Although, William Carter thought to himself that if he had raised a son who actually eloped with a woman and hadn’t come home for over ten years, he would probably, like Old Master, wish he could beat that unfilial son to death. But now that it was his own father getting beaten, it was a completely different matter.

William Carter looked up, still hoping that someone in the big family would plead for his father. But whether it was Second Uncle, Third Uncle, or any of the aunts, all wore numb expressions—especially Second Uncle, who looked on with a meaningful, unconcerned air.

The long whip flicked through the air with a sharp crack, about to come down hard.

But his father only knelt on the ground, prostrated and silent, looking as if he was resigned to his fate.

William Carter grew anxious. After years of living together, the bond between father and son had deepened. Besides, this time his father had brought him back for the sake of his future, hoping he could have a better environment.

William Carter didn’t hesitate any longer and quickly called out, “Grandfather…”

That clear call made Old Master’s hand pause slightly, and only then did he notice William Carter.

Strictly speaking, William Carter was also Old Master’s legitimate eldest grandson, and he was a handsome, charming boy that everyone liked.

Elderly people are always a bit more tolerant toward children. Mr. Carter’s expression visibly softened, no longer as ferocious as before.

‘Second Uncle’ also turned his gaze to William Carter and smiled, saying, “So you’re the nephew Spring and Autumn mentioned in my elder brother’s letters? Hmm… a good child. But were you born of Xiuniang?”

Xiuniang… was, of course, William Carter’s birth mother, the country girl his father had taken with him when he eloped. She was certainly pure and unspoiled, but…

William Carter could already sense that the slight softness in Old Master’s face was once again tinged with murderous intent.

This Second Uncle… what a piece of work. He just had to bring up the sorest subject. What Mr. Carter resented most was his son’s disobedience in running off with his mother. Now, by bringing up the past and reminding everyone that he was Xiuniang’s son, wasn’t he just adding fuel to the fire?

William Carter narrowed his eyes, unable to help but want to laugh. After all, he had lived two lifetimes—how could he let this inexplicable Second Uncle stab him in the back for no reason?

One must know one’s strengths and weaknesses, and William Carter was keenly aware of his own advantages.

He was young—youth itself was capital. So William Carter put on an innocent, naive look, blinking his eyes to appear obedient and adorable. Since Second Uncle had introduced him, of course he had to respond.

William Carter stepped forward obediently and said to Mr. Carter, “Grandson greets Grandfather.”

Polite and courteous, like a little gentleman.

His face still childlike, so in others’ eyes, no one would suspect a child of harboring any scheming thoughts. After all, young people… are always pure.

Mr. Carter was taken aback for a moment. Not only is it hard to strike someone who’s smiling, but William Carter had run up so affectionately and called him grandfather in such a clear voice—how could he continue beating his son now?

The Ye family was, after all, a family of learning and propriety. Even if Mr. Carter didn’t accept this grandson, he would never be excessively rude.

William Carter made a beautiful bow, and without pausing, took a few steps forward and bowed deeply to Second Uncle and Third Uncle, saying, “Nephew greets Second Uncle and Third Uncle. Spring and Autumn pays his respects.”

‘Second Uncle’ had been watching coldly from the sidelines, waiting for a good show. Now, seeing William Carter bow so humbly, he hesitated for a moment. He had to keep up appearances—if even a child could do this, how could he not?

Second Uncle had no choice but to stroke his beard, putting on an air of composure, and reluctantly squeezed out a word: “Good.”

Third Uncle laughed and quickly waved his hand, “No need for so much formality, dear nephew.”

The two men’s reactions were completely different, and the outwardly ‘innocent’ William Carter took note. Second Uncle clearly had a bias against him and his father—his perfunctory “good” made that obvious. He didn’t really acknowledge this nephew.

As for Third Uncle, though he was also perfunctory and a bit impatient, he didn’t seem to be a schemer, so at least he acknowledged William Carter as a worthy nephew.

William Carter then went over to the aunts standing to the side, greeting each one in turn, and even warmly greeted the children around his own age.

Old Master’s whip was still raised high, his face as dark as ever, glaring fiercely at Ye Jing, as if he wanted to swallow him alive. As for William Carter, his grandson, William Carter could sense the complexity of his feelings—he was, after all, the byproduct of Ye Jing’s grave mistake. Though he was a grandson, he was also the child of the woman Old Master had hated for over ten years.

Mr. Carter was filled with mixed emotions. He saw in this child a striking resemblance to Ye Jing, a faint echo of Ye Jing’s youthful charm, but also a trace of that detestable woman. Though the boy was polite and courteous, he still couldn’t swallow his anger.

Unfilial descendants!

Old Master was still seething with rage.

What William Carter did next was rather shameless.