He had been in this position for an extended period, and it was uncertain if he had taken any water during this time.


    This form of punishment was harsh indeed.


    Yet, Graham appeared indifferent to his suffering, perhaps ustomed to self-imposed hardship from past experiences.


    Lucinda watched him from afar, her emotions a whirlwind of conflict.


    She was furious with Graham.


    He had been a protective elder brother and a strict guardian for years, yet he had concealed secrets that hurt her deeply, all for an illegitimate daughter of the Simmons family who had wronged Lucinda in the past.


    Graham’s willingness to overlook their father’s tragic ident, all to benefit Valerie’s quest for control over the Simmons family, filled Lucinda with bitterness.


    Her expression hardened into a blend of anger and resolve as she mulled over these betrayals.


    Nathan, noting the shift in her demeanor, sighed quietly.


    He understood Lucinda’s attachment to Graham but recognized the extent of Graham’s betrayal, which led to her profound disappointment.


    Forgiving Graham seemed a distant possibility for Lucinda.


    Meanwhile, Nathan wished for her to move past this turmoil, particrly given Graham’s self-imposed penance, indicating his genuine remorse.


    “Lucinda…” Nathan began, only to be silenced by her hand over his mouth.


    “Someone’sing.


    Stay quiet,” she whispered, urgency in her tone.


    They retreated to a concealed spot behind the ancestral temple.


    Lucinda whispered again, instructing Nathan, “Watch Graham and anyone approaching the temple.


    I need to speak with Gilbert.


    ”


    With a nod, Nathanplied.


    The clock struck three in the morning, and apart from Graham’sbored chants, Peace Mountain was enveloped in silence.All text ? N?velD(r)a''ma.Org.


    Lucinda had strategically removed the guards from the vi’s entrance, allowing easy ess for any intruder.


    Soon, a figure made its way towards the ancestral temple.


    Nathan, from his hidden vantage point, watched closely, blending into the darkness.


    He could barely make out the side profile of the visitor under the dim garden lights.


    The figure was slender, unmistakably feminine.


    Could it be N?


    He wondered if she hade to the ancestral temple to see Graham at such an unusual hour.


    It seemed suspicious.


    However, the figure remained stationary at the temple’s entrance, making no move to enter.


    Nathan, curious and cautious, decided to approach.