<b>Chapter </b><b>126 </b>


    It was pointless anyway.


    Theke behind the old manor was vast and natural, with only a small section stretching into the backyard. Vistapeak City was cold, but not so cold that the entireke froze solid. Even if she was lucky enough to kneel on the thickest patch of ice, human bodies radiated warmth.


    Before long, the ice would begin to melt beneath her, and she’d plunge into the freezing water below.


    If the old woman wished it, Elissa could die out here, and no one would ever know.


    Within minutes, her whole body was shivering. As <i>soon </i>as she knelt, Butler Murphy spoke up from the shore. “Matriarch Paige Murphy instructed that once you kneel, you’re not to move again.”


    A cold heaviness settled in Elissa’s chest.


    Then she heard him add, “Later tonight, someone will bring you to the chapel for the family punishment.”


    A tiny breath of relief escaped her.


    So, they weren’t nning to kill her–at least not tonight.


    Still, in the heart of a brutal winter, after falling into theke, she’d be dragged to the chapel for a whipping. Either way, she’d barely make it out alive.


    Elissa knew perfectly well that it didn’t matter whether she’d had anything to do with te’s injuries, or whether she knew anything at all. The old woman just needed someone to absorb her rage.


    Already her teeth were chattering uncontrobly, and she could feel the ice beneath her knees slowly giving way.


    Paige Murphy’s cruelty had reached new heights.


    Kneeling on the familiar pebble path, the pain was sharp but straightforward–there was nothing to think about but enduring it. Out here, every second was a fresh terror, the fear of suddenly crashing through the ice and into the water gnawing at her.


    It was the uncertainty that made it unbearable.


    Butler Murphy, bathed in moonlight, returned to the main hall and approached the old


    <b>11:14 </b>


    woman.


    “She’s kneeling now, Matriarch.”


    “She didn’t say anything?”


    Paige Murphy lifted her teacup, brushing away the stray leaves floating on top.


    Butler Murphy answered honestly, “No, ma’am. You know Miss Elissa, she’s always obedient.”


    The old woman gave a sharp, bitterugh, mming her untouched cup down on the table. A storm cloud passed through her eyes. “Obedient? She’s got all of you wrapped around her finger with those innocent looks!”


    Butler Murphy let out a soft sigh, trying to soothe her. “Don’t upset yourself, ma’am. She’s not worth risking your health.”


    “How can I not be upset?” Paige ground out, voice trembling with anger. “Did she say something to provoke te? The doctor just left–said he’spletely ruined now. There’s not even a chance to save him!”


    “I was outside the door, didn’t hear anything,” Butler Murphy replied. “But Mr. te did lose his temper.”


    “For the family punishment tonight, you’ll do it yourself.” Paige’s eyes narrowed, her tone icy. “Just make sure she doesn’t die here. That’s all.”


    Butler Murphy flinched, but didn’t dare protest. “Yes, ma’am.”


    He had barely finished when the manor’sndline rang, shrill and urgent.


    He hurried to answer. Before the caller finished, his face went pale with shock. He stammered, “Understood. There were no casualties? I’ll report to Matriarch Paige Murphy right away.”


    “What happened?” Paige demanded, her re sharp. “Why are you so flustered?”


    He swallowed, “Ma’am, the high–rise development under Mr. te’s name–the one set to open next week–a building was just blown up, ten minutes ago.”


    He rushed to add, “It happened in the dead of night. No one was hurt.”


    “What did you say?!”


    Paige shot to her feet, disbelief etched on her face.


    Who? Who would dare pull something like this on a Murphy family project?


    <b>11.1 </b>


    She’d bought that plot three years ago, paid top dor for it. The upscale condos sold


    out the moment they hit the market.


    Now, with a building destroyed, not only would they miss the handover, the financial


    blow would be massive.


    Paige felt her mind go nk.


    Butler Murphy hesitated. “Odds are, it’s the eldest son’s doing…”


    <i>“</i>Outrageous!” Paige finally snapped.


    Only Rowan–her wild,wless grandson–would dare act so recklessly, so brazenly!


    Her head buzzed with fury as she mmed the table over and over. “Go! Call him right now<i>. </i>I want to <i>know </i>exactly what he thinks he’s doing!”