Chapter 5

Looking at my daughter's bouncing figure as she walked away, I felt no more worries.

After my daughter left, Hendrik approached me.

"Miles, since my daughter doesn't want to see you, you can get lost now."

"But before you go, I think you should take care of this filth."

As he spoke, he casually sat down in a nearby chair, then ordered his bodyguards to lift me up.

"Look at this, you've dirtied up a perfectly good hotel."

"Since you can't afford to pay for the damages, why don't you lick it clean?"

As his words fell, the bodyguards kicked me hard in the knees.

Forced by the pressure, I fell heavily to my knees.

Looking up, I was faced with the sole of Hendrik's shoe.

Darling also came over and sat in front of me, "Hurry up and lick it clean, then you can get out of here."

"You should feel lucky we're not making you pay for it."

Hendrik extended his shoe sole, stopping precisely at the corner of my mouth.

"Never mind the rest for now, start by licking my shoe sole clean."

"Remember, not a speck of dust should remain."

I clenched my fists and stared straight at him, "Are you sure you want to do this?"

"Hendrik, you should think before you act.""You feel you can handle the responsibility after making me do this?"

My words carried a hint of intimidation, causing Hendrik to shudder slightly.

But he quickly recovered, kicking me to the ground.

"I think someone's knocked your brains loose."

"How dare you talk to me like that!"

I struggled to pick myself up off the floor. "Your dad treats me with the utmost respect. Aren't you afraid he'll kill you for this?"

"Hendrik, with one word from me, your family's Winters empire would vanish overnight."

"Hahaha!"

A burst of maniacal laughter interrupted me. Then, a shadowy figure appeared in the doorway.

"Such big talk!"

"Who's that, acting so high and mighty?"

"There are very few in this city who can command my respect!"

"Dad, you're here."

"Uncle Winters, you've finally arrived!"

Hendrik and my darling turned to look at the newcomer in unison.

The bodyguards naturally released their grip on me.

They threw me roughly to the ground.

As Hendrik approached menacingly, I struggled to pick myself up once more.As Hendrik frowned in displeasure, he asked, "Did you say those words earlier?"

"Who are you? Let's hear it!"

I hesitated as I looked at him, "Don't you recognize me?"

To my surprise, he let out a cold laugh, "Do I know you?"

He gave me a cursory glance, "You're not even worthy of my acquaintance."

"I'm Miles!"

"The eldest son of the Gevano family!"

After saying this, I started coughing violently.

Because I had exerted myself too much earlier, I accidentally inhaled some blood into my throat.

I didn't need to imagine how pathetic I must look right now.

Upon hearing me announce my identity, Hendrik visibly became flustered.

He kept looking me up and down, muttering, "It can't be."

"Impossible."

Just as I was about to speak again, darling suddenly interrupted.

"Uncle, what's wrong?"

Hendrik asked anxiously, "Are you really Miles?"

"But, I can't tell."

"The Miles I know doesn't look like this."

Following his words, I looked at myself.