"You asshole! You know you can't handle me, that's why you have your maids holding me down. What a shame! Count them—six maids, and all just to restrain me. If they dare let me loose, I swear, I'll kill you all!" Xiotan's voice was a venomous hiss, even as the maids continued to pierce her skin with needles.
"You still have the nerve to talk?" Duguyan sneered, picking up a strip of tape and pressing it firmly over Xiotan's mouth.
"Mmm, mmm," Xiotan hummed in muffled fury, struggling against the restraints, her eyes blazing with defiance.
"Please, Duguyan, let her go," Lifie begged, falling to her knees and clutching Duguyan's leg in desperation. Xiotan's muffled humming grew more frantic, trying to communicate with her mother, pleading with her not to beg on her behalf.
The maids brought another bucket of icy water, pouring it over Xiotan, making her shiver as the cold liquid soaked through her white top, now stained with blood.
"No one will come to save you toda—" Duguyan's taunt was abruptly cut off by a deep voice from the doorway.
"Sorry for the inconvenience. I'm here to take my wife home." Li Cheng's voice, calm yet cold, filled the room as he strode in with his bodyguard. Duguyan visibly trembled at the sight of him.
Li Cheng walked over to Xiotan, effortlessly lifting her into his arms. He was about to leave when Duguyan stammered, "Lord Mo Li Cheng, it—it's not what you think, it—"
"Did I ask you to speak?" Li Cheng interrupted, his gaze icy. "Did I ask any questions?"
"No, sir."
"Then only speak when you're spoken to."
"Yes, sir," Duguyan nodded quickly, her fear palpable.
"My wife might have caused you some inconvenience, and for that, I apologize. I've spoiled her a lot, so she may not realize what she did was wrong. But you should not have gone this far. I hate seeing marks or scars on her body. I *really* hate it." His voice was disturbingly calm, as he gently patted Xiotan's hair, sending a shiver down the spines of Duguyan and the maids.
Just then, Fie descended the stairs, greeting Li Cheng with a forced smile. "Oh, Lord Mo Li Cheng, welcome. When did you arrive?"
"So you were here while all this was happening?" Li Cheng's voice was now laced with disdain. "You should be grateful you're my wife's father, otherwise... hmm, I can't even imagine what would happen to all of you." He waved Da Ming over, who handed him his suit to wrap around Xiotan, sensing the chill in her skin.
"Please, bring my mom with us. I don't want to leave her here," Xiotan whispered, her voice barely audible, but Li Cheng caught every word.
"Don't let this happen again. If it does, I won't spare any of you. I promise," Li Cheng warned, his tone icy.
Pan'er, emboldened by the tension, stepped forward, glaring at Li Cheng. "Hey, you can't just waltz in here and talk to us like that. Before lecturing us, maybe you should start with your wife."
Li Cheng's gaze turned deadly as he locked eyes with her. "And who the hell are you?"
Pan'er huffed, incredulous. "What? Who am I? What kind of question is that? I'm her sister! Didn't you see me at your wedding?"
"I don't notice fools, I'm sorry," Li Cheng replied, his voice dripping with disdain.
"What the hell! What right do—" Pan'er's protest was abruptly silenced as Da Ming pushed her aside, clearing the path for Li Cheng.
Without another word, Li Cheng left the room, instructing two of his guards to escort Jinxin and Lifie out.