Chapter 8

I frowned. My original intention was to go easy on him, so Kai wouldn’t get hurt and use it against me later.

But it seemed everyone had misunderstood.

Looking at Kai’s stubborn gaze, I found it somewhat amusing.

I took the whip. Standing behind him, I froze.

The man’s back had many whip marks.

I couldn’t remember when or who had punished him.

His back muscles, glistening with sweat under the sun, didn't look dirty; instead, they added a touch of raw sex appeal.

I averted my gaze, thinking, *Had I been without a man for too long?*

I shook my head, and the whip descended.

The sound was loud, but I knew the lash wouldn’t hurt. Yet, Kai let out a muffled groan, his body instantly stiffening.

I scoffed. *He looks strong, but he's so delicate.*

*He’s probably been hit too many times, and now he’s scared.*

For the next two lashes, I perfectly controlled the force. It was less a punishment and more like teasing a cat.

Yet Kai reacted as if he were suffering immense torture, hands braced on the ground, sweat pouring down him, his whole body flushed.

Finally, he collapsed to the ground, unwilling to get up.

I threw down the whip and couldn’t resist nudging him with my foot, whispering, “Are you still faking it?”

“Heiress, the punishment is over. You can leave now, can’t you? Or do you want to stay and watch me get dressed?”

He truly was my arch-rival; he never missed an opportunity to mock me.

I turned and walked away.

Everyone present exchanged glances, thinking Miss Chloe was truly ruthless. Only Mr. Jenkins frowned, staring at Kai.

After a long moment, he finally spoke, “Young Master Kai, Miss Chloe has left.”

Only then did Kai get up, grab his shirt, and leave, his strides so quick he didn’t look injured at all.

Everyone was stunned again.

But no one expected that shortly after he left, the mansion suddenly caught fire.

I, having just had some milk, was napping in my room.

It wasn't until Mr. Jenkins pried open the door that I woke up with a start.

“Miss, hurry and get out!”

No sooner had he spoken than the door frame suddenly fell, crashing heavily onto Mr. Jenkins.

I screamed, not having time to wonder why the fire started, only able to carry the unconscious Mr. Jenkins downstairs.

Mr. Jenkins rushed into the fire to save me; I couldn’t let anything happen to him!

As I reached the ground floor, I saw Tiffany slumped in front of the sofa.

I froze for a second, but still went over to push her. “Wake up! There’s a fire!”

Tiffany was limp on the floor, seemingly overcome by the smoke.

Just then, someone rushed in.

It was Leo.

His face was pale, and he still looked very weak.

Their eyes met, and Leo froze for a second.

Until he saw Tiffany on the ground, his eyes instantly widening.

Just then, an explosion erupted from the kitchen not far away.

“Boom!” A blast of air rushed towards them, and Leo instinctively shielded Tiffany.

Everyone was knocked over.

I struggled to get up, but my ankle was twisted, and I fell back to the ground.

At that moment, Leo suddenly picked up Tiffany and rushed out, only saying:

“I’m sorry. I’ll marry you then, as an apology.”

I looked at his resolute back, feeling only sarcasm.

If I survived this, I would definitely let Leo know that I would never choose him.

The fire spread everywhere. Before I lost consciousness, I vaguely saw someone running towards me.

Who was it?

I opened my eyes groggily, my whole body aching, but the scene before I lost consciousness kept replaying in my mind.

Kai, looking frantic, held me tightly, shouting, “Wake up, don’t sleep!”

His eyes were bloodshot, his hands trembling, as if I were his dearest kin.