Chapter 925: Ruud Seeks Advice from Hugo

In the damp, chilling basement, River lay on the ground, her body soaked in blood. Every inch of her flesh was torn apart, save for her face, which remained eerily untouched. Her grandfather, in a ruthless act of discipline, had personally carried out the punishment to appease the anger of two powerful families. The custom-made whip, soaked in a special solution, tore through her skin with every strike, leaving her in excruciating pain as the solution seeped deep into her wounds, causing a maddening itch that reached her very bones. Her grandfather had issued a strict order: no one was to treat her injuries for seven days. It was a test of endurance—survive and live, or succumb and perish. Jon approached and helped her up, forcing a pill down her throat. Only then did River manage a ragged breath. "Jon, save me!" she gasped desperately. Jon’s voice was cold. "You know the authority Grandfather holds in the Swanson family. This time, you brought this upon yourself." Ri