The household staff remained lined along the walls, silent witnesses to the scene unfolding before them. No one dared to step forward.
This wasn't the first time something like this had happened inside the mansion. Luci Pearl was not only Solenn's legal mother but also widely considered Griffin's future wife, the woman who would one day become the lady of the Monreal household. Interfering with her discipline would be seen as overstepping boundaries the staff could not afford to cross.
Even so, several servants lowered their eyes uncomfortably. Luci Pearl's treatment of Solenn had always unsettled them.
Luci Pearl folded her arms. She assumed that, like always, the child would lower her head, mutter an apology, and retreat quietly in shame.
She was wrong.
The little girl standing before her was not the obedient, timid Solenn she was used to controlling. And this child had no intention of bowing her head so easily.
The moment Luci Pearl finished speaking, Lilith's piercing wail erupted through the mansion.
Upstairs, Griffin's brows knitted together deeply as the cry reached his study.
Irritation flickered across his face.
What was Luci Pearl doing now? Was it truly that difficult to care for a single child? Why did Solenn always end up in tears whenever Luci Pearl was involved?
A heavy sense of frustration tightened in his chest. Solenn's heart condition made emotional distress dangerous. Excessive crying could strain her fragile health. His expression darkened.
Without hesitation, he snapped his laptop shut. Rising from his chair, he strode toward the door and headed downstairs.
As he descended the staircase, the scene before him came into full view.
Lilith stood near the dining table, her small shoulders trembling slightly. Tears clung to her lashes as she clutched the edge of her dress, her voice shaky as she spoke.
"I'm sorry, Mommy," Lilith whimpered, her voice trembling as she wiped at her tears with the back of her small hand. "It was my fault. I was just… really hungry. I shouldn't have tried to eat the salmon. Next time, I'll wait until you and Daddy are both at the table before I eat."
Hearing the apology, Luci Pearl felt a surge of satisfaction bloom in her chest. A faint, self-righteous smile tugged at her lips.
Some children simply needed firm discipline.
What Luci Pearl failed to notice was the tall figure standing at the base of the staircase, silently observing everything. Griffin had arrived moments earlier and he had witnessed the entire exchange.
How dare Luci Pearl treat Solenn like this… even if she was her biological mother?
Solenn was not just any child. She was Griffin's daughter. The cherished future heiress of Monreal Industries. The child he had guarded with relentless care since the day she was born.
Without another word, Griffin crossed the room in long, decisive strides. He crouched down beside Lilith and gently lifted her into his arms, cradling her against his chest with practiced ease.
"Sweetheart," he said softly, his voice lowering into a tone reserved only for her, "tell Daddy what happened."
Lilith didn't answer.
Instead, she wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, burying her small face into his shoulder. Her tiny body trembled as quiet sobs escaped her. Tears and her runny nose quickly soaked into the crisp fabric of Griffin's collar.
Griffin's chest tightened painfully at the sight. One hand moved instinctively to stroke her back slowly.
His gaze, however, lifted toward Luci Pearl.
"Luci Pearl," he said, his voice dangerously calm, "what exactly is going on here? Why does Solenn always end up crying whenever she's with you?"
The accusation struck Luci Pearl like a slap. Her brows furrowed, and indignation flashed across her face.
"Griffin, you're misunderstanding the situation," she insisted quickly, her tone defensive yet carefully controlled. "I'm not trying to make her cry. Solenn simply has no sense of proper manners."
She gestured toward the dining table as if presenting evidence.
"You hadn't even taken your seat yet, and she ran over here and started eating salmon by herself. The Monreal family has rules. Children don't begin meals before the adults are seated. It's basic respect and etiquette. I'm only trying to teach her how to behave properly."