Old Mr. Shaw's heart ached for her. 'What a sensible child.' "How could you be an outsider? A daughter who marries out is like water that's been thrown away—*she's* the real outsider."
Ruth Shaw was furious. "Dad, she's doing this on purpose!"
"You still dare to talk back!" Old Mr. Shaw struck her even harder.
Ruth Shaw couldn't take it anymore and bolted out the door.
The outburst left Old Mr. Shaw panting for breath.
Cecilia Adler handed him a glass of water, then started rubbing his back and massaging his shoulders.
Ronan Shaw was dumbfounded. 'That was a textbook case of getting someone else to do your dirty work. She's an absolute master at it.'
This only made Old Mr. Shaw like her more. 'Look at this child—so perceptive and devoted.' Once his breathing evened out, he said, "Cecilia, don't rush home. How about coming with me to see your father?"
Cecilia Adler made an excuse. "I'd love to, but my stomach hurts from when I was hit earlier."
