?<strong>Chapter 706:</strong>


    Thea, in disbelief that the ferule was intended for her, questioned, “Grandma, what are you nning to do with the ferule?”


    Felicia gestured toward Thea and said, “Those who misbehave must be punished. You need a good beating, or you’ll forget who truly rules this house.”


    Thea was stunned. Her grandma was ordering her to be punished. But why?


    Before Thea could voice her confusion, the maid forced her down and delivered a sharp blow to her buttocks.


    Thea cried out. “Ouch! Grandma, what have I done to deserve this? Please exin.”


    Felicia gave a dismissive snort. “Still ying innocent, are you?” Felicia then instructed the maid, “Continue until she admits her faults.”


    It dawned on Thea that Felicia might know something, which exined the harsh punishment. Realizing that denying was futile, Thea quickly confessed, “Grandma, I admit my mistake. I framed Elyse. It was wrong of me to frame her.”


    Upon hearing the confession, Felicia’s heart grew heavier. She had indeed caused injustice to Elyse.


    Trying to hold back her emotions, Felicia instructed, “Take Thea to the dark room. She needs time to think over her actions.”


    Two dayster, Elyse, Cody, and Gavinnded in Manfek. They met up with Irving at the airport before making their way to the hotel.


    Cody kept busy, driven by his old friend’s enthusiasm for music, and headed off to a different location.


    Once Elyse, Irving, and Gavin reached the hotel, they freshened up with quick showers and then rested to ovee the jetg. After a full day’s sleep, Elyse woke up feeling peckish. She changed her outfit and set out to find Irving and Gavin.


    Upon hearing a knock, Irving answered the door and asked, “What’s up? Couldn’t sleep?”


    “Let’s go eat!” Elyse rubbed her belly and pouted. “I’m starving. How about we go grab something to eat?”


    Irving also felt a hint of hunger and patted his stomach. “Hang on, I need to change,” he said, walking into his room.


    Elyse walked in and took a seat, scanning the room, and noticed Gavin was not there.


    When Irving returned, dressed and ready, Elyse inquired with curiosity, “Where’s Gavin? Still asleep?”


    “He went out; apparently he has a meeting about thepetition,” Irving replied, checking thepetition schedule on his phone. “You’ve got half a month before your event. Don’t forget your violin. We’ll find a ce to practice after we eat.”


    Elyse’s smile waned a bit. Under Irving’s insistence, she grabbed her violin case as they set out in search of food. Irving, familiar with the area from a previouspetition, led them to the best local eatery.


    Strolling through the town, they came across a restaurant marked by several pots of fading roses at the entrance. Elyse walked to the door, looking down at the cracked soil in the pots.


    Irving swung open the ss door, and a wave of wine scent hit them. Elyse took a sniff and felt a bit tipsy.


    Irving grabbed a menu from the owner and quickly flipped through it, then turned to Elyse and asked, “What do you want to eat?”


    Elyse scanned the menu briefly and pointed out her choices. “Escargot, duck confit, French onion soup, beef bourguignon… That should do it.”


    Irving expressed concern. “I hope the wine doesn’t affect your ability to y the violinter.”


    Elyse responded defiantly, “A little wine won’t make me drunk.”


    Irving raised an eyebrow, offering a sly smile. “Then let’s order a drink for you as well.”


    Elyse huffed. “Fine by me. I can handle it.”


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