Chapter 852 Threat Warning
Dalton just stared at Hailey, not saying a word. After what felt like forever, he finally plopped down on the couch, legs crossed all casual-like.
"You know why I did it, right?" he asked.
"Yeah, 'cause she told the truth and it pissed you off. Didn't think Mr. Bennett would be so thin-skinned, can't even handle his own kid's honesty," Hailey shot back.
Dalton's face twisted with anger, his brow furrowing like a storm was brewing.
He sneered, "Hailey, if she wasn't my daughter, do you think she'd still be breathing to come whine to you? She's alive 'cause she's my kid, that's it."
Hailey shook with rage. "So, she should be thanking you for not killing her?"
"She's my daughter, sure, but we're divorced. No one gets to tell me what to do. Vicky's been spoiled by you, turned into a brat," Dalton added.
Hailey laughed bitterly. "Spoiled by me? Should I raise her like you raise William? Dalton, you know exactly what kind of person you are. I don't care how you treat William, but Vicky is my daughter, the one I gave birth to. Mess with her again, and you'll regret it."
Hailey had never been this mad. Even during their marriage, she was always the calm one.
Even when they split, she kept her cool.
This was the first time Dalton had seen her lose it.
"Then make sure Vicky knows not to mess with me or stick her nose in my business. I can't promise what'll happen next time," Dalton warned.
"Dalton, I want your word!" Hailey's voice rose. "Don't pick on Vicky no matter what she does.. Hurt her, and I swear, you'll regret it."
She stepped closer. "Don't forget how you got your status. No matter how powerful you think you are, don't get cocky with the Smith family. We gave you everything, and we can take it all back."
Dalton's face tightened, his eyes cold.
Hailey pressed on, "I haven't lost my temper in years, but if you really push me, all bets are off. Vicky is my daughter. Hurt her again, and you and Mia won't escape the fallout."
"Hailey!" Dalton stood up, shouting, "This has nothing to do with Mia. Leave her out of it."
Hailey's voice was icy, "You care about her that much? Good. Remember my warning."
They'd already torn each other apart, no going back now. Hailey had put up with a lot, thinking it was over.
But she never thought she'd face Dalton like this again.
As a father, he could be so cruel to Vicky, nearly choking her to death.
Even Hailey had her limits.
"Do you really have to threaten me?" Dalton asked, barely holding back his anger.
"Yeah, I do. People like you don't get it otherwise."
He even hurt his own daughter.
Dalton said, "Hailey, the best I can promise is if Vicky doesn't provoke me, I won't mess with her. But you better keep her in check. If she mouths off or does something crazy, even you won't be able to protect her."
Hailey took a deep breath and walked out of the office.
