Chapter 6: Humiliation

It was intended as a tactic to scare off Fanix, but Brisa didn't expect him to be so stubborn.

When she heard the commotion from the security office, she started to regret it. 

Although she hoped Fanix would leave soon and stop causing trouble, she didn't want him to be beaten up, either. 

Even though their relationship was in the past, they had once been married, and she didn't want to see him badly hurt.

Just as Brisa was about to knock on the door to stop things, the door opened. 

The security team leader came out first, looking somewhat dejected.

Anxiety shot through Brisa as she looked inside.

"Sorry, Ms. Genry, we lost. We've disappointed you."

"Really?" Brisa was sceptical, looking around the security office to find Fanix was no longer inside.

"Absolutely. We failed our jobs," the team leader said, hanging his head.

Despite his unwillingness, the events from earlier had left a lasting impression.

The other security guards also testified, still in shock.

"Where is he?" Brisa asked, confused.

"We don't know. He was just inside a moment ago," the guards replied, equally puzzled.

"Alright, you can leave now."

Feeling strange, Brisa drove to her daughter Serin's kindergarten. As she got out of the car, she saw Fanix waiting for her there.

"Why are you appearing and disappearing like a phantom? What do you want?" Brisa was bewildered. How had he come here so quickly?

"I'm here to pick up our daughter. I was worried I might be late," Fanix said firmly, looking at the kindergarten entrance.

Fanix had disappeared quickly to avoid making things difficult for Brisa, and to prevent further gossip at the company.

With his battle-hardened prowess, a few security guards were nothing compared to him.

If he hadn't held back, they would have been incapacitated.

"Don't be crazy. Tell me the truth—did you bribe the security guards?"

Brisa was suspicious. The security guards were highly skilled and hired with a lot of money. How could Fanix have dealt with them so quickly?

There was only one explanation: he must have cheated.

"I didn't. The result is what it is," Fanix replied calmly.

"That's hard to believe. How did you become such a compulsive liar?" Brisa didn't believe him at all.

"You promised me, so fulfill it. Is it wrong for me to pick up our daughter?"

"You…" Brisa was at a loss for words, regretting her earlier actions. She should have avoided provoking him.

"Don't scare her when she comes out. I don't want to discuss this in front of her. We'll talk about it later."

Brisa huffed and rushed to greet her daughter as the teacher led her out.

But then, a woman suddenly rushed over and nearly knocked Brisa down.

Fanix quickly moved to support her.

"Watch where you're going, you idiot!"

The woman started shouting at Brisa. When their eyes met, they recognized each other.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to, Mrs. Dyson," Brisa apologized immediately, recognizing the woman as Thalira, the daughter-in-law of the powerful Dyson family.

The Dyson family was prominent in Norston, so it was best not to offend them.

Brisa had learned to endure and downplay such matters over the years, as she and Serin only had each other.

"Are you blind? Apologizing isn't enough. Can't you see you've broken my jade bracelet?" With her hands on her hips, Thalira continued to berate Brisa aggressively.

"I'm truly sorry, Mrs. Dyson. I'll pay for it. I'm just in a hurry to pick up my child." Brisa was apologetic, not wanting to escalate the situation.

But Thalira had other plans. Knowing that Brisa's company was growing and likely earning a lot, she saw an opportunity to make a big profit.

"Just because you have a child doesn't mean you can push me around. Do you think you can afford this jade bracelet? It costs millions. How will you pay for it?"

Brisa's face turned pale. She knew Thalira was looking for trouble, making unreasonable demands. 

"Mrs. Dyson, are you mistaken about the price? It's worth at most a few tens of thousands."

"What? Are you trying to shun responsibility? You said you'd compensate me, and many people heard it."

"If you can't afford it, then you should kneel and apologize publicly, slap yourself a few times and say you were blind. Then I might consider not pursuing this."

The commotion attracted a crowd, and though everyone knew what was happening, no one dared to speak up. They wanted to avoid implicating themselves.

Offending the Dyson family was bad news.

"Mrs. Dyson, don't be unreasonable. Please show some respect," Brisa said, feeling humiliated but still trying to maintain composure.

"Respect? Brisa, everyone knows you're a disaster and a disgrace. You caused your unfortunate husband Fanix to be jailed. Now you're flirting with your brother-in-law, Madsen. You're unworthy of respect!"

"Shut up and stop spreading lies!" Brisa was furious.

"Not admitting your faults, huh? I'll make sure to teach you a lesson in front of everyone." Thalira rolled up her sleeves and reached for Brisa's hair, preparing to slap her.

The woman was tall and hefty, and her imposing presence made Brisa seem small and weak.

Seeing that Brisa was about to be hurt, Fanix stepped in.

He slapped Thalira. A red mark appeared on her face.

Thalira was stunned and nearly fell over.

"You bitch. How dare you bring along backups? Who's this new pretty boy? You're quite capable, huh? You seduced so many men after your husband was taken away. You really have no shame."

"Shut up!"

Fanix slapped Thalira's face a few more times, showing no mercy.

She was bewildered. The woman stumbled and crouched down, crying. "You're doomed. Do you know who my husband is?"

"Of course I do. Carl Dyson, the eldest son of the Dyson family, right?" Fanix's eyes burned with fury. His fists were clenched, ready to crush Thalira.

Over the years, he had thoroughly investigated everything.

His imprisonment was related to the Dyson family.

Unexpectedly, these people came to him before he could seek revenge.

"Since you recognize me, don't think you can get away with this. I'll call my husband and have him deal with you."

Thalira, who usually relied on the Dyson family's power, was used to bullying others. She had never faced such humiliation before.

As she pulled out her phone, Fanix smashed it with a punch, shattering it.

The woman was frightened, especially since Fanix looked vengeful, exuding an intense aura.

"How dare you? Tell me your name, and let's see how my family will deal with you."

"I'm Fanix, Brisa's husband. Look at me carefully."

"What? You're Fanix? That's impossible. Aren't you in prison?" Thalira rubbed her eyes, panic showing on her face.

"Feeling guilty? Go back and tell your family that I will visit soon. They know exactly what they've done behind the scenes. It's time to pay up."

"I'll make sure you guys pay a hefty price."

Fanix took a step forward, causing Thalira to fall. She scrambled to her feet, trembling. "Watch yourself. You're finished."

"Still refusing to leave?" As Fanix raised his hand to strike again, Brisa intervened.

Thalira took the opportunity to run away in tears.

"Enough, Fanix. What are you doing? Do you know what you've done?"

Brisa had heard people around them talking. Fanix had openly humiliated Thalira, a blatant provocation to the Dyson family.

This could lead to serious trouble; it was like an ant trying to shake a tree.

"It's fine. It won't affect you. I'll handle it. Let's fetch Serin." Fanix remained calm, walking toward the kindergarten.

"You, stop right there. Do you know who you've angered? Have you gone insane while in prison? Have you forgotten how the Dyson family treated us?"

Brisa chased after him, but Fanix suddenly stopped and turned around.

Brisa couldn't stop in time and crashed into his embrace.