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 wee 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 im him.


    Gwendolyn dared not move, letting him lean against her.


    That evening, the inte 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


    ck sheep. Apanying photos showed Howard emerging from the Chadwick Mansion, battered


    and bruised.


    The “Disownment Deration” 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!”


    “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, Bainbridgeughed uncontrobly.


    “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 topare me to him all the time!”


    Belongs to ? n0velDrama.Org.


    They drank heartily, celebrating as if it were a festival.


    “From now on, if you run into Howard, make him suffer. A p from you earns ten grand from me!”


    Bainbridge bellowed, drunk with triumph.


    “Wow! Then I’ll surelynd a few extra ps! Turn his handsome face into a pig’s snout!”


    Their raucousughter filled the room.