Chapter 12: Chapter 12

Chapter 12

Even Raizel was better than Shela, for crying out loud!

Was he blind or did someone put a hex on him?

“Letitia, you owe me an apology!” Shela demanded, “And bark like a dog three times!

Her response was adamant. “No way.

She might have been able to humble herself and issue an apology, but acting like a dog was a humiliation she could not

bearl

Shela immediately slung to Elgin’s arm, whining. Look, she won’t do it.

“Letitia, I’m giving you one more chance to answer

She looked up, meeting Elgin’s oppressive gaze, Not Gonna, Happen!”

His eyes darken instantly. Defying him? She’s really grown bold!

“Don’t ask for trouble. Elgin leaned in, pinching her chin, “What’s easier, barking like a dog or taking three lashes?”

“I’d rather take the lashes.”

He snorted coldly, “Fine! Bring the whip!”

The butler presented it with both hands, sighing internally

Letitia, though, managed a bitter smile, After all, I’m still your wife in name. Elgin, are you actually going to humiliate me for her?

“She’s the woman I’ve gone to great lengths to find, the future Mrs. Ramirez for life. Get it? His tone was icy, “You’re not even fit to be mentioned in the same breath as her.”

So, it turns out he was in love with Shela

It was a rude awakening, but what choice did she have other than to accept the harsh truth? Letitia closed her eyes. stayed silent, and just waited for the whip to come down.

No matter how painful, she would grit her teeth and take it.

Watching her pale but defiant face, Elgin gripped the whip tightly, his hand’s veins bulging as he raises it high. But the anticipated pain never landed

Letitia opened her eyes to see Elgin walking away.

“Whipping you would only dirty my hands, he dropped the whip. “Butler, do it for me!”

“Yes, Mr. Ramirez.

Shela was seething but seeing Elgin’s foul mood, she didn’t push it.

She did have some sense, after all.

“Mr. Ramirez, didn’t you say you’d marry me?” she asked with feigned hurt, “Why is Letitia your wife then?”

“She’s just a puppet.”

“Huh? What do you mean?”

Elgin was initated, but when he remembered that Shela was the woman from that night, he calmed down, “Marrying Letitia was just temporary. I hadn’t found you yet, and I needed someone to fill the position of Mrs. Ramirez, so I chose

her.

Shela nodded, thinking, so that’s the deal. She had thought Eigin found out the truth.

Then she asked, “You’ll still keep your promise to marry me, right?”

“Yeah i sort everything out, then bring you into the family”

Chapter 12

“Can’t wait for the day!”

Shela could rest easy now

Meanwhile, Letitia eyed the thick whip, Sit just do it

“Ma’am…

“I know it’s hard for you too

The butler glanced toward the stairwell, making sure Elgin was far enough away, then with a heavy heart, he raised the whip and brought it down hard

The sound echoed through Ivory Towers.

Elgin dined on breakfast, not a flicker in his gaze.

Shela reveled in the sound, feeling utterly content

She thought to herself, “Letitia, with me around, you’ll never turn the tables!”

“Crack! Another sound

The other servants shuddered, didn’t dare to look.

But Letitia looked at the butler in astonishment, “You.

Both lashes struck the ground, not her!

Shh, ma’am, keep it down, don’t draw attention, the butler whispered, “You’re a good person, kind to us servants, I just

couldn’t do it

If Elgin finds out, we’re done for!”

“I know So I’m afraid the last lash will be a real one, ma’am.”

Letitia nodded, understanding. If she didn’t show any marks, it would be all too suspicious.

She took the last lash solidly, her back searing with pain, skin splitting open.

Letitia looked gratefully at the butler, the world might be cruel to her, but there was still these little touches of kindness warming her heart.

“Mr. Ramirez, the lashing is done, the butler reported from downstairs.

He responded with an indifferent “Hmm.

Letitia stood to one side, slightly hunched because of the pain, thinking it’s a good thing it was just one lash – shouldn’t stop her from scavenging for recyclables.

“Mr. Ramirez, there’s something… I’d like to ask for your help with,” Shela piped up suddenly, “May I?”

“Speak.”

“I heard the Ramirez Group is setting up a renowned talent agency, right?”

Elgin nodded, “The Ramirez Group is venturing into show business.”

“Could you maybe pull some strings for me?” Shela asked, “I’ve been to auditions, and they’re all so picky. With your help, it’d be a breeze!”

“You want to break into acting?”

Shelo nodded vigorously. “Yes, it’s my dream! Plus, with you backing me, no one would dare mess with me or give me a hard time!”

Elgin agreed, “Alright. Consider it compensation.

Maybe a hard working Shela could show him a different side, reigniting what he felt that night.

Eigen glanced at Letina, “You, keep slaving away at the company.”

“Got it.”

The gulf between people was just so vast.

Here was Letitia, toiling away, picking up scraps for a few bucks.

And there was Shela, easily snagging showbiz opportunities becoming a star would be easy for her. Plus, Elgin’s support meant she’s set for life!

Once Elgin left, Shela dropped the sweet act, revealing her true colors.

“Don’t want to bark, huh? No problem,” she said, “Sooner or later I’ll make you kneel and bark for me.

Letitia couldn’t even be bothered to glance her way, she had to walk to the Ramirez Group. If she was late, Elgin would have a fit.

“You’re ignoring me? Heh, Letitia, stop right there!” Shela blocked her path, “I suggest you wise up and ask Mr. Ramirez for a divorce sooner rather than later!”

“As if I have a say in that.”

“Pfft, you just want to snag Mrs. Ramirez’s spot so bad you can’t stand to leave.”

Letitia chuckled, “If you’ve got the guts, get Elgin to divorce me right now. What’s the point of coming here to strong-arm me?

“You.. fine, fine, Shela gritted her teeth, “you’ll be begging me before you know it!”

The malice was spilling out of her eyes.

Letitia didn’t have time to worry about what Shela might pull off. Crossing Shela was not the biggest problem, but getting on Elgin’s bad side was a kiss of death.

Besides, Letitia figured Shela couldn’t really stir up much trouble.

On her way to the Ramirez Group, Letitia was still scavenging for recyclables.

Today’s haul was meager, but she still made a cool twenty bucks.

Just as she pocketed the cash, she spun around and caught sight of a familiar figure by the roadside. Seeing him was even more mortifying than bumping into Elgin.

Letitia took off running.

“Letitia, I’ve been following you for a while now.” The man behind her said.