Chapter 1324

Lucian struggled in Tyler's grip, shouting in protest. Mary, looking anxious, pleaded, "Sir, please, put him down!" But Tyler, holding Lucian tightly, showed no signs of letting go. He grabbed both of Lucian's arms, making sure they were face-to-face. In a low, angry voice, he demanded, "What did Grandma tell you?" Lucian, usually more compliant, seemed especially stubborn today. He heard the question but pressed his lips together, refusing to answer. "Answer me!" Tyler's patience was wearing thin. He hadn't thought he'd ever need to discipline the boy this way, but now he grabbed a wooden rod from the attic, holding it up and aiming it at Lucian. Just as Tyler was about to bring the rod down, Mary rushed forward, grabbing his hand. "Sir! You can't hit him! It'll be terrible if you do!" Tyler froze, his arm still raised. He looked at Lucian, his little face red and wet with tears. Lucian was crying loudly, repeating over and over, "Let me go! Let me go!" His stubbornness only mad