Both Olivia and Eugene’s hearts constricted. Carter was in so much pain that he wanted to retract his hand. The searing pain on his palm was so unbearable that he almost burst into tears. They would always cry when they were punished, for Hector’s beatings were always painful.
However, Carter didn’t cry this time and did not regret letting Hector locate them either. He only wanted to save Blake since the latter was ill. Only after Olivia learned about Hector’s injections could she cure Blake.
Carter pursed his tiny lips and endured it stubbornly even though tears were already pooling in his eyes.
Hector behaved indifferently as if he hadn’t noticed it. He then stepped toward Blake, an obvious signal that Blake was about to receive the same punishment.
Eugene thought that Hector was just intimidating them, but he never expected. Hector to follow through. Carter’s tiny palm was already turning red. Even if Hector wanted to discipline the kids, Eugene opposed the idea of physical punishment. He was about to speak up when he heard Carter’s voice.
“Grandpa, don’t hit Blake. Hit me instead!”
Terry hastily held the ruler in Hector’s hand as well, saying quietly, “You can hit me too.” Hector looked at them in surprise. He knew very well how much the children feared the ruler, so what was going on today?
“Do both of you want to get hit in Blake’s stead?”
The children nodded. Hector was both amused and annoyed. “Do you know how many beatings you’ll get if you take it for another person?” Carter and Terry nodded as they said simultaneously, “Yes. Ten times.”
Hector then queried, “Knowing that, are you still going to take the beatings?”
Carter and Terry exchanged glances. They didn’t say anything as they stepped forward and extended their small hands.
Hector was so pissed by the two children that he sighed silently. He was about to punish them when Blake stood in front of Carter and Terry, defending them as he said, “No! I don’t need them to take the punishment for me. Hit me, Grandpa.”
“No, hit me!” North stepped up from behind Hector. “I’ll take the beatings in Blake’s stead.”
Hector looked at North in bewilderment. “Why are you getting involved too, North? Move aside and mind your business.” North remained standing where he was. “Grandpa, I was the one who hid their tracks.”
Hector was immediately stunned. He didn’t know if he should be happy or mad. Of course, he knew how capable his grandson was.
No wonder he couldn’t track the children no matter how hard he tried. With Wily Rabbit helping the children hide their tracks, only Wily Rabbit himself was capable of finding them again.
Hector looked at North and said, “Never mind. You helped them cover their tracks, but you also helped me locate them. Your accomplishment has canceled out your mistake.”
Seeing that Hector was unaffected, North said earnestly, “Grandpa, it’s not right for you to physically punish children.” Hector was so pissed that he could only laugh. “So, they’re in the right for sneaking out, eh?”
North said, “No. You can discipline, reprimand, and send them to a corner to reflect, but you can’t hit them. We’re all little children. Mommy said that physical punishment will give us trauma.”
Olivia was right beside them. Her lips were slightly curved as she witnessed the four who showcased true unity and love. She had also seen how earnestly they shared each other’s burdens.
When Olivia saw Hector’s fury receding, she finally dared to walk forward. “Mr. Gedding, Blake has fallen ill, and that’s why they are defending him.”
Hector looked at her in surprise. “Is he ill? What happened?” Even though he asked her the question, he immediately took Blake’s wrist and led the child to sit on a chair. Then, he began examining Blake.
Hector’s expression gradually grew dark. He took another glance at Blake’s eyes, his heart sinking as he turned around to look at Olivia and George.
“When did this happen?”
