?<strong>Chapter 282:</strong>


    “Stand up!” Matiasmanded again, his voice cold.


    “Verena, just stand up,” Ainslie said softly.


    Verena paused for a moment before standing up.


    “You are not a direct Adams family member, and therefore, I cannot discipline you,” Matias said.


    A look of shock spread across Verena’s face. She was taken aback by Matias’ words. In the past, Matias had always treated her as if she were his own child. It seemed that the incident this time had pushed him to a point where he was ready to reject their familial bond.


    Ryan, looking desperate, nced up and said, “Dad!”


    “Silence!” Matias snapped.


    After a pause, he continued sternly, “Did I not explicitly tell you to keep Verena away from Lucas until his divorce wasplete? What did you promise me? You agreed quickly, only to do those things behind my back.”


    “Do you think I am easily fooled?”


    Ryan lowered his head, saying nothing.


    Matias let out a coldugh. “Don’t think your silence will make this go away. Today, you’re going to be taught a lesson. Neil, get my whip for me!”


    Everyone else in the room tensed visibly at hismand.


    “Honey, I beg you, don’t do this! Ryan understands his mistake now. Please, spare him this time,” Ainslie implored, her voiceced with desperation as she pleaded with Matias to forgive Ryan.


    Tears streaming down her face, Verena joined in, saying, “Uncle Matias, I beg you, don’t punish Ryan! It’s my fault entirely—he only wanted to help me. If you really want to punish someone for this, you can punish me!”


    Unmoved by their appeals, Matias turned his steely gaze to the butler, Neil Collins, andmanded icily, “Didn’t you hear my instructions just now? Bring me the whip.”


    With visible hesitation, Neil turned away and headed off to retrieve the whip, his steps heavy with reluctance.


    Ryan remained on his knees, his spine rigid, epting his fate in silence, a quiet resignation etched across his face. He understood the futility of pleading—no words could temper his father’s wrath. He knew his father’s fury needed an outlet; without it, the matter would linger unresolved.


    Momentster, Neil reappeared, clutching a thick, ominous horsewhip in his hands.


    Rising to his feet, Matias took the whip from Neil and strode to stand behind Ryan. Withmanding force, he raised it high before bringing it down, striking Ryan.


    The whipshed across Ryan’s back, slicing through the air with a sound as sharp as a thunderp. Ryan’s face contorted in agony, a stifled groan escaping his lips.


    Matias showed no mercy, each strike following the other. He continued to strike Ryan with the whip several times.


    By the fifthsh, Ryan’s strength gave way, and his body crumpled to the floor in pain.


    Ainslie darted forward, clutching Matias’ arm tightly to stop him. “Please, stop this! This is enough—Ryan understands his mistake already. Don’t harm him further!”


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