Joanna's piercing shrieks echoed through the banquet hall.
Mark rushed over, eyes filled with barely contained anguish, to find her arm burned bright red.
"Who did this?"
Joanna remained silent, tears streaming as she cast a fearful glance at Meredith.
Understanding dawned on Mark. He bellowed at Meredith, "Meredith! You want to die?"
A server who had witnessed everything intervened, "She scalded herself by accident. It wasn't anyone else's fault."
Joanna buried herself deeper in Mark's arms. "Mark, I didn't..."
Mark snarled at the server, "Don't lie to me! One call, and you're out! Understand?"
Seeing his rage, Joanna choked back sobs. "Mark, I'm fine… it was my fault. Don't blame Meredith."
Mark's fury peaked as he growled at Meredith, "You'll pay for this today!"
He snapped at another server: "Bring me boiling tea!"
Wrenching Meredith's arm, he raised the cup.
"You'll feel the same pain Joanna did!"
Meredith struggled wildly against his deranged act.
"Mark! You'd take her word over everything?"
He increased the pressure, tilting the cup toward her—
A commanding voice cut through. "Enough!"
The crowd turned to see Rachel, leaning on Sarah, hobbling forward.
"She's your wife!" Rachel gasped, horrified. "What are you doing?"
Meredith pleaded, "Grandma, it's not a big deal. Sarah, take her to the lounge now!"
Rachel clung to her. "I'm not leaving! Meredith, how long has he been treating you like this? Why did you never tell me?"
Tears streaked Rachel's reddened eyes.
Unable to face her, Meredith hissed at Mark, "Let go! Not in front of Grandma—do whatever you want later, but remember your promise!"
Joanna whimpered, "Mark… it hurts…"
Mark's grip turned vise-like, eyes bloodshot. "No one can hurt Joanna! Not you, not that old woman!"
Rachel clutched her chest, wheezing—
"Rachel!" Meredith screamed.
"Go to hell!"
Mark flung the scalding tea—
With her last strength, Rachel threw herself between them. The boiling water poured over her, leaving angry red marks on her wrists and neck.
Meredith broke free from Mark's grip and flung herself at Rachel, clinging to her as tears poured down her face.
"Grandma…"
Mark scoffed with contempt. "Stop pretending."
Just then, the banquet hall doors burst open, and Charles strode in, flanked by his entourage.
Mark hurried forward, tone awkward. "Mr. Johnson, you've arrived."
Charles took in the scene with a sardonic smile. "The Perry Family's birthday banquet is quite lively, I see."
Hearing his voice, Meredith looked up. Their eyes met, and she froze.
Surprise flickered in Charles's eyes, but seeing Meredith's tear-streaked face, his brow furrowed immediately.
"What's going on here?"
Mark bowed slightly, stammering, "Mr. Johnson, this is my wife. We're dealing with a private matter."
Charles gazed intently at Meredith, his tone inscrutable. "Oh, Mrs. Perry. It's been a while."
Aksara