The two lead bodyguards exchanged a glance before one stepped aside to make a call for further instructions.
The older woman turned back to pull a panicking Jasmine into her arms, whispering soothingly, "Don't be afraid, Jasmine."
"Grandma..."
"Mom..."
The three generations of women clung to one another. Grandma Townsend patted Tabitha's hand reassuringly. "Don't worry. Once Rowan hears this, he'll definitely let Jasmine off the hook."
Tabitha's eyes brimmed with tears. "But what will they do to you?"
"Once they see the depth of our family's bond, they won't dare lay a hand on us. I'm an old woman trying to protect her family. Rowan has elders in his own family. He won't have the heart to go through with it."
Tabitha nodded, blinking back tears. "Thank God you're here."
No sooner had Grandma Townsend spoken than the bodyguard finished his call and walked back over. "Mr. Jameson says that's acceptable."
The words struck like a physical blow. Grandma Townsend's vision went black, and she nearly collapsed right there on the floor.
How could this be?
Grandma Ford, lacking any trace of backbone, had already retreated, cowering and shivering in the corner. Jonathan Ford's face was dark with fury. "Aren't you afraid we'll call the cops?"
"Before you call the cops, maybe ask your daughter what she did."
The head bodyguard turned back to Grandma Townsend, his tone remaining terrifyingly polite. "We don't want to stain your floors. Ma'am, since you're so noble and self-sacrificing, please step over to the kitchen sink. It'll be quicker and much cleaner."
With that, two men in black suits flanked Grandma Townsend, clamping iron grips onto her arms. There was no room for negotiation as they forcefully dragged her stumbling toward the kitchen.
Grandma Townsend was a respected retired professor who had spent her entire life carrying herself with dignity and pride. She had never been subjected to such barbaric humiliation. Faced with this brutal reality, all her manufactured composure shattered instantly. Panic set in as she shrieked, "Wait!"
"Make another call!"
"I know professors at Rowan's alma mater!"
Finn swiftly blocked the bodyguards' path, frantic and furious. "Rowan used to be so in love with my sister! Are you guys blind? Can't you show a little leniency?"
Loved her, yet ordered her finger chopped off?
One of the bodyguards sighed in exasperation and dialed Rowan's number again. The man on the other end had clearly run out of patience. His icy command cut through the speaker: If they keep annoying you, take the whole hand.
Grandma Townsend hadn't expected them to actually follow through. She was hauled to the sink, genuine terror seizing her only when someone forced her fingers flat against the counter. Her face drained of all color as she screamed, "You can't do this! You can't! Let's just talk about this!"
A second later, a fist-sized wad of fabric was shoved into her mouth, silencing her pleas.

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