Chapter 17

“I… I have a daughter… I really do have a daughter!” Severin was more than pleasantly surprised. He hadn't imagined receiving such a blessing unexpectedly. Diane had become pregnant with his child after a drunken one-night stand and later given birth to his adorable daughter. Furthermore, Severin recognized Diane as a good woman—selfless, kind, and strong. She was the kind of woman he should protect, unlike gold-diggers like Lucy, who valued vanity and money above all else.

The woman before him possessed a character and aura that transcended her ordinary clothes; her almost flawless face radiated beauty. Diane had suffered greatly over the past five years, and Severin vowed silently to compensate her for everything she had endured. He wanted to convince her she hadn't chosen the wrong man and was determined to fulfill his responsibilities as a good father.

Diane's expression remained cold. She looked at Trevor one last time before saying, “Mr. Trevor, out of courtesy to the Shanahans, I hope you’ll let Severin go.”

To her surprise, Trevor laughed. “Haha! I’m sorry, Miss Diane. I might have shown the Shanahans courtesy in the past, but I can’t today.” His expression turned icy. “That bastard Severin ruined my son’s wedding and tore off one of his fingers. I’ll let him leave alive out of courtesy to you, but I’ll cripple him before he goes!”

One of the Loughs’ relatives added, “He’s right. We Loughs would have lost face before so many wealthy businessmen if we let this slide. We can’t let Severin off the hook!”

Diane’s expression hardened. She glared at them. “Don’t cross the line, Trevor. The Loughs can’t afford to offend a third-tier upper-class family like the Shanahans.”

Trevor sneered. “You’re right, I wouldn’t dare offend the Shanahans. Any courtesy shown will be for them, not you! You’ve been disowned by the Shanahans, haven’t you? Now you deliver food. Do you think they’ll help you?”

Easton, initially intimidated by Diane’s aura, quickly recovered, grinning. “Ah, so your bastard child is Severin’s! That explains why you kept it secret. Still deluded into thinking you’re the Shanahans’ darling daughter, the beautiful, frosty president you once were? Reduced to food delivery, how can you protect a rash fool like Severin?”

Lucy chuckled. “A woman with an illegitimate child is a perfect match for an ex-convict!” She folded her arms. “Aren’t you a fool? You were a rich young lady, but you had to get involved with him. This is the consequence of your actions. I’m glad I got Easton’s love!”

Diane, indignant, stepped forward and kicked Easton, who was crouching. “My daughter is not a bastard!”

Lucy jumped up, raising her hand to strike Diane. “As if anyone would believe that. If she isn’t, why were you so afraid to tell everyone who her father was?” Severin strode forward, grabbing Lucy’s arm. With minimal effort, he sent her staggering back, collapsing to the ground. “Ahh!” Lucy, fiercely glaring at Severin, cried, “Did you hit a woman? What kind of man are you?”

“From now on,” Severin declared, “anyone who bullies my woman or daughter will deal with me. I won’t spare anyone who crosses the line. That includes you!” He glared frigidly at Lucy.

Diane felt a touch of warmth. Though he seemed like a jerk and a scumbag, he fearlessly defended her. Lucy, gritting her teeth, glared at Severin.

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