Fiona rushed forward and shoved Richard Evans aside.

She shielded the Shiba Inu with her body. "Sir, please show mercy! He's still so small..."

Richard's eyes turned sinister. "Fiona, don't think taking care of the old lady gives you the right to be insolent! You're just a servant. Step aside now, or I'll deal with you too!"

The puppy seemed to sense the danger.

It struggled out of Fiona's arms.

Dragging its injured leg, it stood trembling on the ground.

It let out a weak bark at Richard.

"Clueless mutt!"

Richard raised the stick to strike—

Of course, he wasn't really angry at the dog.

But this was Evelyn Ross's dog.

The memory of yesterday's slap still burned on his face.

Even the servants were laughing at him behind his back...

Ruthlessness flashed in Richard's eyes.

He put more force into his swing.

This strike would make that little bitch heartbroken!

"Stop!"

Alexander Vance's voice was sharp and cold.

He had noticed the surveillance anomaly early and rushed over immediately.

His face was now dark as storm clouds.

He strode forward to grab the stick.

Richard instinctively stepped back, still trying to hit the dog—

But Alexander's strength was shocking.

He wrenched the stick away, making Richard's hand go numb.

Richard stared in disbelief.

Since when had his younger brother, whom he had bullied since childhood, become so strong?

Before he could react, the stick had changed hands.

Evelyn rushed to Fiona's side first.

The puppy saw her and whimpered pitifully.

It collapsed softly to the ground.

She carefully picked up the dog to examine it.

She found multiple fractures.

Not life-threatening, but it would need at least three months to recover.

Evelyn's eyes instantly reddened. "Kitty..."

The puppy seemed to sense her emotions.

It weakly licked the back of her hand.

Then it became listless.

Evelyn was furious.

Over the past month, this dog had become her closest companion.

It walked with her in the hospital.

It napped at her feet in the afternoon.

Every time she felt down, it comforted her like this...

Evelyn looked up sharply.

Her fists were clenched tightly. "He's just a puppy! How could you do this?"

Richard sneered. "A beast that bites its owner deserves to die. What, you dare hit me? The main house people will be here soon. If they see you disrespecting your elder brother, they can annul your marriage in the Family Shrine immediately!"

Evelyn trembled with rage.

Alexander, who had been about to throw the stick away, suddenly reversed its direction.

He struck Richard hard across the back!

A dull thud sounded.

Richard staggered several steps.

Sharp pain shot through his ribs.

He was about to explode in anger when Robert Vance's roar came from the doorway. "Alexander! How dare you strike your elder brother?!"

Evelyn looked up.

She saw Robert standing at the entrance with a spirited old man.

A large group of people followed behind them.

It was the secondary branch of the Vance family from the main house.

The Second Elder was eighty years old this year.

He presided over the Family Shrine and held a highly respected position in the clan.

Alexander had been sent to the secondary branch to be raised, escaping Richard's persecution.

Therefore, Alexander held great respect for this Second Grandfather.

Richard immediately began to complain tearfully. "Second Grandfather, you came just in time! Alexander tried to kill me over a dog!"

Alexander was about to explain when Evelyn spoke first. "Forget why the dog bit you. You nearly beat it to death. Is that just a lesson?"

Richard wiped his tears. "Second Grandfather, see? In their eyes, I'm worth less than a dog!"

Evelyn coldly laughed. "Don't compare yourself to a dog. You're not worthy."

Robert seized the opportunity to tattle. "Uncle, now you see, right? This is how arrogant and domineering he is!"

The Second Elder waved his hand. "Young people these days treat their dogs like children. I had a guard dog at my old home for over ten years. I'd be upset if anyone touched it too. Richard, you shouldn't have laid a hand on Alexander's dog."

Richard still wanted to argue.

Cecilia Evans timely appeared to smooth things over. "Father, it's not worth it over a dog."

She gave him a look.

Richard had no choice but to endure the pain and drop the matter.

The priority now was to execute their plan while the elders were present.

The Second Elder smiled and beckoned to Alexander. "Alexander, quickly introduce your wife."

Evelyn handed the puppy to Fiona to take for treatment.

Then she followed them inside.

After a brief introduction, Alexander whispered to her. "Go check if Grandma is awake first."

The Second Elder was of the same generation as the Matriarch.

It wouldn't be appropriate to disturb her rashly.

Evelyn nodded in agreement.

Cecilia wanted to stop her but didn't dare act recklessly.

She could only shake her head slightly at Researcher Liam Lawrence.

Evelyn smoothly entered the Matriarch's room.

The Matriarch heard the noise and slowly opened her eyes.

Seeing Evelyn, her eyes instantly lit up. "Granddaughter-in-law, I remember now!"

Evelyn was taken aback. "Remember what?"

"Remember how you and that rascal got your marriage certificate!"