Chapter 199
“Harvey, take out your phone.”
Leonard issued the command, and no matter how reluctant Harvey was, he had no choice but to comply.
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One of Leonard’s subordinates stood beside him, ensuring that Harvey opened the group chat named Capitol Brotherhood.
Harvey lifted his phone mechanically, aiming the camera directly at Niamh. His chiseled features that were usually striking were now as cold and sharp as a blade.
Striking a snake at its weak spot would render it powerless–Elara had seized Niamh by the throat with a single
move.
“Ahhh!”
There was another smack and Niamh immediately shrieked while clutching her face in pain.
No! They couldn’t film her like this!
If a video of her in this pathetic state was sent to the Capitol Brotherhood group, everything she had painstakingly built–her carefully crafted image among the city’s elite–would be utterly destroyed.
Leonard’s subordinate issued the command, “Ms. Niamh, apologize to Ms. Elara and Mr. Xavier.”
Niamh’s fingers clawed at the dirt, and her nails were packed with dust and grass. She lifted her head and her teeth were clenched. Her face was flushed red and veins were bulging at her neck.
She didn’t want to apologize. She refused to let Elara win!
“Ack!”
The bamboo stick struck again. She clenched her teeth, but the pain was unbearable. A second guard stopped counting the strokes and was merely repeating the same number.
“25, 25, 25…”
Every time Abel brought the bamboo cane down, the guard repeated the count. Even Abel was exhausted from caning her and shouted, “Just apologize already!”
Niamh wailed, “Aghhh! Elara! I’m sorry! I was out of my mind! I wasn’t thinking straight when I threw that rock at you!
“I only wanted to stand up for Harvey–I didn’t mean to hurt you badly! Please, forgive me!”
Elara’s voice remained calm. “That apology doesn’t sound quite right.”
The guard spoke again. “Ms. Niamh, try again.”
Another guard, who had already counted up to thirty, reset back to 25. Harvey had to restart the recording as well.
Niamh seethed. “I don’t know what you want me to say!”
Abel roared, “Hurry up and say it! Any longer, and I’ll break your tailbone!”
Niamh’s brows twisted into a tight knot. Her body was on the verge of collapse. If she didn’t comply, Abel’s strikes with the bamboo stick wouldn’t stop.
Sweat poured down her face, mixing with the dirt. She let out a piercing scream as her entire expression contorted
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Chapter 199
in agony.
With a weak, trembling voice, she gasped out, “Xavier, I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to hurt you!”
Then, her voice cracked as she continued, “Elara, I’m sorry! I was being reckless! I won’t do it again!”
Damn it!
Niamh cursed inwardly. Her mind was splitting in two. Every fiber of her being resisted, yet she was forced to utter these humiliating words.
Elara’s voice was steady and controlled. “Look into Harvey’s camera and properly explain everything you did to Xavier and me.”
Niamh’s lower body had gone numb, and her strength was rapidly draining. She no longer had the energy to scream or fight back. She was in excruciating pain, yet Elara still refused to let her off the hook.
This wasn’t just about punishment–Elara was crushing her spirit. A metallic taste filled Niamh’s throat as she forced out her confession.
“I was the one who placed the chanterelle mushrooms on the slope and had Beau lure Xavier there. At first, I only wanted him to trip! I wouldn’t dare actually harm Prof. Fisher’s son!
“But I didn’t expect Elara to grab Xavier and shield him. So … I pushed you, Elara! I was wrong! Please, forgive me!
She sobbed uncontrollably, her voice breaking. “I shouldn’t have thrown that rock at you!
“If it makes you feel better, go ahead and throw one at me!‘ll let you get revenge however you want!”
In the end, she surrendered. She decided to play the victim, hoping to stir sympathy from those around her. Beau stood frozen, listening to Niamh’s gut–wrenching apology. His insides were churning.
He could feel it–Elara had completely overpowered Niamh leaving her no room to fight back. Niamh wasn’t as untouchable as he had once believed. Fear and shock flickered across Beau’s face as he looked at Elara.
“Mr. Fisher, you can stop now. And don’t forget to hit send
Harvey scowled. “Do you really have to go this far?”
Elara tilted her head slightly, her expression light and indifferent as she looked at him.
“Mr. Fisher, you don’t have to send the video.”
