His Untamed Rose novel Chapter 86

The Royce family was never short on guards. There was simply no way out.

Only now did Lumina truly feel the searing pain in her feet—like walking on the edge of a blade. Any movement sent agony shooting through her.

Behind her, the man from the second floor descended the stairs at a calm, unhurried pace. His steps were measured and composed, as if every attempt she’d made to escape was nothing more than a childish game in his eyes.

Cedric took in the trail of bloody footprints and the way Lumina curled her toes, trying to protect what was left of her battered feet. Her once-pale skin was now marred with cuts and flecks of dried blood.

Though anger flashed in his eyes, his expression remained cool and remote, like distant hills. He turned to Nancy, who stood trembling nearby. "Call a doctor for Ms. Jardin."

“Yes, sir.” Nancy backed away to make the call.

Cedric stepped to Lumina’s side, ignoring Winona entirely, and took Lumina’s icy-cold hand in his. Carefully, he pried apart her clenched fingers and interlaced them with his own.

His voice, low and even, carried no warmth. “If your stomach is so fragile, you shouldn’t be running barefoot across cold floors.”

“Let me go.” Lumina’s eyes were red as if she could burn a hole straight through him with her gaze.

Cedric’s thumb brushed lightly over her frozen fingertips. “Once we learn the truth about your father, then you can leave.”

Winona, feeling overlooked, cleared her throat and stepped forward with a stack of documents. “Mr. Royce, everything you requested is done.”

Cedric barely acknowledged her with a quiet “Mm,” still holding tightly to Lumina’s hand.

Winona continued, “We’ve gathered evidence of embezzlement and reported it to the court. Thirty-four companies are jointly suing Jardin Timber. All assets belonging to Jardin Group have been seized, including—” She glanced cautiously at Lumina, as if afraid she might explode at any moment. “Including all of Ms. Jardin’s assets. The house you gave her, her cash, and all three of her bank cards have been frozen.”

The color drained from Lumina’s face. Her legs went numb.

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