Marcel observed me from the side. "You really do like Brice."

I was somewhat at a loss for words. "It's a girl, so you shouldn't call it Brice."

"How do you know it's a girl?"

I tilted my head and smiled. "I'm not telling you."

Marcel said, "You're just being mysterious."

At noon, Master Cox asked me to stay for lunch.

During the meal, Master Cox scolded Marcel non-stop. "Stop going against your dad. After getting beaten for over ten years, you still haven't learned your lesson. Look at all those injuries on you. Is that a new bruise on your face?"

Marcel ate quietly without speaking.

Marcel had a faint mark on his face, and if you looked closely, you could see a similar one on his neck, like he had been whipped.

I felt uneasy. "Master Cox, Marcel is such a good person, how can he still get beaten?"

Master Cox sighed. "His dad, not measuring up to his older brother, forces Marcel to be better than Dylan in everything, driving the kid into rebellion. Instead of reflecting, all he does is beat him senseless."

I bit my lip, feeling more unsettled. "Marcel is really good."

Master Cox smiled in surprise. "Yes, I also think Marcel is a good kid—smart and kind-hearted."

"Yes, yes!" I nodded vigorously.

Marcel tapped my arm. "Eat your meal and stop causing a fuss."

His tone seemed to soften a bit.

I smiled, keeping my head down and obediently eating.

After the meal, the old man asked Marcel to drive me home. Reluctantly, Marcel picked up his helmet, looked at my doll dress, and, with a cold face, put the helmet down. He grabbed the car keys and drove me to my doorstep.

When we arrived at home, he looked at me seriously. "Don't bother me. I'm not one of you pampered people."

I didn't respond and waved at him. "See you tomorrow!"

Marcel, annoyed, hit the gas and disappeared from sight.

Over the next few days, I visited Cox Villa from time to time.

My parents were thrilled and had already started imagining what my children with Dylan would look like.

I was so pleased to see Marcel begrudgingly come with me, trying to appear serious but failing, which was absolutely delightful.

Only Marcel wasn't happy. He was also confused. "Why are you constantly praising me? What's in it for you? My family's heir is Dylan. You should go block him at his company."

"I just don't want to." Hands behind my back, I grinned at him. "I just enjoy blocking you."