“She’s just a young, naive girl.


    Probably manipted by the AN Group to disrupt our family’s harmony.


    And let’s not forget, her boyfriend is a count in Zephyria.


    Let her roam Peace Mountain for a bit, then send her packing from Cadiered.


    ”


    Lucinda pressed her red lips together, tightening her hold on his chin.


    “You’re unusually benevolent toward her.


    Don’t think I don’t see through you.


    You’ve never defended an outsider like this before.


    ”


    Graham remained silent.


    Observing hisposed countenance, Lucinda seethed.


    She trusted her intuition, contemting increasing the severity of punishment.


    “You professed a desire to atone for your transgression.


    You requested to be disciplined alongside Valerie, insisting on enduring additionalshes to demonstrate your devotion to her.


    Henceforth, you shall receive twentyshes every afternoon.


    Following that, you may resume your studies and transcription duties.


    ”


    Graham’splexion paled, his eyes betraying sorrow and guilt.


    “Alright, I’ll heed your words.


    ”


    Lucinda despised his feignedpliance, releasing her grip on his chin.


    She lowered her striking yet icy countenance, querying him, “Mr.


    Simmons, moments ago, N whispered to you.


    What did she say?”


    Graham’s face was a canvas of bitterness, his eyes shimmering with a sarcastic Light.


    Yet, this sarcasm was directed inward, a self-mockery.


    “Answer me.


    You know the rules well-enough.


    Surely, you haven’t forgotten your duty to respond truthfully to me, the master of the Simmons family?” Lucinda hissed.


    Her fingers gently but firmly Lifted his chin, her gaze piercing into his.


    Graham remained silent, his mind wandering to N’s parting words.


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    “I stood up for you today.


    But with Lucinda on her way, I doubt she’ll let you be.


    Won’t you consider joining my cause?”


    N must have anticipated Lucinda’s arrival, her words a deliberate spark aimed at the tender bonds of sibling loyalty.


    This realization brought a throbbing ache to Graham’s temples, yet he chose silence.


    “You’ve withheld the truth.


    It seems you’ve sided with her.Content ? N?velDrama.Org 2024.


    ” Lucinda sneered.


    Her frustration surged, yet sheposed herself, releasing his chin with aposed grace.


    Her scornful smile was a mask of disdain.


    “You’re truly her loyal brother, aren’t you? No matter her plight, you’re there, shielding her.


    Imagine, Graham, if Valerie and I were both under threat, a gun pointed at our heads, and you, with just a single bullet, had to choose.


    Who would you save? Her or me?”


    Tears brimmed in Graham’s eyes as he witnessed the disillusionment in hers.


    He reached out, attempting to bridge the distance.


    “Lucinda…”


    But she retreated, widening the physical and emotional chasm between them.


    The tea table thaty between them symbolized a divide too vast to close.