Chapter 197

Chapter 197

Immediately after, the smooth flesh on his back was brutally torn apart by the barbs of the training whip, causing deep wounds to appear. Bloodstains became evident, and a sharp pain surged through him. It was only the first lash, and Edgar felt cold sweat forming on his forehead. Gritting his teeth and tensing his muscles, he maintained a straight posture, enduring the pain in silence.

Uncle Alfred noticed the bandage in the middle of Edgar’s vest and deliberately avoided striking that area. However, this meant that fewer spots on his hack could withstand the punishment. When the fifteenth lash landed, his upper back, divided by the bandages, was crisscrossed with bleeding wounds.

The whip sliced through his flesh, causing it to split open.

Edgar’s breathing grew heavier, and veins protruded on his forehead. Even his eyelashes trembled uncontrollably. Yet, he pressed his lips tightly, determined not to let out a sound of humiliation. Deep inside, he chuckled to himself. After being away from home for over a decade, he had nearly forgotten his true identity. He had started to believe that he was nothing more than a pampered Mr. Fallen. Now, with his body weakened by luxury, his ability to endure punishment had significantly diminished.

Uncle Alfred’s hand trembled. The upper half of Edgar’s bark was drenched in blood, leaving no untouched area. Superimposing new bloodstains on top of the previous ones would be futile, given the whip’s relentless force. Unable to bear it any longer, Uncle Alfred shifted his focus to Edgar’s

waist.

Once again, the training whip was raised, and a sharp swishing sound cut through the air. Edgar’s body trembled violently, and his hack finally gave in. He managed to support himself with one hand, preventing himself from collapsing to the ground and facing further embarrassment. The sound of the whip ceased behind him, but a sudden, sharp pain struck his chest, causing blood to gush out.

“Mr. Fallen! Erie cried out, her voice filled with terror and her eyes turning red. Her heart trembled as she witnessed the twenty lashes inflicted upon him.

Grace, too, felt her heart quiver, observing the scene with worry. “Stop! Let’s leave now!””

Edgar let out a sigh of relief and cast a stern gaze at Eric. “You’re merely a subordinate of our country’s Bureau of Investigation. This is not your place to speak!*

“Mr. Fallen, if you continue enduring this punishment, you will die!” Eric’s voice choked with emotion.

“The 5404 virus in your body is only suppressed, not cured! With such severe injuries and weakened resistance, the virus will soon spread. You will die!’

Ignoring her words, Edgar pinched his thigh and took a deep breath, straightening his back once more, assuming the most steadfast posture. Did it hurt? Yes, it did. But he couldn’t leave without uttering a word. There was still a threat looming beside Grace, and he intended to resolve that final problem before departing, free from regrets. Moreover, if he were to retreat now, the twenty lashes. he had endured would be in vain.

“Continue,” Edgar ordered, disregarding Eric’s trembling voice. “Uncle Alfred, carry on!”

Cric’s eyes turned red with anger, his lists clenched tightly. He was a mere bystander, an outsider in this situation. Uncle Alfred, after considering for a moment, glanced at the two bodyguards present in the room. “You are no longer needed here. Go outside and keep watch.”

“Yes,” the two bodyguards acknowledged and left the room, ensuring privacy for the remaining proceedings.

Uncle Alfred retrieved a handkerchief and wiped the blood from the training whip before resuming his position. With ten more lashes to go, he swing the whip, the sound reverberating through the air. Each strike left its mark on the open space beside them.

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Chapter 197

“Mr. Fallen, the thirty lashes have been administered. You may rise now,” Uncle Alfred announced, his tone carrying a sense of finality. He proceeded to clean the training whip once again. “Remember, you have three days. You must return by then. I hope you bear this in mind.”

With Eric’s support, Edgar slowly stood up and expressed his gratitude. “Thank you.”

Uncle Alfred bowed slightly, choosing not to say anything in response. He regarded Edgar’s back, considering the severity of his injuries. If they proceeded further, the last ten lashes would only hit his lower back. After contemplating for a moment, he shifted his gaze to the two bodyguards outside the room. “You may leave your posts and go outside.”

“Yes,” the bodyguards acknowledged once again and exited the room, leaving only Edgar, Eric, and Grace behind.

Uncle Alfred wiped the blood off the whip one more time and prepared to depart. “Take care of yourself during these three days.”

Grace, wearing high heels, cautiously made her way into the abandoned construction site, keenly observing her surroundings. She wondered why she hadn’t noticed any of the secret surveillance posts that Eleven had mentioned. Had they been removed?

As the construction site was vast, she hastened her pace, meticulously searching each room.

Eventually, she caught sight of a familiar tall figure in a remote and dilapidated chamber. Eric happened to be assisting Edgar in fastening the last gold button on his suit’s collar.

Upon seeing Grace’s arrival, Eric discreetly tucked the tie into her trousers pocket, maintaining a silent stance with her head bowed.

Edgar took a deep breath, concealing the pain coursing through his back. When his gaze met Grace’s, his black eyes softened. “Why are you here?”

Instead of answering his question, Grace inquired about the situation she had stumbled upon. “When I entered, why was Eric fastening your buttons? What’s going on?”

A faint smile played on his pale lips. “There was a loose button on my collar. When Eric noticed, she helped me fix it.”

Grace glanced at Eric, who remained with her head lowered. Walking closer to Edgar, she scrutinized him once more. “Then why are you here?”

“Eric received information about someone coming for secret investigation, so I came to take a look.

However, by the time I arrived, the person had already left.”

Grace redirected her attention to Eric. “Is what he said true?”

Eric hesitated for a couple of seconds before responding with a detached tone, devoid of emotion.

“Yes.”

Edgar’s fingertips trembled as he lightly tugged at his sleeve. “Grace, it’s cold outside. I would like to return to the Cloud View Villa.”

“Wait.”Grace remained unperturbed by his attempt at affection, her eyebrows furrowing.

Although Eric had kept her head lowered and made an effort to conceal it, Grace noticed that her eyes were slightly red. As she shifted her gaze back to Edgar, she observed his pallor and the faintness of his lips.

“You were perfectly fine this morning.

“Why are you sick now?” Grace’s eyebrows remained furrowed, unconvinced by his explanation. She couldn’t shake off the peculiar scent lingering in the air, a mix of unfamiliar men’s cologno and a

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Chapter 197

distinct metallic odor.

Edgar maintained his composure, though his clenched fist betrayed his inner tension. With a light cough, he blocked his lips and spoke. “I might have caught a cold last night. It’s nothing serious. Ill just go back and take a couple of medications.”

“Just a cold?” Grace’s grip on reality tightened. She couldn’t ignore the unsettling presence of fresh blood that stained the floor. Squatting down, she reached out to touch the crimson pool, but her wrist was abruptly seized by Edgar.

He looked into her eyes, his own filled with a mix of apprehension and determination. “Grace. please trust me. It’s not safe here. Let’s leave.”

Grace withdrew her hand from the bloodstain and stared at him intently. Despite her growing concerns, she chose to trust him, at least for the time being. “Alright, let’s go. But we’ll talk about this later.”

Edgar nodded, a glimmer of relief shining in his eyes. Eric, sensing the tension, discreetly stepped aside, allowing the couple to leave the room.

As they made their way out of the construction site, Grace couldn’t shake off the feeling of being watched. She cast occasional glances over her shoulder, but the surroundings appeared empty and desolate. However, the unsettling aura persisted, making her instincts scream for caution.

Upon reaching the entrance, they were met by the two bodyguards, who had been waiting diligently.

One of them informed Edgar, “Mr. Fallen, a woman has parked her car here. She’s quite beautiful Would you like us to””””

Edgar interrupted, his voice tinged with urgency. “Describe her.”

The bodyguard considered for a moment. “She’s very beautiful, Mr. Fallen.”

Grace’s eyes widened, a mix of surprise and suspicion crossing her face. Edgar’s words from earlier echoed in her mind-someone was coming for a secret investigation Could it be that this woman was connected to it?

Edgar’s gaze turned cold as he commanded, “Stay here. I’ll handle it.”

Grace’s concern flared up. “No, I’m going with you. We’re in this together.”

Edgar’s features softened, revealing his gratitude for her unwavering support. “Alright, let’s go.”

Leaving the construction site behind, they walked towards the parked car. Grace’s mind buzzed with questions, but she knew this wasn’t the time for answers. They had to confront the unknown together.

As they approached the vehicle, Grace braced herself for the encounter that lay ahead, determined to protect Edgar and uncover the truth that threatened their lives and their love.