chapter687

"What did Daisy do at school this time? She got herself kicked out of the

International Medical Association is, and now I'm out too. If the Rivers family ends up blacklisted, we're done for." Wally's mind spun. He couldn't process what was happening.

Dad, you... you must be mistaken. How could you get kicked out of the International Medical Association?" He clapped a hand over his mouth as soon as the words escaped, but it was too late. Everyone heard that.

Ms. Powell and Ronald stared in shock. Mr. Rivers always had serious pull with the International Medical Association. That's the only reason the Rivers family had so much influence in the Capital. But now he'd been kicked out? Was this Kevin's doing? Kevin was a legend in the association. And now, everyone was even more curious about Lydia. Who was she, to have Kevin on her side?

Daisy just gaped, eyes wide and stunned. "Dad, how could Grandpa get kicked out? Are you sure you heard him right?"

Hadley sounded just as rattled. Honey, this has to be a mistake!"

Mr. Rivers heard them over the phone and nearly lost it. "Figure out who Daisy offended and tell her to apologize. Now! Make things right. If our family's position in the Capital takes a hit, none of us will be safe." With that, he slammed the phone down.

Wally just stood there, dazed. Daisy grabbed his arm, voice trembling. "Dad, what's going on? How could Grandpa-

"Quiet!" Wally barked.

Daisy had never seen him like this. Her eyes filled with tears. "Dad, you're yelling at me?"

Wally turned to Lydia, forcing a smile. "Hey, I'm really sorry. We're at fault for not raising Daisy right. She's spoiled, and now she'd offended you. I'll have her apologize right now."

Lydia just looked at him, unimpressed. "An apology now is too late."

Wally tried again. "Listen, whatever you want, just say the word. She'll do it, anything at all."

Lydia shrugged. "I'm not interested. Weren't you all leaving? Go on, don't stick around and make things worse."

Wally grinned, desperate. No, really, we're not leaving unless you forgive her. Not until you say so."

Daisy was on the verge of a breakdown. "Dad! What are you doing?"

But Wally yanked her in front of Lydia. "Get on your knees."

"Dad!" Daisy's voice cracked. She stared at him, like she didn't even recognize him. Had he lost his mind?

"No more arguing. Get down and apologize to her. Stay there until she forgives you."

He tried to push her to the floor, but

Daisy fought back, twisting away yelling No! I didn't do anything I whong Why should kneel and say sorry to her? If anyone should kneel, it's her!"

The sound of Wally's slap echoed through the room, sharp and

sudden A bright red print immediately spread across Daisy's cheek.

She stared at him, devastated. "Dad! Are you crazy? Why'd you hit me?"

Wally was shaking with anger. "You brought this on yourself. First day at this school and you already.caused a disaster. We've spoiled you rotten Today, you're going to learn your lesson. Apologize. If you don't make things right, I'll beat some sense into you!"