Emperor Sinclair's hand froze abruptly. The whip was already descending, and he couldn't retract it. He immediately roared, "Get out of the way!"
No matter how fiercely Emperor Sinclair roared, Ashley Bowen clung to Adam Sinclair's neck and refused to move. "Father, if you must strike someone, then strike me. This is my fault, too. I will be punished alongside Adam."
Ashley Bowen suddenly slid off Adam Sinclair's back and fell to her knees with a THUD.
"Shay, you're so foolish. Why did you take that blow for me? Does it hurt?" Adam Sinclair turned and pulled Ashley Bowen into his arms, gently stroking her face.
Sweat beaded on Ashley Bowen's forehead, dampening her bangs. She shook her head. "It doesn't hurt."
Parting her lips slightly, Ashley Bowen forced a brave smile, but it was that very smile that struck a chord deep within Yuri Sinclair.
