Chapter 288: Violent Apologies

Leyton clung to Tyrion's leg; Tyrion was his only hope of survival. Jared arrived, seizing Tyrion's shirt collar.

Tyrion trembled. "W-What are you doing? I'm a Whitaker! My father will make you pay if you hurt me!"

Jared slapped Tyrion so hard he spun around, losing all his teeth.

"This is for Josephine!" Jared snarled, punching Tyrion in the stomach. Tyrion screamed in agony, doubling over.

Crouching in pain, Tyrion and Leyton were at Jared's mercy. Jared glared at them, then placed his foot on Leyton's head.

Leyton immediately begged, "I-I was wrong, Jared! Please forgive me! I swear I'll never trouble you again! I'll give you our family's entire wealth!"

Jared replied coldly, "I spared you once, but you didn't appreciate it" He mercilessly stomped his foot.

Leyton died a gruesome, painful death, his blood splattering onto a terrified Tyrion. Tyrion screamed; he'd never witnessed death before.

A frightened Josephine covered her mouth, suppressing a shriek. Jared had never killed before, let alone so brutally, but she understood his violent protection of her and didn't cower, despite sensing his murderous intent.

Jared lifted his blood-soaked foot and stepped on Tyrion's head. The stench of blood sent Tyrion into hysterics. He pleaded, "Please don't kill me! I'll give you anything!"

"I want your life!" Jared roared.

Josephine pulled Jared aside. "Jared, you can't kill him. Don't be rash." The Sullivans and Jared's supporters could handle the Scotts over Leyton's death, but the Whitakers were different. Killing Tyrion would provoke unstoppable vengeance.

Jared apologized, "I'm sorry I put you through this, Josephine." He gently touched the angry handprint on her cheek.

"I'm fine. Let's go home. I don't want Dad to worry," Josephine said, feeling comforted by his touch.

Jared nodded, then turned to Tyrion, who looked away timidly. "I'll spare your life, but you'll pay for your misdeeds." He stepped on Tyrion's calf, shattering his tibia.

"Argh!" Tyrion cried out in agony.

"Let's go," Jared said, taking Josephine's hand.

They had barely started when Josephine spun around, confronting Tyrion. "Who told you about this and arranged for you to come to Horington?" She'd been wondering; it seemed unlikely Leyton had the means to connect with Tyrion.

(Note: The promotional text for FindNovel.net has been removed as requested.)