Chapter 378 Whips and Retribution
Just as Paul was about to strike, Jackson grabbed his arm.
It wasn’t that Jackson cared about Taylor – he just knew that if the beating left visible marks and word got out, the Kendall family would be a nightmare to deal with.
If Paul just wanted to vent, Jackson knew plenty of ways to beat someone without leaving a trace.
But Paul didn’t want to bother with anything that complicated. He wrapped the belt around his hand and sneered, “Her family won’t be powerful much longer. So what if I beat her?”
Taylor frowned, puzzled. The Kendall family is stronger than ever under my father’s leadership. How could they be weakening?
Still, Paul had always been arrogant. Taylor didn’t waste energy over his bluster.
Instead, she just stared at the belt in his hand. Her frown deepened, but her eyes were fearless.
She knew she wasn’t getting out of this beating. But as long as Paul didn’t kill her, she would make sure she repaid every lash tenfold next time.
Paul’s face was ice cold. The belt lashed down!
With a loud crack, the leather struck Taylor’s back.
A real leather belt wasn’t much different from a whip. Taylor let out a muffled grunt of pain, cold sweat already beading on her forehead.
She raised her head, her sweat-streaked eyes burning with hatred as she glared at Paul.
The look sent a sick thrill through him. There was nothing more satisfying than breaking a wild horse.
Paul sneered, “Don’t bother glaring at me. You’ll get used to this sooner or later. This is just the beginning.”
“Now, tell me – are you going to the ancestral hall to kneel?”
Thinking she could be broken so easily, Paul leaned closer.
Taylor lifted her chin stubbornly. “Come here.”
Paul’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. What was she planning?
Taylor snorted, “Coward. I’m pinned down by two men, I can’t even move, and you’re still scared to come closer?”
Paul’s face darkened. He took two steps forward. “If you confess now, maybe I’ll spare you a few lashes.”
“I’ll ask you one more time. Did you poison the food?”
Taylor said coldly, “Come a little closer, and I’ll tell you.”
Paul hesitated, then stepped forward again.
What can she do? he thought. She’s completely restrained.
He had just stepped within reach when Taylor suddenly flung herself backward – then slammed her forehead forward with all her strength.
Bam!
Paul took a brutal hit straight to the crotch. He clutched himself, doubled over, his legs squeezing together as he sank to the floor.
His face turned beet red from the pain, twisted in an ugly grimace.
Taylor laughed, her voice clear and mocking. “You idiot. If you hadn’t been born into the Powell family, you’d have been eaten alive a long time ago.”
Paul’s humiliation turned to blind rage. He raised the belt again. “I’ll beat you to death today! See if you can still run your mouth!”
Taylor struggled, but she was still held down.
She glared at Paul, hatred burning in her chest. This so-called noble family is nothing but a den of vipers.
Paul raised the belt high, aiming straight for Taylor’s face.
But just as he swung down, there was a sharp crack – and Paul screamed in pain!
He stumbled forward from the force of the strike.
Taylor, stunned, whipped her head around toward the door – and saw Yunice standing there, holding a long, gleaming whip.
She wasn’t very skilled – her strike hadn’t even drawn blood – but it was enough to stop Paul in his tracks.
Taylor stared at her, still trying to process it. She came back for me?
Paul, clutching his back, turned around and gawked. “Yunice?!”
Yunice stood in the middle of the room, whip in hand, her presence fierce and commanding.
She glared at the two bodyguards holding Taylor down. “Unless you want a taste of this too, let her go.”
The bodyguards hesitated, glancing at Paul for direction.
Yunice snapped, “Don’t you know who my husband is? Wyatt!”
The color drained from their faces. Reluctantly, they let go of Taylor.
Taylor shrugged them off and immediately sprang to her feet, standing shoulder to shoulder with Yunice, facing off against the others.
But from the corner of her eye, Taylor couldn’t help stealing a glance at Yunice – and for a moment, she was filled with envy.
Envy that Yunice could call out her husband’s name with pride. Envy that she had someone she could rely on.
And me? she thought bitterly. All I have is this pathetic excuse for a husband.
But she shoved the thought aside quickly. She still had herself.
She gave Yunice a slight scowl. “Your whip technique is terrible. No strength at all.”
Yunice muttered back, “I grabbed it from Wyatt’s car last minute. I’ve never used one before. I didn’t hit you, so I’m already doing pretty well.”
Taylor reached out her hand. “Give it to me. Let me show you what a real whipping looks like.”
Yunice handed it over without hesitation.
Taylor took the whip, slowly wrapping it around her wrist with the same deliberate motion Paul had used earlier with his belt.
Paul’s face turned a sickly white.
Yunice darted back to the door and slammed it shut.
Locking the door – because when you beat a dog, you shut the door first.