Chapter 3 Harsh Punishment

Regina strode into the vast grounds of the magnificent house, her expression a tumult of emotions. She turned around, but the car was already gone. "Was my decision the right one? I'll have to contact him again to reconsider."

Entering the house, Regina was immediately met with a piercing gaze and a slap landing on her cheek. The blow was so forceful it sent her tumbling to the ground. She held her reddening cheek.

"You disobedient child! All you ever do is cause trouble!" A middle-aged man glared at her with anger, while a glamorous woman beside him looked on with disdain.

"I've raised you to be a perfect, elegant woman who could serve as a role model in this town, but all you do is tarnish the family's reputation by having illegitimate children and getting pregnant at such a young age!"

"Papa, you've misunderstood. I don't have a child. That child is Henry Jian's--"

"Yes, that child is yours and Henry Jian's. How could you engage with the descendants of our rival family like that?"

"Daddy, I--" Regina's tongue was tied as she met his unwavering gaze. "I'm sorry," she said, her face downturned. It was a rule she couldn't break to admit the truth.

The glamorous woman finally spoke up provocatively, "Regina, you've caused a huge scandal. Husband, we must discipline our immature child."

"Fetch me the cane! I'll administer the appropriate punishment for this disobedient child!"

The servant hesitantly fetched it and began striking the woman's arms and back. Regina simply endured the undeserved punishment in silence. There were no cries of pain or tears. Her face remained flat, her eyes empty.

Mr. and Mrs. Tan showed no mercy towards their daughter. They didn't even notice the wide-open door. "What is this?"

The unfamiliar voice made the cruel parents turn. "You! What are you doing barging into someone's house? You'd better not meddle in our family affairs."

"I have to intervene in this matter because..." The tall, handsome man, none other than Henry, approached Regina. He lifted the beautiful woman and embraced her tightly. "Regina is my wife. Whoever disturbs her will have to deal with me!"

"I will also protect Mom." A young boy ran and stood in front of Regina.

"You?" Regina was bewildered by the situation. No one had ever stood by her side, but someone she considered a rival was defending her. Henry's embrace also felt comforting and warm.

"Wife? Mom? Did I just allow my daughter to become the Jian family? You two cannot marry. I will never approve!" Mr. Tan exclaimed loudly.

"Are you sure you won't approve even if I give you Land B in the city? You're eyeing that place, aren't you?"

Mr. Tan's sharp, red eyes instantly turned green. "You're sure about giving land in City B? Development there would benefit you."

"I have no regrets, as long as it's to get my wife."

"You seem to truly love my daughter. As a father, I want my daughter to marry a sincere man, and you deserve her!" Mr. Tan's demeanor changed immediately.

"Don't you hate our Jian family?" Henry questioned sharply.

"It's okay. Why should we hate the Jian family? Although our families have been competing, it's good for two strong families to unite."

"Husband, shouldn't we--" Mrs. Tan was about to speak, but Mr. Tan cut her off.

"There's nothing we can do. If Regina is happy with this man, we shouldn't stop her. Besides, they already have a child, we can't prevent it." Mr. Tan acted as if he were a good father. "So, when can I meet your family? We'll discuss the wedding ceremony. You must prepare luxurious dishes for my daughter and invite upper-class families."

"We'll handle it later. For now, Regina and I will just register our marriage with the civil registry."

"Don't do that, you young people must have a memorable party, you must consider this. Young Master Jian couldn't possibly lack money to hold a lavish wedding, right? Besides, have you not thought about public perception if two respected families only register their marriage without a grand party?"

Henry nodded, "You're right, Mr. Tan. As you said, this will be a memorable wedding for us, let me and Regina handle it, the elders shouldn't interfere!" Henry asserted firmly. His aura was so strong that Mr. Tan couldn't say a word.

Henry released his embrace and took Regina's hand instead. "Now, can I take Regina to live with me?"

Mr. Tan showed reluctance, but Henry quickly continued, "Don't you want that land to fall into your hands soon?"

Mr. Tan nodded in agreement, "Fine. Actually, I don't care much about the land, but it's okay if you live together and register the marriage. You also have a child, it's not good to separate."

Henry secretly grinned at how easily Mr. Tan was persuaded.

"But, let us talk with our daughter alone for a moment. It's difficult if we suddenly have to part."

Henry turned to Regina, who remained silent. The handsome young man from the upper-class family nodded.

The glamorous woman, with hair color similar to Regina's, pulled her daughter's arm forcefully.

Kevin, seeing Regina being taken away, showed a worried face. His small hand reached for Henry's hand. "Dad, quickly stop them from taking Mom away!"

"Why are you so worried? They wouldn't dare to hurt her."

"Who can guarantee that? Dad, you've seen for yourself what they did earlier. Are they really just talking? Ah, I know Dad is insensitive, but I can see the fear in Mom's eyes. Do something quickly," Kevin urged Henry.

Henry called Mr. and Mrs. Tan, who weren't too far away. "Wait, you can talk in front of me. I don't have much time to wait if you take too long."

"Young Master Jian, this is a family conversation. We only need 5 minutes," Mrs. Tan pleaded.

"Just speak now!"

"I just wanted to hug my daughter," Mrs. Tan said, immediately embracing Regina. She posed to cover her whispering to Regina. Regina's expression remained flat, but her eyes betrayed a hidden anxiety. Henry noticed something and acted immediately.

"Henry Jian!" Regina suddenly shouted upon seeing what Henry was doing in front of her.