Who's Crying Now, Ex-Husband? novel Chapter 41

The second-floor lounge of the hotel was quiet, save for the sudden, sharp sound of the door slamming shut.

"Smack!"

Mila hadn't even had the chance to utter a word before the shocking scene unfolded before her eyes. Roland, who had always seemed so gentle and amiable, had just delivered a forceful slap to Ryan's face as soon as they entered. The blow was so powerful that Ryan's handsome face immediately started to swell.

Mila stood frozen, taken aback by the swift and unexpected violence from the eldest Lockwood brother. He looked every bit the charming gentleman, yet his actions were anything but gentle, especially considering he was hitting his own brother. Despite herself, Mila couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction at the sight.

Still, she knew her place as an outsider and understood that Roland's actions were likely a form of discipline. After all, Ryan had done something incredibly foolish—pushing someone down the stairs at a family gathering, right in front of everyone. This wasn't something that could be resolved with a mere slap.

She stood silently at the door, watching the scene unfold without a word.

...

"What are you doing, big brother?" Ryan screamed, his voice high-pitched and laced with humiliation as he clutched his burning, swollen cheek.

"Idiot!" Roland spat, anger written across his face. He swung his hand again, delivering another resounding slap to Ryan's other cheek, causing him to stumble backward.

"I've been too lenient with you while I was abroad," Roland continued, his voice sharp with reproach. "You went and pulled a stunt like that at a family dinner, embarrassing our family name. It's beyond foolish!"

Ryan, both cheeks now red and swollen, glared back furiously. "Mila is no guest! I didn't invite her. She came uninvited, and had the nerve to bully Giselle. She deserved what she got! And you hit me over a nobody!"

Ryan didn't get far. Just as he swung a fist in Mila's direction, Roland grabbed him, pinning him to the ground and delivering a few decisive blows. Ryan lay there, defeated.

"I'll tell Mom that you're no longer my brother!" Ryan croaked weakly, eyes filled with resentment as he glared at Mila. She was unfazed—this kind of look was nothing new to her since she married Lysander.

Roland tossed the bat aside, crouched down, and patted his brother's cheek lightly, a smile playing on his lips. "I forgot to mention, once this family dinner is over, Mom and Dad are moving abroad permanently. I'll be managing the Lockwood affairs here, including you."

Ryan's expression soured instantly.

"Your behavior is a result of our parents spoiling you," Roland said, his voice firm. "But now that I'm settling back here, you know what kind of person I am. As the eldest, I'll be taking charge."