He had been in this position for an extended period, and it was uncertain if he had taken any water during this time.
This form of punishment was harsh indeed.
Yet, Graham appeared indifferent to his suffering, perhaps accustomed to self-imposed hardship from past experiences.
Lucinda watched him from afar, her emotions a whirlwind of conflict.
She was furious with Graham.
He had been a protective elder brother and a strict guardian for years, yet he had concealed secrets that hurt her deeply, all for an illegitimate daughter of the Simmons family who had wronged Lucinda in the past.
Grahamâs willingness to overlook their fatherâs tragic accident, all to benefit Valerieâs quest for control over the Simmons family, filled Lucinda with bitterness.
Her expression hardened into a blend of anger and resolve as she mulled over these betrayals.
Nathan, noting the shift in her demeanor, sighed quietly.
He understood Lucindaâs attachment to Graham but recognized the extent of Grahamâs betrayal, which led to her profound disappointment.
Forgiving Graham seemed a distant possibility for Lucinda.
Meanwhile, Nathan wished for her to move past this turmoil, particularly given Grahamâs self-imposed penance, indicating his genuine remorse.
âLucindaâ¦â Nathan began, only to be silenced by her hand over his mouth.
âSomeoneâs coming.
Stay quiet,â she whispered, urgency in her tone.
They retreated to a concealed spot behind the ancestral temple.
Lucinda whispered again, instructing Nathan, âWatch Graham and anyone approaching the temple.
I need to speak with Gilbert.
â
With a nod, Nathan complied.
The clock struck three in the morning, and apart from Grahamâs labored chants, Peace Mountain was enveloped in silence.
Lucinda had strategically removed the guards from the villaâs entrance, allowing easy access for any intruder.
Soon, a figure made its way towards the ancestral temple.
Nathan, from his hidden vantage point, watched closely, blending into the darkness.
He could barely make out the side profile of the visitor under the dim garden lights.
The figure was slender, unmistakably feminine.
Could it be Nala?
He wondered if she had come to the ancestral temple to see Graham at such an unusual hour.
It seemed suspicious.
However, the figure remained stationary at the templeâs entrance, making no move to enter.
Nathan, curious and cautious, decided to approach.