Chapter 4

Seraphina POV

Adrian's voice came from the end of the corridor.

He strode over quickly, pulled Vivian behind him, completely shielding her with his body. His gaze shot toward me like a sword.

"Seraphina, you've been Mrs. Hunt for what, a few days, and you're already bullying people?" His eyes were full of suppressed fury. "Do I need to remind you what happened at that party years ago? How someone publicly threw a drink on you and said those terrible things?"

My face went deathly pale. Something gripped my heart violently.

That party—he'd been the one who stepped up for me, forcing that wealthy man to apologize by stepping on him.

But now, this same person who'd pulled me out of humiliation was personally dredging up my most shameful past and spreading it out in front of everyone.

Adrian's tone was harsh. "It seems I've spoiled you too much all these years, making you forget that you're just the Palmer family's adopted daughter who's fallen out of favor. You've experienced plenty of bullying and humiliation yourself."

"Go home." His command was absolute. "I'll deal with you when we get home."

I couldn't believe it. I pointed at Vivian behind him. "You're going to make me suffer for this woman?"

"I just want you to understand—don't forget what you've been through. Don't think that just because you're Mrs. Hunt now, you can abuse your power."

Beside us, Vivian tugged at his sleeve, her voice weak and uncertain. "Mr. Hunt, forget it. The punishment you're giving her is too severe. Please don't fight with Mrs. Hunt because of me. I'm fine now... see, my face doesn't even hurt anymore."

On her pale face, the five-finger mark was vivid. Adrian must already be heartbroken.

"She must receive this punishment." He looked back at me with dark, sinister eyes. "As Mrs. Hunt, you should be magnanimous and gracious, not running to the office like a madwoman to hit people."

I'm like a madwoman?

I was so shocked I almost laughed.

I pressed my lips together coldly. "What if I refuse this punishment?"

His voice was harsh. "Seraphina, I'm not asking you. I'm telling you."

The atmosphere froze.

Just as we were at an impasse, suddenly Vivian let out a weak moan. Her body swayed and she collapsed backward.

"Vivian!"

Adrian's expression changed. He reached out to catch her.

Vivian lay unconscious in his arms.

Adrian lifted her in his arms. When he looked at me again, his eyes were filled with uncontrollable fury. "You'd better pray nothing's wrong with her. Otherwise, I won't forgive you."

He didn't spare me another glance. Carrying Vivian, he strode quickly toward the elevator.

I stood there, feeling everyone's stares. My heart felt like someone had twisted a knife in it several times. The last bit of light in my eyes went out.

I took the elevator down. The moment I walked out of the company entrance, two bodyguards in black suits grabbed me from both sides.

"Mrs. Hunt, we apologize. Mr. Hunt has instructed us to take you home for punishment."

I struggled, but it was useless.

I was shoved into a car. The car drove toward the suburbs, finally stopping in front of the Hunt family villa.

The bodyguards pulled me out of the car and dragged me to the gravel area in front of the villa.

"Kneel, Mrs. Hunt."

I straightened my spine stubbornly. "I did nothing wrong. I won't kneel!"

The two bodyguards exchanged glances. Then one of them kicked directly at the back of my knee.

Caught off guard, my legs gave way and I fell heavily onto the gravel-covered ground.

Excruciating pain immediately shot through my knees.

I screamed, gasping. Cold sweat instantly beaded on my forehead.

I struggled to get up, but the two bodyguards pressed firmly on my shoulders, forcing me back down. "Mr. Hunt has ordered that you must kneel for a full twenty-four hours. You're not allowed to get up."

His punishment for me was to kneel on the villa's gravel for a full twenty-four hours of repentance before it would be over.

But on our wedding night, Adrian had held me in his arms and said he'd never let me suffer in this lifetime.

Adrian, your words truly can't be trusted at all.

But I'd been too foolish before. I'd believed him again and again.