Bella's POV
Jasper shot Gideon a withering look, his displeasure unmistakable. Gideon's face twisted with resentment, but he kept his mouth shut.
Switching to a gentler tone, Jasper addressed Ivy. "This whole mess started with you, and you're clearly in the wrong. Your punishment is a period of confinement in the memorial hall for reflection—no meals, no water. Do you accept this?"
Through her tears, Ivy choked out, "Yes, I accept."
She shot Jasper a thankful look before dropping her gaze.
The Thorne family arrives for the betrothal soon. I can't be punished now, Ivy thought desperately.
Jasper delivered Gaby's sentence with ice in his voice. "Eighty lashes followed by exile from the Fairfax family."
Eighty lashes meant certain death.
This wasn't punishment—it was execution, a brutal way to silence her permanently.
Gaby's screams echoed as she was hauled away. Ivy's shoulders sagged with visible relief.
