Chapter 163 Tarquin, despite his influential position, always acted like a true gentleman around them. He was invariably polite and never let a swear word slip from his lips. So Nola thought she must have misheard him. “Tarquin, what….. what did you just say?” Tarquin’s brow furrowed as he articulated every word, “Do you think Elysia is cheap? If she’s cheap, what does that make you?” Nola’s eyos instantly brimmed with tears, “Tarquin, you…” *If she’s cheap, you’re not even worth that!“. “Tarquin! What are you saying? Waaah…” Nola burst into tears. Donovan listened in stunned silence, not daring to interrupt. Only Tarquin could have the audacity to come into his home and insult someone like this. Anyone else would have been beaten senseless by now! Tarquin continued, “Do you think I don’t know what kind of man your uncle is? As if anyone would be interested in seducing him. Does he even have what it takes to be seduced? With his character, it’s a sign of strength for a woman not to feel disgusted at the sight of him, let alone go out of her way to seduce him. What woman would be so desperate?” “…” “And you, do you really think that just because you helped Elijah, you can act however you want around me? I’m grateful, but I’m not a fool, and I certainly won’t indulge you! Oriana is already in custody, and you can watch the news to see how that turns out for her. It’s only because she doesn’t have direct evidence against you that you haven’t been arrested by the police! If you were taken away, don’t expect me to bail you out! I can provide financial support to the Slater family, but I won’t be an accessory to wrongdoing! You’re an adult, and adults must face the consequences of their actions. This world is harsh, everyone’s struggling to make their way, and nobody’s going to coddle you out of the goodness of their heart! I’m laying it out for you today, Elysia is under my protection – dare to mess with her again, and you’ll see!” With those cold words, Tarquin got up and left. Nola collapsed to the floor in a sobbing heap… Seeing this, Donovan snapped out of his daze and hurried after Tarquin, “Tarquin, Tarquin, please cool down. Nola’s just being foolish, she…” “You know she’s foolish, then keep her at home and teach her some sense until she’s fit to be seen in public! It’d spare everyone else from her nonsense!” Donovan’s face turned beet red with embarrassment, “Tarquin…” Tarquin continued, “A father’s failure is not teaching his children. Mr. Slater, you failed as a father and are not qualified to collaborate with the Bradford Group. All dealings with the Slater Group are suspended, effective immediately! Mr. Slater, you’d best spend this time at home teaching your daughter.” Donovan gasped, his eyes wide with shock. All their dealings suspended? This could be the death of the Slater family! – Donovan rushed out after him, “Tarquin, listen to me, I’ll discipline Nola, but we can’t stop the collaboration if it stops, the Slater family will…” Tarquin had already gotten into his car, not even glancing back. Lowell held Donovan back, his tone polite but his eyes distant, “Mr. Slater, don’t bother chasing after him. Tarquin’s not in the mood to talk. You might as well spend your energy having a heart–to–heart with your daughter. What Ms. Slater has been up to… well, it’s a sad state of affairs.” With a sigh, Lowell got into the car. Donovan watched Tarquin’s car drive away, stamping his foot in frustration. “Damn it all!” Donovan stormed off, cursing as he went to find Nola. Lowell, driving the car, glanced in the rear–view mirror to see Tarquin rubbing his temples and offered some advice, “Don’t let it get to you. At least Ms. Thorne is safe.” 1/2 10:10 “Am I upset over her? What does her being in trouble or not have to do with me?” Tarquin snapped back. Lowell’s lips twitched, “Right, right, my mistake. You’re not upset because of Ms. Thome, you’re upset because of Ms. Slater. She’s truly a femme fatale.” “Are you blind? Does she look like a femme fatale to you?” Lowell cleared his throat awkwardly. “Ahem, no, she’s just trouble.”