"Bailey is such a selfless child, always thinking of others before herself," Yasmine sighed, her gaze returning to Harry. "Harry, Bailey has been wronged this time. You should treat her better. If you're still feeling uneasy, go rest in the next room."
Harry opened his mouth to speak but then glanced at Julia, who was sitting on the floor, her clothes in disarray. Maybe if she suffered a bit, she would realize how good she had it with him.
"Alright," Harry nodded and walked out of the room.
Yasmine returned to the bedroom, maintaining her noble and elegant demeanor, looking down on everything.
"Even though Julia isn't your biological daughter, you raised her. She did something like this today, and I think you should take responsibility," Yasmine's words came out as if she were snorting through her nose, her tone full of disdain.
"Yes, yes, I'm disciplining her right now! This wretched girl, don't worry, I'll make sure she never dares to do it again!" Penelope replied obsequiously.
Yasmine snorted coldly, glanced at Julia on the floor, and then left.
Penelope turned to Julia, "You wretched girl! Just wait, I'll skin you alive today!"
As she spoke, Bradley appeared out of nowhere with a belt in hand.
"Mom, our Avery Family isn't a small, insignificant family. We have our own rules," Bradley said with a gloating expression, handing the belt to Penelope.
No wonder he had disappeared earlier; he had gone to find a weapon.
Julia let out a cold laugh. Her half-brother really knew how to treat his sister "well."
"Good son!" Penelope shouted, picking up a belt and swinging it towards Julia.
The belt snapped and cracked against Julia's body. The drug Bailey had given her left her completely powerless to resist.
Am I going to be beaten to death like this?
The thought flashed through Julia's mind.
Aidan stood by silently, not uttering a word.
Bradley sat on the edge of the bed, watching Julia get beaten with a satisfied smile on his face.
No!
She couldn't die like this!
Summoning all her strength, Julia grabbed hold of Penelope's belt.
"Dad, no matter what, I am your biological daughter! We all know who really stole whose boyfriend!"
Julia knew that Penelope had no blood relation to her. From childhood, Penelope would never miss a chance to punish her for any mistake. But Aidan was different. Aidan was her biological father!
Blood is thicker than water.
At that moment, Julia used one hand to protect her clothes, her body already covered in numerous bruises. Her face was swollen and red, with clear handprints visible.
Julia's body was covered in red welts from the numerous lash marks, some of which were even bleeding.
Aidan sighed quietly, "Alright, that's enough!"
Penelope yanked the belt from Julia's hand and swung it several more times.
"Enough? Are you seriously defending this little brat? She nearly destroyed our entire family! And you're still defending her?"
Penelope handed the belt to Bradley, feeling exhausted.
"Bradley, I'm tired. You take over and teach this little brat a lesson!"
Bradley, feeling like he had just won the lottery, quickly stood up, rolled up his sleeves, and swung his arm, bringing the belt down hard on Julia.
Bradley and Bailey were fraternal twins, just in their early twenties and full of vigor.
"Ah—" Julia couldn't bear it and collapsed onto the ground.
Bradley swung the belt forcefully, each strike landing on Julia's dress, quickly tearing it in several places.
With each lash, the dress fluttered upwards.
Bradley seemed to get more excited, hitting harder and harder!
Aidan watched and quickly stomped his foot.
"You stubborn girl, admit your mistake! Say you'll never see Harry again, and we'll let you off today!" Aidan shouted at Julia.
Julia heard his voice and felt nothing but despair.
Whose fault was it really?
Julia struggled to lift her head and looked at Aidan. "Was it my fault?"
Just as Bradley was hitting her with full force, there was a loud "snap," and the belt broke in two.
Bradley glanced at the broken belt and tossed it aside. "Lame! Mom, want to use my belt instead?"
Penelope glanced at Julia, who lay motionless on the ground, and thought that it was probably enough.
She crouched down, grabbed Julia's hair, and forced her to lift her head. "You little tramp, if you dare to flirt with Harry again, I'll skin you alive!"
With that, she pressed down hard, making Julia's forehead hit the ground with a "thud."
"Alright, let's go. If we beat her to death, we'll have to deal with a murder charge. Her worthless life isn't worth it!"
Penelope spat on Julia and said, "Let's go! Let her fend for herself!" She then dragged her son out of the bedroom, giving Aidan one last glare before leaving.
**Crystal Garden**
Perhaps because she hadn't seen her son in a long time, Valentina had a lot to say to him.
Ever since she turned into a vampire, it had been inconvenient for her to stay in human society. Every year, Royce would visit his parents in the vampire-inhabited Ivy Valley.
However, in recent years, Royce had been expanding his business empire and had not visited for three years.
Thus, it had been three years since the mother and son had seen each other.
Royce didn't want to interrupt his mother, so he let her talk endlessly, occasionally responding to her.
But his mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Julia. He couldn't help but worry if she was being bullied by her sharp-tongued sister at the party.
He kept glancing at his watch.
Valentina, who had been chatting non-stop, finally noticed Royce's restlessness.
She smiled gently, "Dear, do you have plans for tonight? If you do, go ahead and take care of them."
Royce looked at Valentina, not wanting to lie.
"Mom, I do have plans tonight. You should rest for the evening; I'll be back soon." With that, Royce stood up, ready to leave.
"You go ahead, dear. I need to head back too," Valentina said as she also stood up.
Royce immediately paused, "In such a hurry?"
"You know your father can't be without me. I sneaked out while he was attending the party. If he finds out, who knows how long he'll sulk. I can't afford to upset him, so I must go."
Royce opened his mouth, feeling a lump in his throat.
He knew how much his mother missed him, but her visit couldn't have come at a worse time.
"Mom, I'll come visit you and Dad as soon as I can."
Hearing this, Valentina's eyes lit up, "Do you mean it?"