Before she could reach David, he suddenly lifted his cane and poked it into her chest.

"You wretch!"

Adeline cried out in pain, immediately clutching the area where David had just struck her. With a grunt, she knelt before David.

She looked at David sorrowfully, overwhelmed by his chilling aura. Her swollen face made her look even uglier, and the dried bloodstains at the corner of her lips highlighted the sinister horror of her face. Yet, her eyes radiated with a stubborn viciousness.

"Do you really think I am so foolish that I would believe your lies?" David asked.

"Dad..." Celine took a step forward. Don't listen to what they say. I've worked so hard for the Pierce family all these years.”

"Dad?" David chuckled sarcastically.

Celine took another step forward, looking pitiful. "Dad, I've managed Pierce Corporation diligently all these years, and I've never been disloyal to you. You're the only father I acknowledge."

"Really? You've taken control of Pierce Corporation, yet you’