In the Huo family's villa
Crack! Went the whip! A man was kneeling in the middle of the living room, and a line was drawn across his back. Blood welled in that line. He was being beaten by a whip the thickness of a man's finger. The beating was merciless, the whip striping the man's back with welts and torn flesh.
Crack! Crack! Crack! The clothing the man wore was sliced to bloodstained ribbons.
The beaten man was in his twenties. He was dressed in black casual clothing, and his face had well-defined angles. He clenched his teeth and endured the pain. He didn't beg for mercy at all.
The men standing nearby were frightened, shuddering. They squeezed their eyes shut with every stroke.
When the whip was about to land on the man's back again, someone opened the door and peeked in. A girl wearing a light yellow dress darted towards them. "Dad! Don't! Why did you hit him? Stop it!" She rushed to the man kneeling on the floor and spread her arms to protect him.
Whip in hand, Carlos looked at his younger daughter and ordered in a cold voice, "Get up."
Terilynn shook her head. Tears streamed down her red cheeks as she looked at the welts on his back. "Dad, Evelyn said the sex was consensual and she didn't blame that guy. She asked you not to interfere. This had nothing to do with Tayson. What did he do to deserve this?"
The man in her arms had a pale face. Terilynn's protection made his heart flutter.
Carlos, on the other hand, grew angrier when he thought of what had happened to Evelyn. He treated Evelyn like a princess; her every wish was his to grant. But now she was in the hospital, hurt because of another guy. Flames of rage danced in his gaze.
He turned to look at the bodyguards in the room and ordered, "Take her away."
"Yes, Mr. Huo."
Terilynn, however, refused to let go. She held Tayson Jin tightly and yelled at the top of her lungs, "Dad! You can't do this to him. You could kill him! Dad!"
Although Carlos knew her feelings for Tayson Jin, he feigned ignorance and asked, "Terilynn, why are you protecting him?"
She was stunned and lowered her head to avoid looking her fath
to go with her and protect her there? You can't, at least not quickly. Why not let Tayson do it? You can decide what to do with him after they get back," she suggested.
"Hey, Miss Huo, I know what you're trying to do, but I'll do whatever your father says," Tayson Jin said.
"Dad, I said you should look for the jerk who hurt Evelyn. Just think about what I said, okay? Dad, just be rational."
"Miss Huo..." Tayson Jin tried to stop her from talking. Seeing that Carlos' face was as dark as ink, Tayson Jin stood before Terilynn and said, "Mr. Huo, I'll do whatever you want."
Carlos looked at Terilynn with chilly eyes. She shuddered and pouted, "What, Dad? What did I say? You of all people—"
"Tayson!" Carlos suddenly said, cutting her off. The bodyguard snapped to attention.
"You'll fly to America with Evelyn the day after tomorrow. If she gets hurt again, you will kill yourself. Got it?"
After a pause, Tayson Jin answered, "Yes, Mr. Huo."
Terilynn heaved a sigh of relief since Carlos decided to let Tayson Jin off the hook. She wanted to hug the bodyguard. But Carlos was here and she was not sure if Tayson Jin had the same feelings for her. She let it go and tried not to think about it.
Carlos stared at Terilynn, and she made an excuse to get out of there. "Well, the only reason I'm here is to get something for Evelyn. I'll get to it."
After saying that, she rushed up the stairs.