Chapter 372
Elijah’s expression grew darker as he started the car engine once again, heading toward the meeting point Lionel had mentioned. Driving until they reached an abandoned construction site, both Elijah and Lionel silently entered the most secluded, dilapidated building.
As Elijah entered, Sheena received a call from Ford. He detailed Elijah’s strange movements, reporting every detail to Sheena.
Sheena questioned, “Where did he go? What’s inside? Did you hear anything?”
“No, I noticed people guarding within a fifty–meter radius around this construction site, and there were quite a few of them. I couldn’t get close,” Ford replied.
Sheena fell silent.
Why did Elijah suddenly rush to this abandoned construction site?
Who was he meeting?
The fact that there were guards meant he had significant secrets.
“Alright, I got it. I’ll go over and take a look later.”
Meanwhile, Elijah, accompanied by Lionel, entered the run–down building. Inside, three men were already present. The leader, a man in his forties, greeted Elijah respectfully when he entered.
“Hello.”
Elijah’s expression remained cold. “Uncle Grant, what’s the matter?”
Uncle Grant, whose full name was Grant Burrell, gradually became serious and explained, “There’s internal turmoil within the family, and we need you to return immediately to take charge.”
Immediately?
That was urgent.
Elijah hesitated for a moment before saying, “No. I have personal matters to attend to in Farlem. I’ll return on my own in a few days.”
Grant’s face grew grimmer. “Sir, this is an urgent order, and you must come with me. Your grandfather said this is the best opportunity for you to regain the people’s trust and secure your authority.”
Elijah fell silent. He had hoped to spend the last seven days by Sheena’s side. Yet even seven days seemed like a luxury now. He suppressed the stifling feeling in his chest and recalled Ian’s plan from earlier in the day.
“Give me three more days. I have one last thing to take care of, and I’ll personally return to apologize.”
Grant’s face darkened. “Sir, you’re aware of how strict our family rules are. You’ll face severe punishment for going against the order!”
Elijah remained nonchalant. “I know. Delaying for three days means thirty lashes.
Then, he casually untied his tie with one hand, his well–defined fingertips gracefully unbuttoning both the suit and shirt simultaneously before tossing them effortlessly to Lionel.
“Sir…” Lionel mumbled as he caught the clothes steadily, his eyes filled with
concern.
What if Elijah could not endure it, and the suppressed virus reactivated?
Ignoring Lionel’s worries, Elijah dropped to one knee. His broad and smooth back muscles stood out as he spoke with a hint of arrogance, “Come, hit me.”
Grant sighed. “The old man indeed knows you best, understanding that you would inevitably linger and not return immediately.”
The bodyguard standing silently on the side approached, presenting an elegant dark sandalwood box.
Grant opened it slowly, revealing a long, dark whip intricately threaded with gold and covered with fine, sharp barbs. It was designed to draw blood with minimal effort from the wielder.
“With the family in turmoil and the situation urgent, I’ll ask you one last time. Do you really intend to return only after three days?”
Without hesitation, Elijah replied, “Yes.”
“In that case, don’t blame me for doing this. The family rules are not to be broken, and I… I’m sorry I can’t do much.”
Elijah simply nodded.
In truth, he deeply resented these rules. Once he took down those stubborn old figures in the family and gained full control, he would first abolish these outdated and strict traditions.
As he contemplated, a sharp sound echoed behind him.
