As Nathan returned to the Paynesâ house, Mylo was settling onto the sofa, anticipating Nathanâs visit.
Nathanâs military uniform lent him a commanding presence as he entered the villa with deliberate steps.
Larry and a cadre of soldiers trailed behind Nathan, filling the living room and casting a formidable air.
Weathered by lifeâs ebb and flow with Norton, Mylo sat, his face a mask of indifference, savoring the tea before the assembled group.
âs BunnyBookery
Nathan, finding a spot beside Mylo on the sofa, helped himself to the tea, noting the absence of hospitality.
âMylo, is this the welcome you extend to me? Wonât even greet me or offer a cup of tea, huh?â Nathan remarked, a challenge evident in his tone.
Mylo remained detached, his gaze distant and frosty.
âThe tea here isnât worth boasting about.
Itâs not the sort that would suit your palate, hence no invitation to partake.
â
Tasting the tea, Nathan conceded, âTrue, the flavor is lacking.
But it seems the fault lies not with the tea, but with the one who brewed it.
â
Mylo emptied his cup in one gulp and set it down with force, as if to discharge his irritation.
The conversation, laced with biting wit, steered back to grave matters.
âRonan is my sole offspring.
Despite his shortcomings and habitual errors, he remains my flesh and blood, a Payne, and your kin.
Why not spare him?â Mylo inquired.
Nathanâs fingers played a contemplative rhythm on the china.
âMissteps warrant consequences.
By shielding him, youâre only nurturing his reckless spirit.
â
Emotion swelled within Mylo, his gaze reddening-a storm of anger or sorrow?
Nathanâs voice, icy with authority, pressed for answers.
âWhatâs Ronanâs hideaway, Mylo? A second chance awaits him through you, else punishment will follow his discovery.
â
Mylo, incensed, retorted, âYour heartlessness knows no bounds! Is it your wish to see him fall?â
Gripping his hands tight, Mylo fixed Nathan with a look of deep-seated defiance.
âSending him to jail would ruin him utterly, leaving me to bear the scorn alone.
Ronan acted without my counsel, yet no irreversible harm was done.
My dad is unscathed, isnât he? Why canât you absolve Ronan?â
Myloâs hand came down hard on the table, its sound crashing through the room like a wave intent on drowning out Nathanâs presence.
With a scowl, Nathan cast the teacup aside right after Myloâs outburst.
It shattered, a crisp echo marking its demise.
Mylo felt a jolt as he witnessed Nathanâs impulsive move.
His protests died on his Lips.
Fire blazed in Nathanâs eyes as he spoke with grave finality.
âShould his actions result in irreversible harm, he wouldnât even be granted the opportunity to tend to his injuries before making his getaway.
He will be at the mercy of the National Security Bureau, facing death as the harshest judgment.
â
âDonât push me,â Nathan warned, his voice like ice.
âThirty lashes and a stint in maximum security-the punishment I set for Ronanâs wrongdoings is lenient due to my grandfatherâs pleading for mercy.
Itâs set in stone.
â
Rising to his feet, he adjusted his uniform, a frown etched deep on his face.