Chapter 209
After finishing her meal, Elara couldn’t wait to slip into Leonard’s study.
Calling it a study wasn’t quite accurate it was more of a library. The Oakread estate housed a three–story library filled with rare, out–of–print books, along with classified research materials that even top university professors would struggle to access.
Elara immersed herself in this vast ocean of knowledge. But with Merida and Finnegan still waiting for her, she reluctantly left after indulging in two hours of reading.
Back at the Mistvale Ranch, cold mountain winds howled through the night at the base of the slope.
“Daddy, I need to pee! I can’t hold it anymore!” Beau’s voice was on the verge of tears.
He was the treasured young heir of the Fisher family, pampered by everyone. Yet now, he found himself in this humiliating predicament.
He was stranded at the bottom of a slope with his hands bound at his sides. He couldn’t even pull down his own pants, let alone find a restroom.
Harvey lay beside him. Though dressed in a weatherproof outdoor jacket, the damp night air made the mountain forest unbearably cold. The plummeting temperatures and prolonged immobility left his blood circulation sluggish, and his limbs were now stiff and numb.
He gritted his teeth while exhaling sharply, telling himself that this was just another trial Leonard had thrown at him. But Beau’s constant whining in his ear grated on his nerves.
Harvey had rarely spent time with the boy, and now he was beginning to realize just how insufferable the kid was He couldn’t help but wonder how had Elara raised him over the past five years?
Earlier, Harvey had called out to the people at the top of the slope, only to realize that no one was stationed there. He lifted his gaze toward the ridge. The later it got, the less likely anyone would come.
Frustrated, he made a decision–he would take Beau up first and then return for Niamh.
After all, Niamh had a twisted ankle, plus injuries to her backside and legs. The thought of dragging two injured, helpless people up the slope made Harvey feel nothing but irritation.
He had always despised weaklings. Then, bracing himself, be used one arm to lift Beau and began
Just as he reached the top, he spotted beams of light cutting through the darkness of the forest. Harvey immediately flattened himself against the slope, concealing their presence in the shadows.
“Stay quiet,” Harvey whispered to Beau.
Beau pursed his lips, his face turning bright red from holding back.
ing.
Meanwhile, Harold was led to the edge of the slope by Leonard’s subordinates. One of them instructed, “Dr. Judd, you’ll be keeping watch here tonight. If you see Mr. Harvey or Mr. Beau climbing up, give them two punches straight away just like you said.”
“I… I can’t… This is a misunderstanding… Keep your voices down…” Harold stammered while anxiously glancing down the slope.
He was terrified that Harvey, still trapped below, might overhear what Leonard’s men were telling him. Leonard’s punishment was clearly a way of protecting Harvey. Harold just wanted to slap himself.
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+35 BONUS
Chapter 209
He knew Elara was at Leonard’s residence, yet he had still boasted so arrogantly to her over the phone. Now, he was paying the price.
The Fishers always protected their own. Only Leonard had the authority to punish Harvey, and now, a common- born in–law like him was being dragged into it as well just for running his mouth.
“Dr. Judd, there are surveillance cameras all over this place, We’ll be watching you on the screens, so don’t even think about slacking off!”
Leonard’s subordinate deliberately raised his voice–clearly speaking as much for Harvey’s benefit as for Harold’s.
After leaving these instructions, the men departed. Harold was filled with regret. On the way in, he had noticed guards stationed at the ranch’s camp, so leaving was out of the question.
“Dad…” Beau’s small voice broke the silence.
Harvey quickly covered his mouth.
In the darkness, Beau’s eyebrows knitted into a deep frown. Suddenly, his whole body trembled, and his tense little face relaxed all at once.
A warm trickle ran down his leg, seeping into his pants, then dripping steadily from the tips of his shoes.
Was it raining?
Niamh tilted her head up–only to be hit by a sharp, acrid smell. Dangling just above her was Beau. Her mind caught up a second too late. The steady stream flowing onto her wasn’t rain!
With a jolt, Niamh realized exactly what was happening. She shrieked while thrashing in disgust. “Beau! Did you just piss yourself? Ugh! Gross–pfft, pfft!!”
But then, something cold brushed against her neck. Her breath hitched.
She looked down–only to feel something move around her throat. A soft, slithering rustle filled the air. Her entire body immediately broke out in goosebumps.
The thing tightened around her neck. Her arms were still bound, so she couldn’t rip it off. Panic surged through her, her mouth opening in a silent scream just as she was about to call for help.
