Part 3The Wicked Father

Frank raised the axe.

I opened the door voluntarily, but he didn't stop.

"How dare you disrespect your father. You might as well die."

Frank wasn't well-educated. He had boxed since childhood. In his world, fists were everything. Moreover, in this household he was the law, with absolute control.

So this life he had given, he could take back whenever he pleased.

The axe blade stopped just an inch from the top of my head. At the critical moment, Mia threw herself at me and we dodged. But because we were so close, it grazed her scalp.

The axe was razor-sharp. Even that light touch left Mia with a bald patch and a trickle of blood. She held me, sobbing dramatically.

Hit them and then offer a sweet. I knew this routine well.

She feared that if I died, there would be no one to share her burden. She would once again become the sole target.

Frank moved to strike me again. The normally stubborn Mia crumpled with a light shove. Her face contorted with anguish as she wept uncontrollably.

"Lucas, Mommy is so sorry. I can't protect you. Just endure it, don't fight back. It'll be over soon."

I watched the scene before me with cold eyes.

I knew very well that if I didn't give them what they wanted, I might not make it out of here alive today.

I knelt down and hugged Frank's leg, my voice choked with emotion.

"Dad, I'm sorry. I just didn't want to let go of such an amazing father. Everyone here knows you're my dad. They're all afraid of you, so no one dares bully me."

"That's why I want to be as strong as you."

I had always been obedient. Frank was taken aback, but soon couldn't hide his pleased smile.

"So that's how it is. Dad was wrong to doubt you."

Mia's expression was strange.

Everyone knew Frank loved being flattered, but this was the first time she had seen him admit he was wrong.

I silently observed everything from the corner.

Mia still didn't understand. The more someone lacks something, the more they crave it.

Frank claimed education was useless, yet he forced Jason to study. What he cared about most was people saying he was all brawn and no brains. He was terrified of misunderstanding others, often checking the dictionary multiple times for a single phrase.

In my past life, as soon as Mia was beaten, I immediately dropped out of school. I didn't even finish middle school. Now, taking advantage of Frank's good mood, I asked to finish middle school.

It was only a few months difference. Frank agreed without hesitation.

Those few months passed quickly. After graduation, I chose to work out of state, saying there were more opportunities. Frank was very supportive.

On my first day there, a message came in the family group chat.

Frank: When do you get paid?

Frank: Never mind, just hand it all over at the end of the year.

Me: Okay.

The conversation ended there.

I sent Frank a photo of a factory, then turned and walked in the opposite direction.

Outside First High School, the grade director and homeroom teacher of Class 1 were eagerly waiting, wringing their hands in anticipation of the arrival of Lucas Li, the top scorer in the high school entrance exam.