Damien nodded in satisfaction. "This Women's Virtue Class truly lives up to its reputation. You’re much more sensible now."

"If I had known this place was so effective, I would have sent you here much earlier."

Keeping my head lowered, I replied softly, "You're right, Mr. Montclair."

The moment he heard me call him Mr. Montclair, Damien frowned in confusion.

He then spoke in a calm tone, "Although Veronica is gracious enough not to pursue the matter of you and your daughter beating her, you shouldn’t be shameless enough to pretend it never happened."

"I’ve transferred half of the company shares that belonged to you and your daughter to Veronica. Consider it compensation."

I lowered my head and stayed silent.

Damien snapped impatiently, "Vivian Winslow! Don’t you think you owe Veronica an apology?"

His harsh voice startled me. Trembling, I instinctively knelt before Veronica. "Ms. Sterling, I’m sorry. I was wrong."

Thud! I knelt down hard in front of Veronica.

This was the rule in Women's Virtue Class. It did not matter who was right or wrong. When scolded, you had to kneel, lower your head and admit your mistake.

Only by confessing quickly and humbly could you avoid harsher punishment.

Over time, this response had become a reflex engraved into my bones.

Damien yanked me up roughly. "Vivian, what the hell are you doing?"

Terrified, my face turned ashen and my body trembled uncontrollably.

Seeing this, Damien’s hand loosened slightly. "Vivian, what’s wrong with you? I’m your husband. Why are you so afraid? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Veronica quickly played the wronged victim and said, "Vivian must still resent me. She’s mocking us on purpose."

"Actually, you don’t have to apologize to me. It’s nothing for Vivian to hit me a couple of times."

Damien looked at her with pity, then turned and roared at me, "Vivian, you really never learn your lesson. I shouldn't have brought you back today. You should stay here for another six months!"

I panicked.

I dreamed day and night of escaping this hellish place. If I had to stay another half a year, I would lose my mind.

I knelt on the floor and begged desperately, "Mr. Montclair, I was truly wrong. Please, forgive me!"

I begged to Damien, then turned to beg to Veronica. "Ms. Sterling, I swear I’ll never dare to do it again. From now on, I’ll listen to everything you say."