Chapter 24 (61%)
Scott sheathed his whip. "Let's call it a day. If something like this happens again, it won't be so easy."
Emma huddled tightly in Bella's arms. Pain wracked her; tears froze on her face, and she trembled uncontrollably. But her eyes burned with hatred. She vowed not to forget this day, blaming Elysia entirely.
Despite her own pain, Bella comforted Emma. "It's okay now."
Elysia watched from a distance, a bitter taste lingering.
Scott returned the whip to its tray and instructed Paul, "Call Dr. Clarke and have her come over."
Paul replied, "Yes, Mr. Rosewood."
In the Hayes family living room, tension simmered. Selena sobbed uncontrollably. Despite being the favorite granddaughter, her reckless behavior had cost the family $3 million, incurring Arcanum House's displeasure. She stubbornly refused to admit fault, infuriating Lucas, who felt a heart attack coming on. He made her stand there, insisting she learn a lesson.
Selena, already feeling unfairly treated, sought comfort at home only to be immediately berated by Lucas. She tried to explain, but he relentlessly criticized her. Previously, Lucas had never scolded her, no matter her behavior. Today, however, he not only reprimanded her but also humiliated her by forcing her to stand before everyone.
Her anger intensified, fueling her tears.
Diana, often at odds with Selena, taunted her, "Just admit you messed up and move on. Why torture yourself like this? Crying like that isn't a good look."
Diana, the youngest in the Hayes family's second branch, should have been cherished, but Selena, from the first branch, always held Lucas's favor. Diana resented Selena's entitled behavior and her disregard for her cousins due to Lucas's favoritism. This, however, presented a rare opportunity to humble Selena.
Other grandchildren shared Diana's sentiment. Yasmine sneered, "Diana's right. Just apologize to Grandpa, Selena. Talay's mistake is a pretty big deal." Yasmine, Diana's older sister, always felt overshadowed by Selena.
Xavier sighed, "What you did today was wrong. You need to apologize to Grandpa."
Selena's heart sank under the criticism, even from her brother. "What have I ever done wrong? How could they treat me like this?"
Lucas sighed, realizing he had spoiled Selena. He took a deep breath and asked, "Are you going to admit your mistake or not?"
"What did I do wrong? You're the one who's wrong!" Selena retorted defiantly.
A harsh slap landed on Selena's face, making her cheek swell instantly.
Everyone gasped. Lucas had struck his cherished granddaughter with considerable force.
Yvonna, Selena's mother, tried to intervene, but her husband restrained her, whispering urgently, "Don't be rash."
"Are you going to admit you're wrong, or not?" Lucas yelled.
"It wasn't my fault," Selena stubbornly replied.
Another slap echoed through the room.
Yvonna, unable to remain passive, rushed forward, pleading, "Lucas, please spare Selena. She's your favorite granddaughter."
Lucas looked at Selena with disappointment. She was his most cherished granddaughter, yet the least accomplished. He dismissed them curtly, "Sean stay; the rest of you leave."
Yvonna quickly grabbed Selena, urging, "Come on, thank your grandpa."
Selena remained silent.
"Say something, Selena!" Yvonna pressed.
"Enough! Take her away. I don't want to see her," Lucas snapped.
Selena's eyes widened. "Does Grandpa really not want to see me anymore? Why?" Tears streamed down her face. Yvonna wiped away her tears, heartbroken, but she had to take Selena away. As they left, Lucas sighed, "I spoiled her too much. Now she's so naive."
Sean, witnessing the scene, felt uneasy. He sensed Selena's place in Lucas's heart was in jeopardy.
Alone with Sean, Lucas instructed, "Tomorrow, go to the Rosewood residence and apologize to Elysia."
Sean frowned. "Dad, do I really have to apologize to a little girl? Isn't that overdoing it?"
Lucas scoffed, "What do you know? Elysia may not run Arcanum House, but she's connected to them. Otherwise, why would the owner vouch for her? Impressing her could win over Arcanum House's owner. She could be helpful if you ever need their assistance."
Sean understood. "So you want me to apologize because of Arcanum House?"
"Or the Rosewood family?" Lucas snorted. "They don't have that kind of influence."
At the Moore residence, Natalie was confronted by Zachary and Charlotte upon her arrival. Despite their attempts to persuade her, she refused to yield.
"Natalie, please listen and stay away from Emma," Charlotte pleaded.
"What did I say last time? I warned you about Emma. She'll betray you, and you'll regret it. Why were you with her again today?" Zachary scolded.
Natalie threw up her hands in exasperation. "I was having afternoon tea, not causing trouble. And don't judge Emma; she's not who you think she is." She stormed to her room.
Zachary fumed, his face red. He glared at Charlotte, snapping, "Look at her attitude! Like I said, she needs a firm hand!"
Charlotte tried to calm him. "Alright, honey, don't get so worked up. She's our daughter."
Zachary scoffed, "If she weren't my daughter, I would have slapped her a long time ago."
The next morning, Elysia opened her door to find Bella waiting. "What's up?" she asked coldly.
"Emma's sick. Go check on her," Bella said.
"I'm hungry," Elysia replied, heading downstairs.
"Elysia! I told you to see Emma! What's with the attitude?"
"That's just me. And if I go see her, she won't get better for at least ten days."
Bella started to scold, but Emma's weak voice interrupted, "Mom."
Bella turned to see Emma, pale and wrapped in a shawl. "Emma, why are you outside? You should be resting," Bella said, concerned.
"Mom, I came out so you and Elysia wouldn't be upset. Please don't blame her for what happened to me," Emma said.
"Emma, I just wanted Elysia to check on you. It's because of her that you got punished. I feel bad about that," Bella said sadly.
Elysia thought, So I should keep quiet while Emma makes me the scapegoat? Emma got punished because of me? That's twisted logic! Emma got herself into this mess and is facing the consequences.