Suddenly, amotion erupted outside the temple as the doors were thrust open with force.


    Mylo, who was expected to be in a distant town, had returned unexpectedly to Stastle.


    “Ronan!” he eximed, rushing forward and pushing Sonny aside.


    He enveloped Ronan in a protective embrace, his concern evident as he assessed the wound on Ronan’s leg.


    Ronan seemed to find sce in Mylo’s presence amidst his despair.


    “Dad, Nathan ns to condemn me to the horrors of a high-security prison.


    Please, help me.


    I can’t bear the thought of going there, but I don’t want to die either!”


    Despite his hatred towards Nathan, Mylo softened his tone and persuaded, “Nathan, Ronan may have erred, but he is still a descendant of the Payne family.


    How can you condemn him to such a fate that might potentially end his life? While it’s undeniable that Ronan bears responsibility for his actions, the severity of the punishment seems disproportionate.


    You could even opt for corporal punishment, but sentencing him to a high-security prison seems excessive.


    It might be wiser to address the family matters internally.


    ”


    “When Ronan conspired with an outsider to harm Grandpa, did he not consider the inevitable consequences of being discovered? His actions indicate an awareness of responsibility.


    Sonny, handcuff him and escort him away,” Nathan remained resolute, unmoved by Mylo’s pleas.


    “Understood, Nathan,” Sonny responded dutifully, retrieving the handcuffs and advancing towards Ronan, but Mylo positioned himself before Sonny, barring Sonny fromying a hand on Ronan.


    “You’re being excessively harsh, Nathan.


    Ronan is your cousin.


    Your Grandpa only has a few grandsons.


    Surely, you don’t want to bring sadness to him.


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    Nathan’s patience wore thin.


    “Sending Ronan to a high-security prison is already the most lenient option I have.


    Despite the hardships he may face there, he’ll still have ess to basic necessities like three meals a day.


    Even if he meets an unfortunate end, he brought it upon himself.


    He made his bed, he must lie in it.


    Take him away!”


    “No way! No!”


    Chaos engulfed the ancestral temple, the air thick with tension and disagreement.


    A cacophony of wails, shouts, and pleas for mercy filled the air, creating a terrifying atmosphere of despair and anguish.


    The tumult in the ancestral temple persisted until Kern hurriedly arrived, bringing an end to the chaos.


    “Mr.


    Payne, your grandpa has awakened.


    Leave Ronan be and go see him!”


    Norton had regained consciousness—a momentous asion indeed.


    With Sonny in tow, Nathan departed the ancestral temple, his gaze fixed forward, and hastened towards Norton’s bedroom.


    Mylo extended a supportive hand to Ronan, whose trembling frame betrayed the intensity of his pain.


    Ronan’s thigh bore the harsh impact of a gunshot, rendering him immobile with agony.


    “Dad, Nathan is too heartless.


    I can barely endure this agony.


    Please, let us attend to my wound before anything else.


    ”


    Mylo sighed softly, saying, “No, my son, you cannot conceal it.


    Your injury serves as the most potent plea.


    Your grandfather must bear witness to its gravity.


    ”


    Understanding dawned upon Ronan, his resolve steeling as he clenched his teeth, supported by Mylo as they headed to Norton’s room.


    Meanwhile, Lucinda summoned Hilliard back to Peace Mountain, asking him to apany Jennifer.


    Within Norton’s bedroom, only the Payne family’s medical team stood vigil, their dedication unwavering.


    As Nathan approached the door, the sound of Norton’s cough reached his ears.


    He hastened his steps and settled gently on the edge of Norton’s bed.