Chapter 5

It was only when the maid arrived to restrain the canine that I was able to escape its clutches. My hand bore the marks of its teeth, and I couldn't help but tremble upon seeing the animal again.

Olivia, as if I had committed some terrible offense, began to wail loudly.

"How could you harm my precious pet?!"

"It was merely trying to be friendly, and you've injured its head!"

She sobbed, seeking comfort in Ryan Carter's embrace.

Meanwhile, I stood there, my wound bleeding, as I listened to her accusations.

Was I expected to allow the dog to maul me? Should I have waited for it to bite me fatally?

"I may not comprehend what this woman is saying, but your dog repeatedly lunged at me.

"This time, it even sank its teeth into my hand.

"I haven't even requested compensation, yet you're in tears?"

I thrust my bloodied hand in front of Ryan Carter and Olivia, displaying the injury.

"Oh!" Olivia exclaimed in horror, burrowing her face deeper into Ryan Carter's chest.

Her display of vulnerability only seemed to heighten Ryan Carter's concern for her.

His eyes met mine with clear disapproval.

"Emma, Olivia just explained that Brlla was attempting to play with you.

"It's your fear of dogs that caused Brlla to react this way and bite you.

"You're becoming increasingly difficult to deal with."

Ryan Carter's statement left me feeling utterly repulsed.

He remembered my fear of dogs, yet still sided with her and placed the blame on me.

"Ryan Carter, you're being completely irrational," I retorted. "Go ahead and dote on your dog and the girl in your arms. I no longer care.

"You can skip the family dinner."

With that, I composed myself, adjusted my disheveled appearance, and departed for the dinner alone, not allowing Ryan Carter a chance to respond.

By the time the family dinner concluded, Ryan Carter had still not appeared. He didn't return home that night, just like before.

I was perfectly content with the tranquility.

However, Olivia's social media feed updated once more.

[Grateful for your constant support and care for Brlla.]

The accompanying image showed a man's back, affectionately stroking the dog.

It was undoubtedly aimed at me, like a deliberate taunt.

I felt largely indifferent.

I simply powered off my phone and drifted into a peaceful slumber.

The following morning, I was roused by a forceful knocking at the door.

I rose and opened it to find Ryan Carter, his face flushed with anger.