Chapter 282

"Get up!" Gregory Thornton's voice was like ice, cutting through the tense air.

"Serena, just stand," Cassandra Whitmore urged gently, her eyes filled with concern.

Serena Cole hesitated, then slowly rose to her feet, her hands trembling slightly.

"You are not a Thornton by blood, which means I have no right to discipline you," Gregory stated coldly.

Serena's breath hitched, shock flashing across her face. He had always treated her like his own daughter—until now. This betrayal had severed whatever familial bond remained between them.

Dylan Reeves, desperation lacing his voice, cried out, "Father!"

"Quiet!" Gregory snapped.

After a weighted pause, he continued, his tone sharp as a blade. "Did I not make it clear that Serena was to stay away from Nathan until his divorce was finalized? What was your promise to me? You agreed without hesitation, only to scheme behind my back."

"Do you take me for a fool?"

Dylan lowered his head, silent.

Gregory let out a humorless laugh. "Your silence won't save you. Today, you will learn the consequences of disobedience. Maxwell, fetch my whip."

The room tensed at his command, the air thickening with dread.

"Gregory, please!" Cassandra rushed forward, clutching his arm. "Dylan knows he was wrong. Spare him this once!"

Tears streamed down Serena's face as she dropped to her knees. "Uncle Gregory, punish me instead! This was all my fault—Dylan only wanted to help me!"

Gregory remained unmoved, his gaze hardening as he turned to the butler. "Maxwell, did I stutter? Bring me the whip."

With visible reluctance, Maxwell Fletcher bowed and left, his footsteps heavy with unease.

Dylan stayed kneeling, his back straight, his jaw clenched. He knew better than to beg. His father's rage needed an outlet, and words would only fan the flames.

Moments later, Maxwell returned, holding a thick, coiled horsewhip.

Gregory took it without hesitation, his grip tightening as he positioned himself behind Dylan. Without warning, he raised the whip and brought it down with a sharp crack.

The lash split the air like thunder, striking Dylan's back with brutal force. A choked gasp escaped him, his body jerking forward from the impact.

Gregory didn't stop.

Again.

Again.

By the fifth strike, Dylan's strength gave out, and he collapsed onto the floor, his breathing ragged.

Cassandra lunged forward, gripping Gregory's arm with all her strength. "Enough! He can't take any more!"