Chapter 563
As night fell, the crescent moon rose into the sky. A few crows occasionally flapped by, their standing ones piercing he darkness. The forest surrounding the Watron family estate, already shrouded in mystery dowing the bay, com
more eerie.
A sharp, chilling sound of a whip cracking through the air rang out from within the villa
meh ma
It was the same underground chamber where Hank had been confined earlier that morning Lyta knee on the cold groned, her body covered in wounds.
Standing beside her was a burly man dressed in black, gripping a whip stained with traces of blood. He lashed her over and over, yet despite the pain, Lydia never uttered a single cry.
Seated on the sofa across from her was her father–Tristan. His expression was calm, devoid of any trace of pity as he watched his daughter being punished.
The assistant standing beside Tristan sighed, unable to bear the sight any longer. “Mr. Walton, if this continues, Ma. Wilton might not make it.”
Only after this reminder did Tristan finally give the black–clad man a subtle glance.
Receiving the signal, the man immediately stopped. Lydia was already battered and bruised, her body trembling lightly us she lifted her gaze to meet her father’s.
Tristan looked down at her. “Do you know what you did wrong?”
Lydia hesitated. She nodded, then shook her head. “I don’t know. Father, please enlighten me?
Tristan suddenly slammed his palm against the table and stood up in anger. “Your mistake was being arrogant and recklesst Remember what I instructed you this morning? You weren’t supposed to do anything to Hank. All you needed was to get
him to talk!
“If he refused to speak, that was fine. We could take our time, treat him with courtesy. But what did you do instead?
“Go check the surveillance footage yourself. You didn’t just threaten him–you even grabbed him by the throat! And now look what you’ve done. You gave him leverage against us, and worse, you lured Morris’s newlywed wife into the mess
“If that boy truly shares blood ties with Arthur, then tell me how am I supposed to face Arthur? How am I supposed to continue working with him in court?
“There was already a deep rift between Arthur and me, and now you’ve made it even worse. Tell me, how do I clean up your
mess?”
Lydia, bloodied and weak, slowly got to her feet. She let out a soft chuckle. “Father, do you really think that boy, Hank, didn’t already have his guard up? From the moment you had people bring him here, he knew exactly what was happening.
“As for Morris’s wife, Cherise–I dare say even you might not be her match. Why waste your efforts on futile pursuits?
“You’re already at the pinnacle of power. Why risk everything just to chase after something even more unattainable?”
The moment those words left her lips, Tristan became livid. Without warning, he swung his hand and slapped Lydia across the face.
Already gravely injured, Lydia was sent sprawling to the ground by the force of the slap. She didn’t shed a single tear, leaving her emotions unreadable–maybe it was resentment, or something else. Only a mocking smile curled at the corner of her lips.
Tristan towered over her, his voice cold and disdainful. “Remember this–your mother was nothing more than a prostitute.
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Chapter 563
If not for me, you’d still be wandering the world as a beggar.
“If I hadn’t hidden your mother’s identity, do you think you would have ever set foot inside the Walton residence? Do you think you’d be enjoying the luxury you have now? Just your grandparents alone would have never allowed it!
“My fate is tied to yours. If I rise, so do you. But if I fall, you fall with me.” With that, Tristan turned and strode away, his assistant and the black–clad men following close behind.
A few minutes later, the sound of a car engine roared to life. As it faded into the distance, Lydia finally straightened up.
She reached out with a trembling hand, wiping away the mix of blood and tears from her face. At that moment, no one could tell whether the emotions in her eyes were fury…or sorrow.
Jean informed Lucas and Mary about what had happened to Hank, and in turn, they passed the news to Arthur, who was currently abroad.
Upon hearing about it, Arthur outright refused to let Hank return to Charity Orphanage, insisting that Morris keep him at the Jarrett residence instead.
“Morris, why did you bring me here?” Hank protested. “I need to go back to Charity Orphanage. If something happens there, I’ll be worried”
Hearing this, Mary immediately spoke up. “No way. Morris did the right thing. Your father went through so much trouble to find you–you have to stay safe and stay alive. It’s better for you to stay home, where it’s safer.
“We don’t know what the Walton family is up to, but whatever it is…it’s terrifying.”
Hank was torn. He turned to Cherise. “Ms. Leach, do you think so?”
Cherise nodded. “That’s right. If you go back, Charity Orphanage might end up in an even more dangerous situation. Don’t worry–Morris has already sent people to keep watch over the orphanage in secret.
“Right now, the one who should be worried is you. If your identity is exposed, there will be countless families like the Walton family who will be after you. Staying at the Jarrett residence is the safest choice for now.”
“She’s right. Hank, just stay here. I’ll share all my snacks with you,” Jean chimed in cheerfully.
Hank wasn’t someone who easily listened to others, but when it came to Cherise, he trusted her judgment.
He nodded. ‘Since Ms. Leach says so, I’ll listen to her. But I still need to go back to Charity Orphanage to grab some things.”
Seeing that Hank had agreed to stay, Lucas and Mary quickly nodded, agreeing to let him return briefly to pick up his belongings.
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