Chapter 5
Keira never would’ve thought that Vincent would recognize the bracelet but fail to recognize her. She had mixed feelings as she parted her lips to explain everything. However, Kimberly beat her to it.
She asked, “Why did you take my bracelet without my permission, Keira?”
She reached out to take the bracelet away, her sharp nails leaving bloody scratches on Keira’s wrist.
Keira let out a muffled grunt of pain and wanted to pull away, but Kimberly took the opportunity to fall backward. Vincent panicked and instinctively pulled her into his arms while glaring at Keira.
He said, “So, that’s it. I thought… You stole Kimmy’s bracelet and even tried to hurt her after having your lie exposed! You disgust me, Keira!”
Keira felt cold all over when she saw how he believed Kimberly’s lies without even giving her the chance to explain. She held up her bleeding wrist, her tone filled with despair and anguish as she asked, “Since you remember this bracelet, haven’t you noticed that Kimberly hasn’t worn it since you regained your vision?
“It’s because she has no idea it even existed! She doesn’t know it’s the one you—” Her words were abruptly cut off as Frank slapped her. Her vision went black, and she fell back against the champagne tower.
The glasses toppled over her, soaking her through. She fell to the floor, landing on the shattered glass. Blood spurted from her wounds, and the pain made her tears flow.
Melinda stormed toward Keira and splashed her wine in her face. “Kimmy didn’t wear the bracelet because it was broken and sent for repairs. The butler just picked it up today, and you stole it when we weren’t at home so you could put it on and pretend it’s yours!
“We can overlook you wreaking havoc at home, but it’s Kimberly’s birthday today, and you’re pulling this stunt in front of so many people! You’re a disgrace to our family! That bracelet is one of the pieces that your grandmother treasured in life. She had left it for her precious Kimmy! How could it be yours?”
Frank and Melinda worked together seamlessly, instantly making Vincent believe that they were telling the truth. He comforted Kimberly, who was weeping, and wiped her tears. Then, he approached Keira and lifted her bloody arm.
He removed the bracelet, wiped the blood off it, and put it on for Kimberly. Then, he looked at her like she was a precious treasure. “Kimmy, this bracelet symbolizes your grandmother’s love for you, and it carries the memories of the five years we spent together. I won’t let anyone dirty it.”
He turned to Frank and Melinda, his tone turning cold as he said, “I believe Keira needs to be punished for stealing and for her inappropriate behavior, Mr. York.”
Frank nodded and had someone bring him a whip. Then, he said, “Per our family’s tradition, Keira deserves 50 lashes for what she’s done today! It’s my fault for not raising her right, and I’m sorry to have ruined the celebration. I’ll teach this ingrate a lesson in public and correct my wrongs!”
He raised the whip and lashed Keira without holding back. The whip hurtled through the air and landed on Keira’s back with a loud crack, instantly drawing blood. She shuddered violently and screamed, the sound reverberating around the spacious hall.
Blood flowed from her wounds and soon dyed her body red. She was in so much pain that her mind turned hazy, but she mumbled, “I didn’t steal anything… That bracelet has always been mine… Grandma gave it to me!”
Vincent didn’t feel any pity for her as he watched her struggle in the pool of blood. All he did was cover Kimberly’s eyes and take her away.
Keira shut her bloodshot eyes after watching them leave. She bit her lip tightly and forced herself to remain quiet, no matter how agonized she was.
When the punishment was served, Frank and Melinda left without another look at her. The guests and servers also left the hall, looking scornful. No one paid Keira any attention.
She lay on the cold floor, covered in wounds from head to toe. Even the lights were turned off, leaving her in endless darkness.
