?Chapter 709:


    Across the hall, Isabel’s eyes widened in horror.


    She stood up abruptly, her voice trembling.


    “But, Sadie—I—”


    But before she could speak another word, Sadie shook her head slightly, a silent signal telling her not to speak.


    Coyle had sealed every exit and twisted every truth to deceive the elders.


    Any attempt to speak now would only dig the grave deeper.


    Sadie’s silence wasn’t surrender. It was strategy.


    Isabel saw it in her eyes. Her chest tightened, tears stinging her eyes as she slowly sat back down—helpless, aching.


    She could only watch as Sadie, unbowed and silent, was seized by the guards.


    Sadie felt an unbearable sting rip across her back, every strike threatening to crush her bones.


    She clenched her jaw, forcing herself to remain alert.


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    She refused to crumble before Coyle and those on his side.


    Onesh, then another… The sharp crack of leather seared into Isabel’s chest.


    She yearned to intervene, but the staff restrained her, holding her fast. Helpless, Isabel could only watch as Sadie endured the torment, her face streaked with tears of agony.


    What felt like an endless nightmare finally concluded after fifty brutalshes.


    Sadie was drenched in crimson, her limbs numb and her mind clouded. The staff hauled her away to a room, with Isabel trailing behind in haste.


    “Sadie, speak to me!” Isabel’s voice broke, thick with emotion.


    Sadie cracked her eyes open and forced a weak grin.


    “I’m alright, Isabel. Don’t fret.”


    “How can you say that?” Isabel whispered bitterly. “I failed to shield you.”


    Sadie longed to reach out, to console her, but her strength had all but vanished.


    “This is what they intended,” Sadie murmured. “Go back. Rest. I’ll recover soon.”


    Sadie didn’t want Isabel burdened with her fragile state. Yet Isabel hesitated.


    Seeing this, Sadie added, “If you remain, I won’t find peace. Keep watch on Coyle and his team. We can’t risk them making another move.”


    The words struck Isabel like lightning.


    Staying would only make things worse.


    Wiping away her tears, she nodded.


    “Alright. I’ll leave now. Call for me if you need anything.”


    Sadie gave a faint nod, watching Isabel depart, ncing back with every step.


    Once alone, Sadie finally let go of herposure as a wave of pain swept over her, stealing the air from her lungs. Momentster, Samuel arrived with a physician in tow.


    His expression darkened at the sight of Sadie’s condition.


    “Doctor, quickly!” he ordered.


    The doctor sprang into action.


    The injuries were ghastly—her back raw and marred.


    As the ointment was applied, the doctor spoke gently. “Ms. Hudson, your wounds are severe. Fiftyshes… they were merciless. You must rest and avoid exertion.”


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