Archie Lockwood was furious. Grabbing Eleanor Bishop's arm, he prepared to go punish Rory. "Shirley Lockwood! Do you think I spoil you too much? Is that why you dare to tell such blatant lies in front of everyone?!"
"I didn't! I was telling the truth..." Shirley Lockwood retorted in a small voice, pouting guiltily.
Seeing that Shirley was still unrepentant, Archie Lockwood let go of Eleanor Bishop's arm, moved around her, and reached out to grab Rory.
"Ah..." As Archie suddenly let go of her, a bone-deep pain shot through Eleanor Bishop's legs. She lost her balance and toppled sideways.
Hearing her cry, Archie's heart leaped in shock. He quickly reached out, pulled her into a tight embrace, twisted his body, and cushioned her fall with his own.
The two of them hit the ground hard, and Archie Lockwood let out a muffled groan.
