. Your status is different now. Stop mingling with shady, low-class people outside," Lachlan ordered coldly.

"Shady people?"

Luella's eyes turned glacial. "And what makes me so special? I'm just a dog raised by Lachlan Langley. What's so noble about that?"

*Slap—!*

The moment the words left her mouth, a vicious backhand struck her right cheek. The skin began to swell almost instantly.

"It seems you're in desperate need of a lesson!"

Lachlan had hit her so hard his own palm was numb. He glared at her furiously.

"Heh."

Luella casually wiped the blood from the corner of her mouth. Tilting her chin up, she met his furious gaze with defiant, unwavering eyes. "How exact do you plan to teach me that lesson, Father? Going to deafer my right ear the way you did my left?"

At those words, Lachlan's body flinched violently. His gaze darted to her left ear.

On that earlobe rested a delicate, stunning ruby earring.

It was a keepsake from her mother. When her mother passed away, her health had already been failing. Discovering that Lachlan's mistress had given birth sent her over the edge. In her final moments of grief and rage, she had coughed up blood. The crimson drops had rolled down her cheek and stained that very earring.

He still remembered that scene vividly.

As for Luella's ear...

Lachlan closed his eyes. If she hadn't been so rebellious and provocative back then,

he wouldn't have accidentally injured her.

She was eight years old when she lost the hearing in that ear.

Seeing the earring, memories of his late wife flooded his mind, bringing a rare twinge of guilt. Suppressing his rage, he growled, "Get out!

"Gladly!"

Luella turned on her heel and walked out, slamming the door so hard the walls shook.

"Luella!"

"Can't hear you! I'm already gone!"