His wife trailed behind him. Despite her heart being filled with resentment, she maintained a submissive demeanor.

Maggie was taken aback and quickly moved to support him.

“Sanford, I'm sorry. Did we disturb you?"

Sanford slipped his arm around her shoulder, his eyes scanning her face. His smile faded in an instant.

He gently lifted her chin and asked, “Who hit you?"

Maggie glanced at him, then at her aunt, remaining silent.

Her aunt, however, responded defiantly, “I did it!”

Sanford's handsome features hardened, his voice icy as he asked, "Did you hit her?"

"Yes, I did."

Her aunt shot an angry glare at Maggie.

“This ungrateful girl has made my daughter suffer. As her elder, shouldn't I discipline her?"

The atmosphere around Sanford turned oppressive and frosty, his handsome visage etched with disapproval.

Worried that his movements might agitate his injury, Maggie quickly caught hold of him, saying, “Let it go. I refuse to stoop to her level. Let me assist you back to bed."

Sanford glanced at her. The moment his eyes met hers, clear and resolute, the malevolent aura around him dissipated slightly.

“Hold on. I have something to say."

He pivoted, fixing his gaze on Blake and his wife.

"Did you hear what Maggie just said? If you fail to correct Yana's behavior, society will inevitably do it for you.

If you believe someone should answer for my actions, then confront me.

Don't harass her. If your anger is still not placated, come after me for your daughter's sake. But should anyone dare to harm Maggie again, I assure you I will return it twofold!"

His tone was stern, his formidable aura radiating a sense of command, daunting to behold.

Being ensconced in his protective embrace, Maggie could sense his resolve to defend her, which melted her heart.

She swallowed back her tears, held onto him, and guided him back to his ward.