Chapter 6

Chapter 6

Stephanie grabbed Matilda’s wrist and exclaimed coldly, “I won’t make any statements. We’re both disappointed in each other. I will leave the Hayes manor tonight!” She shook off Matilda’s hand and went upstairs.

Matilda stumbled and wanted to chase after Stephanie, but was stopped by Austin. He snapped, “Using your daughter as a bargaining chip, do you even deserve to be called a mother? Stop bothering Stephaniel

Matilda snorted and stormed upstairs. Horace stubbed out the cigarette and followed suit. Florence looked timidly at Austin, stood up, and left. Stephanie hadn’t brought anything back from abroad. Having not made any purchases in the past half month, she only had a grey suitcase with her. The door wasn’t locked. Florence approached Stephanie and nervously fidgeted with her hands.

“Stephie, are you leaving? I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?” she said.

Stephanie raised her eyebrows and asked, “What do you think?”

“Stephie, let’s not argue over a man, okay? Aren’t we s

sisters?” Florence said,

Stephanie didn’t know what to say. In the beginning, Florence didn’t treat her well. She often fabricated stories about being bullied by Stephanie, destroyed some toys and clothes, and framed Stephanie for doing so. Stephanie would then be severely punished as Florence watched gleefully.

Stephanie began to reminisce about when Florence finally started to get along with her. It was in middle school when Stephanie consistently ranked top of the class, and Florence started to sweet talk her into tutoring sessions.

Rather than harboring grudges for Florence’s actions, Stephanie simply brushed them off as childish pranks, Since she couldn’t gamer love from her parents, Stephanie naturally hoped for a close bond with her sister. Later, the two of them maintained a good relationship until Stephanie’s death. It wasn’t until then that she realized Florence’s friendliness was fake.

Florence fabricated sibling love to exploit Stephanie’s talent. A devil in disguise, no matter how angelic the façade, still has a devil’s heart,’ Stephanie mused.

She cast a long glance at Florence before heading toward the door with her suitcase.

Florence rushed over and frantically grasped her arm, looking desperate. “Stephie, my concert is tomorrow night. What will I do without you? Please, I’m begging you. Could you help me again?”

“Fine, I’ll help you one last time. After that, you’re on your own.” Stephanie sighed.

“Thank you, Stephie,” Florence said.

After Stephanie left the room, a sinister smile spread across Florence’s face. I knew it. Just by shedding a few tears, this fool would soften up. Do it a few times, and she’ll be under my thumb for life, Florence thought.

Stephanie walked toward the stairs with a smile. ‘Florence, your retribution has just begun!’

When Stephanie went downstairs, only Austin remained. She stepped forward and hugged Austin tightly. “Grandpa, when the time is right, I’ll get your out of here.”

Austin patted her on the back and asked, “Are you really willing to marry Vincent?”

Stephanie released him and nodded earnestly. Grandpa, I’m willing to marry Vincent. It’s not on a whim.”

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DAL TO COIT L was anyway.”

Stephanie burst into laughter. “You won’t have the chance to do that. He’ll be nice to me.”

Alter a few reminders from Austin, Stephanie left the Hayes manor.

Austin was told Vincent picked her up, but she hadn’t actually contacted him. She simply wanted to take a solitary stroll along the street.

At the same time, i in the Fletcher residence, Douglas stood before the Fletcher family.

Kevin snorted, “You’ve really disgraced our family today!”

Douglas said with his head down, “Grandpa, I’m sorry. I know I embarrassed the Fletcher family today, but it’s not all my fault. If Uncle Vincent didn’t accept, Stephanie would’ve chosen me.” Then he stole a glance at Vincent.

Vincent chuckled. “It’s like a cake turned into a tu rd. Even a fool won’t eat it.”

Raphael Fletcher, Douglas’ father, spoke coldly. “Aren’t you taking marriage too lightly, Vincent? Stephanie was Douglas’ fiancée. Even if they broke off their engagement, you can’t just step in. Later, the news might report that an uncle and nephew were fighting over a woman at the engagement party.”

Vincent raised his eyebrows and said, “They’ll only report that Douglas cheated on his fiancée.”

Hearing that, Lorelai was struck mute. She couldn’t bear to see Douglas on his knees like this. “That’s enough. Let Douglas get up

now.”

Vincent raised his eyes and said, “Since you have disgraced the Fletcher family, you should be punished according to the family rules.” He looked at the butler and said, “Go to the study and get the punishment tool.”

The butler nodded and walked quickly to the study.

Lorelai looked at the two elders and said, “Kevin, Ellen, it’s all over. Please don’t punish Douglas. He knows he’s wrong!”

Kevin firmly said, “Rules are rules. We have to a b i d e by them.”

Lorelai cast a pleading look at Frederick Fletcher and Edith Fletcher, the second branch of the Fletcher family. However, the two of them looked away. pretending not to see her.

Soon, the butler came over, holding a rectangular box.

Vincent said, “According to the 21st family rule, those who break their word will be punished with ten strokes, and those who disgrace the Fletcher family will face twenty additional strokes. That’s a total of thirty strokes. Paul, let’s proceed.”

Paul Mendes pulled out a black iron-like stick from the box. He gripped the staff behind Douglas with both hands. “Mr. Douglas Fletcher, I’m sorry,” Paul

said.

The stick landed hard on Douglas’ back. He gritted his teeth and cried out in pain. After thirty blows, Douglas knelt on the ground, trembling with cold sweat on his forehead. He looked at Vincent and said, “Uncle Vincent, since you’ve punished me, can I have Stephanie back?”

With a scornful smile, Vincent said in an indifferent voice, “I told you. She is my fiancée now.” With that, he raised his hand slightly, and Zane wheeled him toward the door.

Douglas was unwilling to give up Stephanie. She was his favorite pawn. “Uncle Vincent, she’s just angry with me. She doesn’t like you.”

Zane stopped and stood beside the wheelchair.

Vincent looked sideways, showing his keen features. His lips curved into a slight smile. “I’ve obtained the marriage license with Stephanie. It’s time to let

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Hearing that, Douglas sat down dejectedly. “How could this be? All my elaborate plans have been ruined, Who on earth did this?’ he thought.

Lorelai gripped him fiercely, crying, but he couldn’t hear her. All he could think about was uncovering the mastermind who had ruined his plans.

The black Maybach was zooning on the road. The soft illumination from the street lamps outside filtered through the window, casting intermingling shadows on the man’s sculpted features”

Out of habit, Vincent reached for the amethyst bracelet on his wrist but found it missing. He suddenly remembered giving Stephanie the bracelet. “Is she asleep now?’ he wondered.

Vincent took out his phone and saw a WhatsApp message from five minutes ago: [Honey, are you asleep?]

He clicked on the conversation, ready to reply, but after a moment’s thought, Vincent decided to call her instead. She picked up quickly, sounds of crickets and the whoosh of passing cars coming through.

Vincent asked with a frown, “Where are you?”

Stephanie sniffled. “Honey, I no longer have a home.”

SEND GIFT