The living room fell into complete silence.
No one dared answer Old Master Li's question.
His sharp gaze swept across everyone before stopping on Li Nana's swollen cheek.
The red handprint was impossible to ignore.
"Who did this?" he asked again, his voice calm but commanding.
Mrs. Li lowered her head.
"...I did."
Old Master Li frowned.
"You struck your own daughter without even hearing her explanation?"
Mrs. Li bit her lip.
"Dad, she falsely accused Naxa of drugging her. She even disappeared for an entire night. The Li family's reputation has been damaged."
Old Master Li turned toward Nana.
"Nana, tell me what happened."
Nana hesitated.
She looked at her parents and then at Li Naxa.
Finally, she spoke calmly.
"Someone put something in my drinks at the birthday party. A man later entered my hotel room. I escaped before anything could happen."
The room became quiet once again.
Ji Yin's hands clenched into fists.
Li Naxa forced herself to remain calm.
Mrs. Li scoffed.
"Do you have any proof?"
Nana slowly shook her head.
"No."
"Then stop making up stories!" Mrs. Li snapped.
"Enough!"
Old Master Li slammed his cane onto the marble floor.
The loud sound startled everyone.
"I don't care whether there is proof yet," he said coldly. "The first thing you should have asked was whether Nana was safe."
His disappointed gaze landed on Mr. Li.
"You've failed as a father."
Mr. Li lowered his head in shame.
Old Master Li walked over to Nana and gently examined the bruise on her cheek.
"Does it hurt?"
Nana smiled faintly.
"I'm alright, Grandpa."
He sighed.
"No child of the Li family should be treated like this."
Li Naxa's heart sank.
She knew her grandfather had always wanted to accept Nana, but this was the first time he had openly defended her.
"From today onward," Old Master Li announced, "no one in this house is allowed to bully Nana."
His cold eyes swept across Ji Yin.
"And you."
Ji Yin quickly stood up.
"Grandpa."
"You are Nana's fiancé. Instead of protecting her, you questioned her."
Ji Yin forced an embarrassed smile.
"I... I was only trying to understand the situation."
Old Master Li snorted.
"I hope your actions will match your words in the future."
Ji Yin secretly gritted his teeth.
The old man had embarrassed him in front of everyone.
After a few more words, Old Master Li turned to Nana.
"Come with me."
Nana followed him to his study on the second floor.
The room was filled with old books, paintings, and family photographs.
Old Master Li poured her a cup of warm tea.
"Sit."
Nana obeyed.
He looked at her quietly for a long moment.
"I know this family has wronged you."
Nana remained silent.
"I was abroad receiving treatment for my health when you returned to the Li family. By the time I came back, many things had already happened."
He sighed deeply.
"I should have protected you sooner."
Nana smiled gently.
"It's not your fault, Grandpa."
Old Master Li nodded.
"I may be old, but I can still tell when someone is lying."
His eyes grew serious.
"I believe you."
Those three words struck Nana's heart.
For three years...
No one in the Li family had ever said that to her.
Her eyes became slightly moist.
"Thank you, Grandpa."
Old Master Li reached into a drawer and handed her an old jade pendant carved with a dragon.
"This belonged to your grandmother. Keep it with you."
Nana accepted it respectfully.
"I'll treasure it."
The old man smiled warmly.
"One more thing."
"If anyone bullies you again..."
He looked at her with pride.
"Don't endure it."
"Fight back."
A small smile appeared on Nana's face.
She wasn't a weak girl.
She had simply chosen patience.
But perhaps...
It was time to stop staying silent.
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