Chapter 174: Punishment Delivered
Jackson bellowed, “It’s all because of that brainless son you raised!”
Jensen lowered his head, then quickly tried to salvage the situation. “Marriage alliances were never about love. As long as Paul gives the Kendall family an explanation, they’ll still consider the benefits.”
Jackson snorted coldly and stormed off.
Back in the hall, Linda was still smoothing things over on behalf of the hosts. “If neither Ms. Elsie nor Ms. Saunders poisoned the tea, then the Saunders family must be uninvolved,” he said smoothly. “Ms. Taylor and Mr. Owen are acquainted. Why not let this matter go?”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible.” Yunice held up the pile of evidence, lightly brushing her fingers against it before turning to Taylor. “Ms. Taylor, do you happen to have a digital copy of this document?”
“The ink on this one’s been smudged,” Taylor replied.
With a loud bang, Lily, having her trick exposed, lost control and snapped at Yunice, “How can you be so scheming?!”
Taylor shot her a cold look. Lily didn’t even have time to retract the venom in her eyes.
A new copy of the digital file was brought over. The fingerprints on it were perfectly clear and matched Elsie’s.
Elsie collapsed to the floor instantly.
Jensen happened to return just in time to witness this and declared, “Now that the truth is out, I leave the punishment to Ms. Taylor.”
Taylor said calmly, “I was born with a nature that repays every slight…”
Owen interrupted gently, “Ms. Taylor…”
His face was handsome, his expression serene, and he spoke with a touch of mournful benevolence. Once, Taylor had been fooled by this façade, believing him to be a rare gentleman hidden among men. But today, having seen with her own eyes how they tried to push Yunice out to take the fall, she saw Owen clearly.
Taylor smiled. “Mr. Owen and I are somewhat acquainted. For his sake, I’ll show some mercy today.”
Hearing that, both Paul and Lily sighed in relief.
But before the words were out, Taylor’s face turned cold. “Initially, I intended to have two of her fingers cut off. But for your sake, I’ll just have them broken.”
With no hesitation, her subordinate stepped forward and snapped Elsie’s fingers back toward the back of her hand. Elsie’s scream was muffled by the cloth stuffed in her mouth. It all happened too quickly for Owen or Paul to react.
As the dust settled, Gerardo and Kyla stood up. “We’ll take our leave.”
The Kendall family exited. As they passed, Jensen shot Paul a harsh warning glance. Unable to withstand the pressure, Paul had no choice but to grit his teeth and follow.
Linda smiled politely. “Mr. Owen, Madam Lily, from now on, our families are no longer associated. Please also keep your relatives in check. We do not wish for further entanglements.”
With Linda gone, only the Saunders family remained in the massive hall. Yunice coldly observed Elsie, now writhing in pain. Had she not been cautious on the day of the medicine change, Taylor would have been poisoned, and Virtue Hall would have borne the brunt. Elsie had nearly wrecked her carefully laid plans. This ending was her just desserts.
The show over, Yunice curled her swollen palm and prepared to leave. But as she turned, she noticed Owen’s bloodshot eyes. He was trembling with fury, fists clenched tight by his sides, looking like he might erupt in violence at any moment.
Instinctively, Yunice stepped back, but it was too late. Owen lunged and grabbed her by the throat. Eyes wide with rage, he shouted, “We all could’ve walked away clean, but you had to play smart! Do you think you’re so clever?!”
Yunice felt her neck about to snap. She reached up and pressed hard on the acupoint inside his…
The sharp pain made him loosen his grip instantly. Shrinking into the antique chair, Yunice clutched her throat, glaring warily at him. She would no longer take abuse without striking back.
Owen held his injured wrist, looking at her with disappointment and anger. “That’s the second time you’ve raised a hand against me, Yunice. Am I no longer your brother?”
Yunice’s throat burned, but she sat up straighter, lifting her gaze. “And how many times have you raised your hand against me! Can you still count them?”
“Yes, I’ve raised my hands, but when have I ever truly hurt you? I’ve never used real force!” he argued, red-eyed. “Look at you, sitting here unharmed! But look at Elsie and me. We both work in the medicine industry…”