Murmurs of satisfaction rippled through the crowd as they watched Demontae's battered face—swollen beyond recognition. Not a single soul pitied the young master; instead, they relished his humiliation with vindictive pleasure. Everyone agreed: this was karma served ice-cold.
Demontae had ruled Herbshire with a bully's swagger, treating most locals as beneath his notice. That arrogance had earned him countless enemies, making today's beating all the sweeter for spectators. "The Veyras?" someone snorted. "They're out of the Connors' league! How dare he disrespect Ms. Veyra?"
Even the Connor Family's allies shook their heads at the sight. Marks Connor finally lowered his fist, his son's punishment having crossed from discipline into brutality. "Ms. Veyra," he panted, bowing deeply, "this wo
