Magic 140

Lucius had gone through Keane’s report and learned that Jay was a spoiled rich kid who’d harmed countless young ladies and was indirectly responsible for several deaths. 

What Lucius found most intolerable was that Jay was interested in Valerie’s kidney. 

It made sense why her relationship with the Woodwards was so strained. No one could stand having their closest kin constantly eyeing their organs. 

Valerie quickly shot him a warning look. “He can’t die in our hands.” 

“You’re overthinking it. I don’t break the law,” Lucius said, pinching her cheek. 

Just as they stepped through the doors of Azure Bay, he received a call from Noah. After getting arrested, Caelus had requested to meet Lucius during the interrogation. 

“He wants to meet me?” 

After listening to Noah on the other end, Lucius nodded. “Alright. Set the time. I’ll be waiting for your call.” 

After hanging up, he turned to Valerie for her opinion. “Do you think I should meet Caelus?” 

As someone who’d lived through the cruise ship incident, her opinion mattered. 

Valerie chuckled. “I shouldn’t interfere in the White family’s matters.” 

He pulled her close by the waist as they sank into the couch. “We’re family, so why are you speaking like we’re strangers?” 

Hannah arrived with a tea tray. Not only did she run into Lucius and Valerie sitting intimately together, but she also overheard his words, “we’re family“. 

How had they grown so close in just a few days? 

Seething with resentment and jealousy, she set the tray down heavily before them. The cups rattled as they hit the coffee table with a clatter, and a few drops of hot, freshly brewed tea splashed out of the teapot onto Valerie’s arm. 

Though it wasn’t scalding, it stung enough to make her frown. She’d lost count of how many times Hannah had openly shown her hostility. 

Lucius immediately grabbed Valerie’s hand to carefully inspect the spot. Fortunately, the tea wasn’t too hot to leave a mark on her skin. 

Chapter 1-401 

972 

Realizing she’d gone too far, Hanna immediately apologized. “I’m sorry, Mr. White. My hand slipped. I–I didn’t mean to.” 

Lucius‘ cold gaze snapped to her. “Do you have a problem with Ms. Collins?” 

She frantically shook her head. “I wouldn’t dare.” 

“You don’t, or you wouldn’t dare?” 

Stunned by his harsh questioning, Hannah recalled that this was the second time Lucius had severely reprimanded her over Valerie. 

He waved a dismissive hand. “Report to the punishment hall.” 

Hannah immediately paled in fright. “M–My injuries from before haven’t fully healed yet, Mr. White.” 

The 30 lashes were no small matter. 

Still, he mercilessly said, “Have you forgotten my rules? Bargaining doubles the penalty.” 

Not daring to argue further, she quietly left to accept her punishment. 

The White family’s rules intrigued Valerie. “There’s a private punishment hall here?” 

Azure Bay was just a place for her to sleep. She’d never bothered to learn more about it since moving in. 

As for Hannah, she felt no sympathy toward her. She was growing tired of the repeated provocations. 

Lucius briefly explained, “Housekeepers at Azure Bay aren’t hired externally. Their families have served the Whites for generations. When they turn 18, they are free to choose to stay or 

leave. 

“Those who leave will give up all access to the White family resources, while those who stay must serve diligently. They are well paid, but they live by our rules. Every one of them signs an agreement knowing exactly what that means.” 

This was the first time since their marriage that Lucius shared details of the White family’s history with Valerie. 

X CLOS