“Miss Schultz, you are mistaken. I have no interest in you, and..

Roscoe's gaze turned icy and sharp. “Please don't use my first name.

"Ro..." Doreen began, but halted at his stern look, becoming silent.

"You have no interest in me?" Feeling slighted, Doreen challenged him directly, "Have you considered what aligning with me could offer you?"

She couldn't fathom his indifference. Being with her could cement his status in the Watts lineage. Otherwise, he risked being an outsider in the Watts family.

Doreen wasn't accustomed to such outright refusal, yet she found herself genuinely attracted to Roscoe's appearance. Thus, she uttered, softening her tone, “I'll overlook your previous remarks. Just offer an apology."

Doreen had extended a chance for amends.

Yet, Roscoe merely offered a faint smile, ignited the car's engine, and drove away. He had no interest in any woman other than Nicole.

Today's meet-up with Doreen was a direct command from his family.

That was all he had committed to. Just to ensure Doreen's safe return and nothing beyond that.

As Doreen watched the car's taillights fade, tears welled up in her eyes, and she began to weep at her doorstep.

At Doreen's cries, her parents hurried out, their expressions changing dramatically as they spotted Doreen weeping miserably. They promptly contacted Roscoe's father, expressing their displeasure about Roscoe's conduct.

Roscoe's father was understanding, assuring Doreen's parents that he would address the matter.

When Roscoe returned home, it was nearing 11 p.m.

The lights were on, illuminating the villa.

Sitting in the living room was Roscoe's father, exuding a stern aura from his chair. “Disobedient child, kneel!" he bellowed.

Roscoe, seemingly not catching his father's words, remained standing, his posture rigid.

Infuriated, Roscoe's father commanded the butler to fetch a stick over, wanting to have Roscoe yield.

The butler complied. This stick was unique, inflicting sharp pain without leaving visible marks.

Roscoe's father wielded the stick, striking Roscoe until the latter collapsed.