hapter 19
Shane’s actions had crossed the line. There was no way Anthony would let it slide.
Shane dropped to his knees, not daring to argue back.
“Bring out the family whip.”
The Lundberg family’s whip was reserved for serious offenses. This time, Anthony meant
business.
“I’ve told you since you were a child that the Lundbergs don’t act recklessly. We hold ourselves to higher standards. Have all my lessons gone in one ear and out the other?”
Elliott, who had taken his share of lashings from Anthony in his younger days, knew exactly how brutal that whip could be.
Since Shane was his son after all, he quickly stepped forward to plead. “Dad, Shane was just worried about Amber. What he did was wrong, but his intentions weren’t malicious.”
Anthony’s face darkened. “The Lundberg family’s motto is clear–fair rewards and firm consequences. Like father, like son. Step aside, or I’ll deal with you too.”
He then coldly ordered, “Take off your shirt.”
Shane had no choice but to comply. His back still bore the faint marks Amber had left that night. However, they had faded with time, leaving little to draw suspicion.
Anthony showed no mercy. The whip cracked across Shane’s back, leaving an instant gash. Blood beaded along the split skin.
Amber threw herself in front of Shane. “Grandpa, this is all my fault! Punish me! I shouldn’t have called Shane in the first place!”
After Courtney’s death, Elliott insisted on marrying Natalie, which caused a rift between him and Anthony. Since Anthony disliked Natalie the most, there was no chance he would ever like
Amber.
Anthony sneered. “At least you know it’s your fault. You’re just like Natalie. Both of you know nothing but how to seduce men.”
With those words, he raised the whip toward Amber, but Shane shielded her with his body. Another lash struck him hard.
Just then, the sound of slow, deliberate applause echoed through the tense room.
Jose wheeled Damon in. Damon’s lips curled into a mocking smile. “Shane, you care so much about Ms. Schultz. Anyone who didn’t know better might think she’s your wife instead of your stepsister.”
The room
2 dead silent at those words. Everyone froze.
Shane’s heart skipped a beat. Damon’s sharp eyes seemed to pierce right through him as if he already knew the truth.
Natalie, who had been indifferent while Shane was being whipped, suddenly stepped forward. Damon, you can’t just throw out accusations like that. Abbie’s still unmarried. What will people think if rumors like that spread? A woman’s reputation is everything.”
“Oh, so you do understand the importance of a woman’s reputation.” Damon’s words were clearly pointed. His eyes were filled with sarcasm, leaving Shane feeling uneasy.
Natalie dropped to her knees in front of Anthony. “It’s my fault for failing to teach her properly. Abbie just depends on Shane too much. If you need to blame someone, blame me. Just spare the kids.”
Anthony’s fury reignited. “Who said you get to speak here? I’ve never acknowledged you as part of this family. Do you think you deserve to be Mrs. Lundberg? You’re not even close!”
“Grandpa,” Shane interrupted, “this is all on me. Natalie and Abbie had nothing to do with it. Just punish me.”
Damon let out a sneer. “How noble of you, Shane. You’re so magnanimous you can even coexist with the woman who ruined your mom’s life. No wonder you’ve lost sight of who even are.”
you
“Damon, didn’t you swear you’d never return to the Lundberg residence? Why did you go back on your own words?” Shane retorted.
Damon shot him a cold glance. Shane was on his knees, while Damon sat in his wheelchair. Despite his limited mobility, his presence towered over Shane’s.
“I’ve changed my mind.” Damon tapped his long fingers on the armrest casually. “Better met than letting this family fall into the hands of a failure like you.”
“What did you just say?”
Every gaze in the room turned to Damon at once
Damon wheeled himself closer and stopped just beside Shane. He looked down at Shane. “I regret it, Shane.”
Shane’s face paled visibly. Panic flickered in his eyes. I had a feeling there was something. between Damon and Shane that I didn’t know about.
Damon’s gaze was icy as he said, “Since you don’t know how to appreciate it, I’ll take over the Lundberg family from now on.”
Chapter 20
