Old Madam Lu's lips curved into a faint, cold smile that didn't reach her eyes. "And why would you care now? After you abandoned both your sons without looking back? You think we will let you near him again just because you are crying in our hallway?"
Ting Cheng's eyes remained cold, though a flicker of pain crossed his gaze for a brief moment before disappearing. "Grandma is right," he said quietly, not looking at Yaya. "Don't pretend you care now. Ting Zhou doesn't need you, and neither do I."
Song Yaya's shoulders shook with silent sobs as she pressed trembling fingers to her lips, unable to form any defence.
Gabriel's gaze flickered briefly to Old Madam Lu, a quiet flicker of distaste crossing his usually impassive features before he lowered his eyes respectfully.
"She is still recovering from shock, Madam Lu," he said calmly. "Perhaps questioning her intentions can wait until later."
Old Master Lu's eyes narrowed slightly, his voice low and laced with warning. "We do not take instructions from outsiders in this household, young man."
Gabriel bowed his head slightly in silent acknowledgement but did not release his gentle hold on Yaya's elbow.
Ting Cheng let out a quiet exhale, his shoulders tense. Finally, he stepped forward and grasped Yaya's wrist firmly, dragging her back from the dining entrance to the mansion exit door onto the pavement.
"You are not seeing him," he said coldly, his voice flat and final. "Not now. Not ever."
"Please… please, Ting Cheng…" she sobbed as he pulled her away down the hall. But he did not look back, his grip unyielding as he dragged her towards the gate.
Zi Zhen watched them leave, his face unreadable as he turned back to his tea in silence.
Song Yaya stumbled as Ting Cheng dragged her through the elegant front hall, past gleaming marble floors and carved columns.
Her tears streamed endlessly down her cheeks, sobs wracking her thin frame as she tried to resist his grip.
"Please… please, Ting Cheng… don't do this… I just need to see him… just for a moment… please… I beg you…" Her voice broke with each pleading word, trembling and desperate.
Ting Cheng didn't even glance at her. His jaw remained tight, his eyes focused coldly ahead as he pulled her through the wide glass doors leading out to the paved courtyard.
The afternoon sun was glaringly bright against the polished black stone.
A few security personnel standing at the edges turned subtly away, their gazes avoiding the humiliating scene.
Yaya's knees gave out and she fell to the ground, gripping the hem of his shirt, her sobs loud and ragged, "Ting Cheng… please… please… don't do this… don't take him away from me… I'm still his mother… please… don't throw me away like this…"
"Get up," Ting Cheng said flatly, his voice devoid of emotion. When she didn't move, he bent down, his grip unyielding as he yanked her roughly to her feet.
Seeing his utter indifference, her desperation turned frantic. Her tear-reddened eyes darted around wildly before she began crying out hoarsely, "Lu Zhi Hao… Lu Zhi Hao… please… help me… don't let him do this to me… Lu Zhi Hao…!"
Her voice rang out sharply across the courtyard, echoing against the stone walls.
Ting Cheng's face darkened instantly. He turned to the two waiting guards nearby, gesturing curtly with his chin. "Take them away. Now. Too much noise and disturbing momma's sleep."
"Yes, Young Master." The guards stepped forward immediately, their gloved hands gripping Yaya's arms firmly but without gentleness.
"No… no… please, I'm begging you… Lu Zhi Hao… please…" Her cries turned hysterical as Gabriel tried to steady her, his own expression pale and grim.