Book Trk
Chapter 93
Chapter 93
Gwendolyn hesitated a bit before turning her back to Howard. Her fingers grazed the edge of her coat as she slowly slid it off, along with her sweater, leaving her in just a bandeau.
Her smooth, pale back was all shocking scars.
Howard extended a gentle hand, carefully pulling strands of her long hair to drape over her shoulder. He scooped a generous dollop of ointment and began to spread it across her wounded back.
With the tip of his index finger, he delicately lifted the strap of her bandeau, spreading the ointment with slow, tender movements.
Gwendolyn shivered involuntarily. The coolness of the ointment was a welcome relief against the searing pain of her wounds.
“It’s the first time that a woman has taken a hit for me,” Howard said, his voice low and eyes clouded with a dark intensity that lingered.
He wrapped his arms around her waist, pulling her close, and Gwendolyn found herself seated on his lap. She turned and glimpsed his expression, but a cold kiss fell upon her rounded shoulder.
“Mr. Chadwick…” Her hands instinctively covered her chest, her body tensing.
He embraced her from behind impulsively, his eyes closing, feeling a profound sense of calm wash over him.
“Gwendolyn, let’s take your grandmother back to the countryside tomorrow,” he murmured against her neck, his breath warm on her skin.
“That would be lovely. Grandma has longed to return, always asking about it on the phone.”
“I’ve sorted everything with the hospital already,” he assured her softly. He seemed weary, holding on to her as sleep began to claim him.
Gwendolyn dared not move, letting him lean against her.
That evening, the internet exploded with a sensational headline. The Chadwick family had disowned Howard!
The whistle–blower presented irrefutable evidence of Howard’s rebellion, branding him the family’s black sheep. Accompanying photos showed Howard emerging from the Chadwick Mansion, battered and bruised.
The “Disownment Declaration” was leaked, sealing his fate with the family’s ancestral mandate, a rule well–known to all.
The once golden boy of the Chadwick family had fallen from grace. Those who grew up in
Howard’s shadow were then gleefully spreading the news and celebrating his downfall.
In the elite circles of Bayridge City, the socialites mocked Howard, who had always been the benchmark for others‘ children. At this time, his name was to be erased from the family lineage.
A toast was made at a secluded booth in a dimly lit bar, where music pounded and the dancers swayed seductively.
“Cheers!”
To Mr. Bainbridge, the future head of the Chadwick family!”Exclusive content © by Nô(v)el/Dr/ama.Org.
“With news like this, even if Howard grovels, he can never return to the Chadwick family! Warren’s pride won’t allow it!”
Men and women huddled around Bainbridge and Vivien, basking in their glow. The air was thick with the scent of alcohol and perfume. With his arm around Vivien, Bainbridge laughed uncontrollably.
“Tonight, it’s all on me!”
Bainbridge, you’re the man! The Chadwick family is yours for the taking. Howard is nothing but a crippled good–for–nothing. If we see him, we’ll teach him a lesson on your
behalf!
“Exactly! He was so smug before. My dad used to compare me to him all the time!”
They drank heartily, celebrating as if it were a festival.
“From now on, if you run into Howard, make him suffer. A slap from you earns ten grand from me!” Bainbridge bellowed, drunk with triumph.
“Wow! Then I’ll surely land a few extra slaps! Turn his handsome face into a pig’s snout!”
Their raucous laughter filled the room.