Kevin's eyes were sharp and ancient, and Amelia couldn't look at him. She dropped her head, her hands clammy with sweat.

He knew. He knew everything. When had he found out? How? Where did she slip up?

Amelia tried to defend herself, clinging to one last hope. “Grandpa, I didn't do it," she said, her voice shaking. "It was Dennis's idea. He missed his mom and wanted to see her. That's why he asked you, not me. I swear, I didn't push him... I didn't tell him to do anything..."

Kevin's tone was ice cold. "Still stubborn."

She watched as he took out his phone and opened the app for Dennis's watch.

“I checked Dennis's location while he was supposed to be at kindergarten,” Kevin said.

Amelia felt her heart stumble. Her legs almost gave out.

Kevin's gaze was like a weight pressing down on her. "If Dennis was at kindergarten, why was his watch here at the house?"

Her mind went blank. Her hands gripped her pants, and her throat felt tight.

Under his cold stare, she could barely force the words out. “Maybe... maybe Dennis left it here on purpose, before he went to school."

Disappointment filled Kevin's eyes. He tossed his phone aside. "You won't admit you're wrong until you have no choice. Come with me to the memorial room.”

A chill spread through Amelia, making her whole body go numb. "Grandpa..."

He didn't answer. He stood and walked out the front door toward the back of the estate.

The Lane family's memorial room was in a small building behind the main house. It was always spotless, someone cleaned it every day. Amelia had only been there a few times, always for holidays or memorials.

But there was another reason the Lanes were sent there.

For punishment.

Even Andrew Lane, the family's favorite, had been made to kneel there as a kid whenever he messed up. Because he mattered most, his punishments were always the harshest. He'd come out needing help to walk and end up stuck in bed for days.

Now, Amelia glanced around, but there was no one to help her. She had no choice but to follow.

The doors to the memorial room were open. Inside, the family's memorial tablets were lined up in perfect order. Kevin stood in front of them, lighting incense with steady hands.

Amelia stood off to the side, nerves twisting in her stomach. When Kevin finished, he turned to her, his voice heavy. "Kneel."

Her hands trembled as she grabbed at her

Sanker legs shook as she

On the cushion, Content,

belongs to ownovels

Kevin turned back, and she saw the ruler in his hand.

Amelia's eyes went wide, fear prickling at her skin.

This ruler was bigger and heavier than the one he'd used on Dennis.

He came closer, ruler ready. "Hands out."

Her heart pounded. She couldn't fight him.

Kevin lifted the ruler and brought it down hard on her palms.

Pain ripped through her hands. Tears immediately filled her eyes.

"Do you know what you did wrong?" Kevin's voice was cold as stone.

Amelia bit her lip, the pain too much to speak.

"You wanted me to help Isabella Austin, so you got Dennis to act out. Tell me, am I wrong?"

There was no point in arguing. Pushing back would only make things worse.

Amelia nodded, tears slipping down her cheeks.

The ruler came down again, even harder.

Smack.

Two bright red marks stood out on her pale skin, clear evidence of the punishment.