Chapter 204
It hurt–God, his left hand was throbbing so badly he could barely feel it anymore.
Harrison tightened his grip on the switch, his knuckles whitening. He’d just struck Dames, but the sting in his own palm was almost as sharp as the blow he’d
delivered.
But standing here, in front of Leo, his uncle, Harrison had to show the dignity expected of the family’s heir.
“You’re to treat Altair as your own brother. Understood? If I hear again that you can’t get along with him, there will be consequences.”
The only answer he got was Dames’s broken, hiccuping sobs.
Harrison thought, Well, I’ve punished Dames. That should satisfy Leo, right?
He turned back toward the iPad propped up on the table, only to hear Leo’s calm, cool voice coming through the speaker:
“A son’s faults are the father’s responsibility. Harrison, thirty strikes to your own palm.”
Harrison was stunned. “Me? You want me punished?”
He drew a slow, steadying breath and passed the switch to one of Leo’s aides.
Standing straight, he addressed the iPad respectfully. “Uncle, I accept your punishment.”
Leo’s voice was measured and unhurried. “Hold on. Your father will be there soon.”
Harrison: “…”
Now even the onlookers glanced at each other in bewilderment.
Moments later, a teacher spotted a flash of reflected sunlight coming through the trees, like someone approaching with a mirror in hand.
As the reflection drew closer, it became clear–a bald man in a sharp suit was hurrying their way.
The middle–aged man, jogging up with a handkerchief in hand to wipe sweat from his shiny head, was none other than Harrison’s father–Liam Vaughn.
Trailing behind him were his assistant, Quentin James, and several other parents.
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Quentin had noticed that Luke Holloway and Harrison’s group were nowhere to be found, so he’d gathered the parents to go look for them. Along the way, he’d run into Liam, who looked utterly lost, wandering circles through the woods. Instinct told Quentin something serious was up, so he’d rallied the others to follow.
Now, as Liam reached the clearing, he paused, dabbing his head. Though he was the older brother, he greeted Leo, even through a screen, with utmost deference.
“Leo, I already heard about what happened to Altair on my way here. If my grandson Damien had anything to do with it, I promise I won’t let the boy off easy!”
Dames shuddered at his grandfather’s words. He’d just taken a beating to his left hand–surely Grandpa wouldn’t go for the right next?
Leo spoke up, “Your grandson’s already been disciplined by your son. Now it’s your turn to deal with your son.”
As Leo spoke, his aide handed the switch to Liam.
“Thirty strikes. Palm up.”
Quentin involuntarily took a step back, suddenly regretting ever dragging the other parents here to witness this family drama.
To be punished by your own father, in front of everyone–Harrison’s pride would
never recover.
Liam looked at his son, his mouth twitching with mixed frustration and resignation. Of all people to cross, Harrison had to cross Leo. The boy really didn’t know when
to back down.
The switch was pressed into Liam’s hand. He walked over to Harrison. In all these years, he’d never laid a hand on his own child–not once.
But this time, Altair had been put in danger. Leo was furious. Liam wasn’t about to
risk a rift with his brother over this.
“Hand out!” he barked. Harrison extended his hand, palm up, without protest.
He knew Leo was watching–everyone was watching–so even though resentment simmered inside him, Harrison accepted his punishment. No one defied Leo’s will.
In the Vaughn family, even Leo’s own father deferred to this brilliant, formidable.
man.
Liam raised the switch and brought it down hard.
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Crack!
Crack!
Each stroke landed with brutal precision, the sharp sound echoing in the clearing. Dames flinched at every blow, jumping as if each one landed on him instead.
Watching Harrison take the punishment, Dames felt even more terrified than when he’d been punished himself.
He burst into loud, frantic sobs.
His left hand was already swollen and red.
Now, seeing his grandfather whipping Harrison’s palm until it was raw and bleeding, Dames wailed even harder.
Harrison, through it all, remained silent, his face perfectly blank.
Everyone watched in tense silence as Harrison endured his father’s blows.
Felicity crawled up the slope, groggy and confused, just in time to see Harrison’s punishment. At the sight of Liam striking him so harshly, her eyes filled with horror. Harrison’s palm was crimson, streaked with blood where the switch had split the skin, tiny droplets spattering through the air.
The sight left Dames wide–eyed, shocked to the core.
“Mr. Vaughn! Don’t hit Harrison! Please, stop!” Felicity cried out, her voice trembling.
Leo’s aide turned to her, voice gentle but firm.
“Miss Felicity, I know you’re worried, but please don’t fret. Your father is on his way.”
Chapter 205
Chapter 205
