?<strong>Chapter 1026:</strong>


    Brook’s blownded hard across Hoyt’s face, silencing himpletely. “You idiot! How many times do I have to say it? Compete if you must, but leave Lorna out of it — and stop trying to kill each other!” Brook barked.


    His p carried real force, enough to sting and send a message. It wasn’t just punishment; it wasced with disappointment and built-up frustration.


    Brook’s patience had already worn thin. Dealing with such a reckless son only deepened his dismay.


    Still, he had no choice. These two were the only children he had.


    “Straighten up and stop whining! What kind of nonsense is this? Didn’t your mother teach you anything? Don’t act like aplete failure!”


    Hoyt stood there, clutching his face. His body leaned awkwardly, half-turned.


    “Dad, I was wrong,” he mumbled, his tone meek.


    Hoyt didn’t dare put on the victim act anymore.


    Only then did he recall Nova’s advice — he should never appear weak or useless in front of Brook.


    Atst, Hoyt understood the truth.


    What mattered to Brook wasn’t family loyalty — it was his precious reputation.


    “I won’t do it again,” Hoyt muttered, his voice trembling. “But believe me, I never wanted to kill Lorna.”


    His hand pressed against his swollen, reddened cheek as he spoke, his words full of resentment.


    Disbelief and disappointment weighed heavily on him.


    “Ken is the one who really wants me dead!” he added bitterly.


    But Brook cut him off with a frosty, “Shut up.”


    He knew Ken wouldn’t bother framing Hoyt when it came to Lorna. That much was clear to him.


    Brook’s voice carried no warmth, just a cold detachment. “I’ve let a lot slide,” he said tly. “But going after your own family crosses the line.”


    “I understand,” Hoyt muttered reluctantly.


    He knew there was no point in defying Brook. The man’s word was final.


    As Hoyt bowed his head, a flicker of defiance crossed his face. Could someone as cold and self-centered as Brook even care about family?


    Hoyt didn’t buy it for a second.


    In his mind, Brook was being tantly unfair.


    Everyone he knew always sided with Ken!


    Family? Did they even treat him as part of it?


    But Brook had no idea what Hoyt was thinking. His tone grew sharper with irritation. “Go outside, kneel for three hours, and think about what you’ve done,” he ordered curtly.


    Hoyt was taken aback and stammered, “But Allison just beat me, and my body is still—”


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