The fury burned hotter within Ste and the belt rose and fell with savage rhythm on Max’s writhing form. Each strikended with brutal precision. When Mak iled or tried to grab the belt, Jordan’s iron grip pinned him effortlessly.

“This is madness! Outright insubordination!” Andrew bellowed, trembling with impotent rage. But the threat of Jordan’swsuit choked his instinct to call the police.

Ste’s a tech whiz. Could she resurrect deleted security footage? Proof like that would bury Max,‘ he thought. Seeing direct confrontation fail, he locked desperate eyes with Anna.

Anna understood instantly. She scrambled across bthe /bfloor, copsing before Eleanor in a posture of abject supplication, forehead pressed to the cold tile “Grandma, pleasel” she begged, tears streaking her face. “You’re the only one Ste listens to. Please stop

her.”

Eleanor remained ramrod straight, her expression bcial/b. “I will not intervene,” she stated, her voice like frozen steel. “Ste chose mercy over the police. A beating is lenient for such betrayal. Perhaps more are needed to drive the lesson home.”

“Grandma, please!” Anna wailed, clutching at Eleanor’s clothes

Fiona threw herself down beside Anna, her face etched with terror. “Ste’s going to kill Max! He’s the sole male heir of the Hayes family.

If he falls, how will you answer to the ancestors?”

Fiona’s words ignited a fresh wave of fury in Eleanor. “A belt won’t destroy his ability to sine heirs,” she retorted scathingly. “Ste acts with restraintpared to his crime against her. Look to your son’s actions before you cry over his welts!

” Kevin hadn’te to help,” Eleanor’s voice turned razor–sharp, “Ste would have suffered at Troy’s hands, then how would you face the ancestors?b” /b

Fiona wanted to say something more, but Eleanor’s face hardened into imcable stone. “Silence!” shemanded, her voice cracking like a whip. “Kneel until your bones grind to dust. My answer remains unchanged.”

Andrew surged forward, but Jordan shifted, a silent, immovable barrier. The sheer force of Jordan’s presence dwarfed Andrew, radiating an aura that demanded submission. Andrew met his gaze, a silent battle of wills, but faltered almost instantly, forced into a grudging retreat.

Max slumped, unconscious, a broken mess. His clothes hung in tatters, skin beneath crisscrossed with bleeding welts. remained untouched. The punishment had been precise and brutal, confined to his torso and limbs.

The moment Max went limp, Andrew, Anna, and Fiona scrambled to his side in a frantic huddle.

Ste stared at the belt in her hand, the leather, now slick and dark with Max’s blood. “I’ll get you ba /bnew one,” she said quietly.

Jordan’s smile was surprisingly tender. “Don’t worry, we’ve got plenty at home. Rece it whenever you like.”

bce /b

The unexpected gentleness in his voice, the casual “Rece it whenever you like,” sent a wave of warmth through Ste’s chest. ‘He truly sees me as his wife, the realization bloomed.

Ste turned from Jordan and walked directly to Eleanor. Without hesitation, she dropped to her knees before her

Eleanor immediately reached down. Steb, /bget up. You’re so weak.” Her concern was palpable.

Ste didn’t get up. “Grandma,” she said, her voice thick with emotion, “I am sorry for the violence here. But I do not regret holding

Max ountable. Hate me if you must, but I stand by it.”

Eleanor sighed, a sound heavy with sorrow and understanding “No exnations are needed, dear child. The fault lies entirely with them. Choosing family honor over the courts was mercy they scarcely deserve.”

She nced pointedly at Andrew and Flona. “They remain blind to their own sins. You acted rightly. Had you not, I would have taken that belt to him myself. You spared my old arms the effort.”

“Grandmab,/b” Ste said softly, “Now I’m married. I can’t be around you as before, but I promise I’ll visit you often.”

Eleanor looked at Ste with a doting smile. “Oh, my dear. Seeing you married, cherished by your husband, it’s the greatest blessing this old heart could ask for.”

“Mary!” Eleanor called.

“Yes, Mrs. Hayes.” Mary hurried forward, presenting a thick, ornate envelope and a beautifully carved rosewood jewelry box.

“This has been waiting for you, my dear,” Eleanor said, cing the heavy envelope in Ste’s hands. “Here’s a cash gift for you and Jordan.”

Then, she opened the box, revealing gold and jewels that gleamed softly. “These were my mother’s, passed to me on my wedding day. Now, they pass to you. I pray for a lifetime of joy for you both.”

Fiona’s attention snapped from Max to the gifts. She darted to Eleanor’s side and bprotested/bb, /b“All this for Ste? What of Anna’s portion?”

Eleanor’s warmth vanished, reced by icy disdain.“Answer me this: What bridal gifts did you, her mother, prepare for Ste?”

Fiona floundered, struck silent.

“Perfect then,” Eleanor retorted coolly, “I provide for bSte/b. You provide for Anna. Fair and square, both girls will get their share.”

Fiona bit her lip hard, frustration shing in her eyes.

Eleanor gently urged Ste to her feet.

Ste stood up. Then she told Eleanor she needed to gather her few belongings. Though meager, she would leaver–hing of herself behind in this houseb. /b

Jordan didn’t follow Ste upstairs. Take your time,” he told Ste softly. “I’ll keep Mrs. Hayespany. Call if you need help with anything heavy.”

“Alright,” Ste replied.

Stepping into her old room felt like entering a tomb of bad memories. Not one happy moment lingered within these walls. ‘Good riddance forever, she thought fiercely, surveying the sparse space.

Just then, Mary came over, offering to help Ste pack her things. Seeing the pitifully small pile–a few clothes folded beside theptop–her eyes filled with tears. “Oh, child, they failed you so terribly.”

Ste managed a fragile smile. “Anyway, I had Grandma’s love. Without her, I’d really be pitiful.”

“Mrs. Hayes is the most clear–headed of all,” said bMary/b. “You’re the brightest child in this family. Fate dealt cruel hands, but now, I pray marriage brings you every joy stolen from you before.”

Ste pressed a small, folded paper into Mary’s hand. “My new number,” she whispered. “My first phone got smashed, Guard this for Grandma. Tell no one belse/bb. /bI will call her to arrange visits. We’ll see each other often, I promise.”

Mary quickly took it, her face beaming. “That’s just wonderful. Mrs. Hayes will be overjoyed when she finds out you’ve left your contact details for her.”

“Mary, please. After I leave, please take good care of Grandma.”

“Don’t you worry, Ms. Hayes. Your happiness is paramount. I see Mr. Erwin treats you very well. If he ever dares to mistreat you, you just let us know–anytime.”

Ste nodded.

As Mary descended the stairs with Ste’s small bag andptop, Jordan immediately rose and moved to take them. Mary protested faintly, “Oh, Mr. Erwin, I can manage!” but he smoothly relieved her of the burden with a respectful nod

Mary had a favorable impression of Jordan. He didn’t treat her as hired help but showed her respect due to an elder. Although he seemed aloof, he never hesitated when it came to Ste.

Jordan took Ste’s luggage and came in front of Eleanor with her. “Mrs. Hayes, we’ll be leaving now,” he said gently.

Eleanor smiled warmly. “Alright. Build a joyful life together. I wille visit whenever I can.”

Jordan gave a polite nod, then turned to take Ste’s hand as they prepared to leave.

Suddenly, Andrew barked, “Stop! You’re not allowed to leave.”

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