Chapter 486
Chapter 486:
The moment she stepped into the hallway, a sharp crack split the air behind her, followed by Casper’s guttural roar.
“I’ve indulged your antics, turning a blind eye to them all,” Casper shouted, his voice vibrating with rage. “But today, you dared to ruin the engagement your grandfather arranged for your cousin! You brat, you’ve crossed a line p>
The whip came down again and again, its vicious snap echoing through the walls.
And yet, Brenden said nothing. No sharp retort. No dramatic outburst.
Outside, Fiona felt her throat tighten, her eyes stinging with tears. Every crack of the whip from inside the house tore through her, making her want to bolt back in and shield Brenden from the storm.
Hanley’s arm shot out, stopping her in her tracks. His voice was ice. “This is between the Moss and Howard families. You will not interfere p>
“But it was my idea. Brenden only went along with it to help—” Fiona’s voice trembled, desperation breaking through her usual bravado.
“Not. Another. Word. We cannot afford to offend the Moss family,” he said, his tone low but merciless. “And we certainly cannot afford to provoke the Howards. Do you understand p>
𝖳𝗁𝖾 𝖻𝖾𝗌𝗍 𝗋𝖾𝗏𝗂𝖾𝗐𝗌 𝗈𝗇
Hanley’s gaze hardened, sharp as a blade.
Swallowing hard, Fiona nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Understood p>
Without another word, Hanley dragged Fiona home, his words like iron, warning her over and over to cut ties with Brenden and never again cross the Howard family.
Fiona bit back her protest, fearing she might lose her monthly allowance, and simply nodded in reluctant obedience.
But the very next day, Fiona slipped out of the house and made her way to Brenden’s place.
Inside, Brenden lay on his stomach, his body stiff and battered. Every movement was agony, but when he saw her, he still managed a crooked grin.
“What are you doing here?” he drawled, as if nothing was wrong.
Fiona didn’t answer. Instead, she knelt beside him, carefully lifting the hem of his shirt. The moment his back came into view, her breath caught.
“It must… it must hurt like hell,” she whispered, her voice trembling despite her effort to sound steady.
Brenden chuckled, though the sound was strained. “This? Nah. I’m a tough guy. Give me a few days and I’ll be good as new p>
Fiona’s lips pressed into a thin line, her silence louder than words.
With a wince, Brenden shifted, inching closer to her. “What’s this look? Feeling guilty p>
Her brows knitted in frustration. “You’re seriously hurt. Stop moving p>
“Then do me a favor,” he said lightly, though his eyes softened. “Stop picking on Gabriela p>
Fiona’s temper flared, sharp and instant. She rolled her eyes, heat rising to her cheeks.
Why was she feeling sorry for this idiot?
Even now, bloodied, bruised, and barely able to move, he was still thinking about Gabriela.
Did that woman even bother to come check on him?