Chapter 6

In the vast garden, two men knelt, their backs ramrod straight.

Mr. Jenkins stood beside me, speaking, “Miss, your father isn’t here. Perhaps I should administer the punishment instead, to save your hands.”

I sat on the chaise lounge, taking a sip of coffee, and said lightly, “Alright.”

Leo was the first to take off his shirt. Beneath the white fabric was skin as smooth as jade, his abdominal muscles neatly defined.

Though lean, he possessed the graceful air of a young gentleman.

In my previous life, I loved how he looked when he took off his clothes.

In bed, when he got intense, his abs would flush a deep red.

Suddenly, a soft cough. Kai was glaring at me, gritting his teeth.

I frowned, then realized.

It was my fault for agreeing to the race that landed him in this predicament.

Though he was my arch-rival, I wouldn’t stoop to such petty tactics. I’d find a way to get him off the hook later.

I shot Kai a rare, reassuring glance.

Kai averted his gaze, completely misunderstanding, thinking I was hurrying him.

He reached out and pulled off his black t-shirt, revealing incredibly toned muscles, subtly gleaming in the sunlight.

“Pfft!” I nearly choked on my coffee, my eyes unable to move away.

Leo noticed my gaze and subconsciously pressed his lips together.

Just then, Tiffany’s voice suddenly rang out:

“Chloe, don’t punish Leo!”

I looked over, sighing helplessly. “How did she get in?”

Mr. Jenkins bowed. “She said she came to retrieve some old clothes.”

I scoffed.

I remembered now. Tiffany, relying on some distant family connection, had shamelessly lived in our house for a while.

Dad, who valued family above all else, never objected.

It wasn't until Dad was hospitalized that I found an opportunity to kick Tiffany out. I didn't expect her to have a backup plan.

Tiffany sobbed, blocking Leo, looking as if she would die for him. Anyone unaware of the situation would think three lashes would kill Leo.

At this moment, Leo’s face was filled with tenderness. “Tiffany, this has nothing to do with you.”

Then, he turned his anger on me, glaring darkly.

Before I could speak, Kai, still kneeling, scoffed mockingly.

“By rights, I suppose I should be punished too.”

I froze, surprised Kai would speak up for me.

Leo sharply turned his head. “What concern is this of yours? Why meddle?”

Kai didn’t back down. “We were all raised by the Sterling family, so it naturally concerns me. Are you suggesting you’ll take my punishment too?”

I suddenly understood. He wanted Leo to suffer more punishment to get back at him for the racetrack incident.

I'd overthought it. But honestly, I was more than happy to watch them butt heads.

Sure enough, Leo gritted his teeth and shouted:

“Tiffany is innocent. If anyone is to be punished, I’ll take it for her!”

Mr. Jenkins spoke softly. “That’s against the rules.”

I waved my hand. “Father isn’t here, so my rules are the rules. Since he’s willing, give him a few more lashes.”

Leo’s frown deepened at my words.

He had expected me to feel sorry for him. In my previous life, I had never punished him, even taking his punishments for him.

Why had I changed now?

Was it just because he refused to marry me this lifetime? Women truly were the most petty and jealous creatures.

Tiffany was pulled aside, and Mr. Jenkins’s whip descended.

Leo’s eyes widened. He hadn't realized how painful this whipping could be.

After three lashes, he was already on one hand, staring fixedly at me, waiting for me to call it off.

He just couldn't believe that I wouldn't feel pity at the sight of him like this.

But I merely closed my eyes, resting, listening to the crack of the whip.

Until the fourth lash fell, and Tiffany lunged forward.

A scream.

The tail of the whip snapped across Tiffany’s face, instantly tearing her skin.

“No—!” Leo screamed, utterly distraught.