Chapter 1070
Phoebe nodded earnestly, determined to do her best.
However, as the quiz continued for over ten minutes, Howard’s expression grew darker with each incorrect answer.
He thought her getting the first one right was a good start, but it turned out she had just lucked into it.
As Howard increased the difficulty of the questions, Phoebe could not even bet on her luck and answer correctly.
“You missed nine out of ten questions. Did you study at all yesterday? Did you spend the night in the study just to avoid sharing a bed with me?”
Feeling slightly embarrassed at being caught, Phoebe struggled to find words.
Howard’s heart ached with disappointment.
The Phoebe, who seemed to have lost the memories of their love, was so distant,
and it was tearing him apart.
However, he knew there were reasons behind this outcome.
Putting aside his sorrow, Howard sternly proceeded with the punishment.
“Phoebe, extend your left hand.”
Phoebe, feeling dazed, obediently offered her hand.
Howard grasped her delicate fingertips and said, “You missed nine questions tonight,Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.
so I’ll give you nine smacks to remember this lesson.”
“What?” Phoebe could not believe it.
Was the punishment really getting her hand smacked for each wrong answer?
She was too old for this kind of punishment!
It was like disciplining a disobedient child.
As she pondered, Howard raised his hand high and delivered the punishment, each smack echoing through the room.
Phoebe initially thought it would not hurt much, but with each strike, her palm stung
intensely.
“Ouch, that hurts! Please be gentle.”
She wanted to pull her hand away, but Howard held it firmly, leaving her no choice but to endure the punishment.
Howard suppressed his own pain and stated sternly, “From now on, this is your punishment for missing your answers. It’s my fault for not supervising you well
enough, so I’ll share the pain with you.”
With those words, Phoebe stopped struggling.
Nine smacks were quickly delivered, leaving both their palms red.
Howard did not actually hit Phoebe hard. While the sound was loud, in reality, the force rebounded onto his own palms, causing much more pain to himself than what
Phoebe felt.
He only aimed to instill some deterrence in Phoebe, not to harm her.
After the punishment, Howard gently massaged Phoebe’s warm palm.
“Does it hurt?”
Phoebe frowned with a hint of grievance, “Yes, it hurts. What about you?”
Howard bent down and kissed her palm. “I’m fine. If it’s painful for you, just study
diligently and achieve your goals. Can you promise to succeed in the entrance exam this year?”
Feeling his tenderness, Phoebe’s heart fluttered slightly as she nodded slowly.
“I understand. I’ll do my best.”
Howard smiled. “Now, let’s go back to the room and rest, okay? I promise not to cross any boundaries. Can you trust me this time?”
Phoebe met his earnest gaze and agreed.
In the laboratory, Sheena slept peacefully on the sickbed, receiving an IV drip.
Elliot sat beside her, tending to her injured wrist with a stack of medical supplies on the bedside table.