Thomas wasn't a fool. Ever since Logan returned, the entire Parker family had been walking on eggshells. That alone said everything—Logan's power overshadowed William's, and even the whole Parker family's.
Logan had saved Parker's Corporation during the crisis. That alone demonstrated his strength. Who wouldn't envy that?
If Thomas could become Logan's father-in-law, the benefits would be immeasurable. The more he thought about it, the better it sounded.
But first—Natalie was still angry.
He needed to calm her down before making the next move. With that thought, Thomas turned to Hailey, his expression darkening.
"Apologize. Now!"
Hailey was stunned, tears spilling over. She had always been her father's favorite. When had he ever yelled at her like this?
"Dad…"
"Don't 'Dad' me. You did something wrong. Apologize to your sister!"
Biting her lip, Hailey lowered her head in reluctance. "I'm sorry."
Natalie raised an eyebrow. "What exactly are you sorry for?"
"I… I shouldn't have stayed quiet when I realized William was plotting against you. I should've stopped him…"
"So, you let it happen, but didn't participate?" Natalie pressed.
Hailey broke down. "Yes! I didn't participate! William isn't someone who listens to others. I didn't support him—I just couldn't stop him."
Natalie smiled coolly. If she let Hailey keep talking, she might just absolve herself completely.
But she wasn't done.
"Then tell me—why did William confide in you that he was plotting against me? When did you two start working together? Aren't you aware that he's my fiancé?"
That question hit hard.
Hailey's guard dropped and she grew defensive. "Don't make it sound so bad! William grew up with both of us. Sure, he's your fiancé—but he's also my close friend. What's wrong with us talking?"
"Do you need to sleep together to talk?" Natalie shot back.
Hailey's face turned sheet white. "How did you know…? No—I mean—we're innocent. Don't twist things!"
Natalie smiled again.
So, Hailey and William had been involved long before she thought. She had believed it started after Hailey's illness had shown signs of recovery.
Thomas and Ashley exchanged shocked looks.
Although Hailey didn't say a word, her expression and reaction said everything.
"Hailey, you must be confused. How could you… how could you…" Ashley's voice trembled with both anger and concern. "Did you take your medication? You can't be pregnant, right?"
Hailey's face flushed with embarrassment, and she shot a furious glare at Natalie.
Natalie met her gaze head-on, calm and unflinching.
Thomas remained composed, his eyes shifting between his two daughters. Then, without warning, he grabbed the floor lamp beside the sofa and swung it at Hailey.
Hailey didn't move an inch. She continued staring at Natalie, unwavering and determined.
It wasn't that she didn't fear pain—it was that she knew Thomas wouldn't dare truly hit her.
Because she was ill.
Thomas had used her illness to craft an image of her as an inspirational figure battling a chronic disease. He even launched the Hailey Foundation under her name, supposedly to aid children with blood disorders, though in truth, it was a scheme to help the Roberts family amass wealth.
Hailey was their golden ticket. Her popularity rivaled that of young celebrities. If she were harmed, the Roberts family would face unimaginable losses.
But this time, she had misjudged.
As Thomas raised the lamp, Natalie stepped forward and grabbed his arm.
He hadn't really planned to hit Hailey—her fragile condition meant even a minor injury could become serious. So while he raised the lamp in a show of anger, he didn't put much force behind it.
But Natalie's intervention caused the lamp to swing back and hit Hailey squarely on the shoulder with its heavy base.
Hailey let out a cry of pain, tears welling in her eyes, but before she could react further, Natalie's voice cut through the tension.
"Dad, don't hit my sister. If you hurt her, I'll have to give her a blood transfusion again! But now, I belong to Master Logan. Do you think he'll just stand by while I donate blood to her?"
Hailey choked on her sobs. Damn Natalie! Just one night with Logan, and she thought she was superior now? Using her new relationship like a badge of power—didn't she fear backlash?
As Hailey silently cursed Natalie, Thomas's expression shifted.
In the past, no one had questioned Natalie giving Hailey blood. They were sisters—it was expected. Even the Parker family hadn't objected.
But Logan was a different story. His ties with the Parker family were strained. Now that Natalie was involved with him, would he really sit back and watch the woman he cared about donate blood to someone else? Certainly not.
Thomas's gaze on Natalie grew complex, with a flicker of admiration. He sensed a shift in her—a newfound confidence.
And he knew exactly where it came from.
Logan.
Natalie had won Logan's favor, and that alone changed everything. She could no longer be treated like a walking blood bank.
As for Hailey—sure, her rare blood type was hard to match, but the world was vast. Someone else out there had to have it.
Thomas finally spoke, his voice resolute.
"You did nothing wrong, Natalie. You don't have to give her blood anymore."
Just hold on to Logan.
"What?" Hailey's voice cracked with disbelief.
So that was Natalie's goal all along—to escape the fate of being her personal blood bank!
At that moment, Ashley rushed over and pulled open Hailey's clothing. The area where the lamp struck was red and bruised, but not bleeding.
Still, Ashley sobbed as though Hailey were on the brink of death.
Thomas's face turned cold.
"Enough. She's not bleeding. Why are you crying like she's dying?"
Hailey clenched her teeth in frustration. She knew she'd lost this round.
At least in their father's eyes, Natalie's value now surpassed hers—all because of one night with Logan.
How absurd!
Images of Logan flashed through Hailey's mind. The man who had only recently returned to the country and had turned down countless socialites.
With Natalie's plain appearance, how could she have caught his attention?
Maybe she was just a temporary substitute—an antidote he needed in desperation.
Hailey scoffed internally. Natalie wanted to leverage Logan's power to free herself from being used? How naive.
As Hailey simmered with rage, Natalie's next words pushed her further to the edge.
"Dad, since Hailey already had that kind of relationship with William, you can't let her be wronged. William should take responsibility."
Thomas nodded seriously. "Of course. Responsibility must be taken."
Both Natalie and Hailey were supposed to bring value to the Roberts family.
But now that Natalie was involved with Logan, there was no need to cling to William anymore.