Chapter 180
Suddenly, the entire bedroom flashed with light.
An instant later, a deafening clap of thunder exploded without warning. I jumped, instinctively clutching the blanket tighter.
Soon after, the sound of rain filled the air outside.
Unable to help myself, I climbed out of bed and walked to the window, pulling back the curtains.
The rain was coming down hard. In less than a minute, a curtain of water had formed outside, blurring everything beyond recognition.
The driveway remained silent and empty. No cars. No one is coming.
Not until morning.
The downpour finally weakened, though rain continued to fall in a steady drizzle. Whether from the weather or something else, my calves had been aching with a dull, persistent pain.
It wasn't severe, but it lingered, making me uncomfortable.
"Ms. Wipere, what are you doing up? Are your legs bothering you?"
Tammy was polishing a vase in the dining room when she spotted me descending the stairs. She hurried over immediately.
I paused slightly. "A little, but I'm fine."
Tammy shook her head. "Then please, have a seat in the living room. Mr. Percy left instructions—if your legs acted up because of the rain, we're supposed to use this massage device for you."
"Go sit down. I'll get it right away."
Before I could protest, she'd already rushed toward the storage room.
Settling onto the sofa, my mind drifted. Leopold had even thought of this small detail.
"With the weather turning colder lately, Mr. Percy specifically told us to keep the machine fully charged so it'd be ready whenever you needed it."
Tammy returned with a sleek white cylindrical device that looked high-tech. She explained as she operated it.
The moment it enclosed my calf, I felt immediate relief from the soreness. Not only did it generate heat, but it also massaged—though the technique wasn't as precise as Leopold's hands.
"Ms. Wipere, how does it feel? Any better?" Tammy asked gently.
I nodded. "Much better."
Tammy exhaled in relief. "Good. Mr. Percy personally selected this machine—went through dozens before choosing this one. He really puts so much thought into taking care of you. You're truly fortunate."
I glanced up slightly. "Did he tell you to say all this?"
Tammy's expression shifted, and she quickly waved her hands. "No, no! I saw it with my own eyes."
"Mr. Percy told us not to mention these things to you, but I think you should know."
I stared at the device, saying nothing.
Tammy lingered for a moment before returning to her duties.
Arnold and his team were staying in the adjacent villa and hadn't come over yet.
Once my legs felt better, I ended the massage session.
"Tammy, could you bring my breakfast upstairs, please?"
After giving the instruction, I headed back up.
I was only halfway up the stairs when commotion erupted outside. It sounded like someone was trying to force their way in but was being blocked.
Was Sophia here again?
Gripping the railing, I peered toward the entrance.
"Tammy, go see what's happening."
"Right away." Tammy turned and hurried out.
Within moments, the disturbance reached the doorway.
"...Move! I need to see Cindy—it's urgent! Keep blocking me, and I won't be responsible for what happens!"
I recognized the voice—not Sophia, but Amelia.
My expression shifted. I immediately gripped the railing and headed back downstairs.
Just as I reached the first floor, Amelia burst in, dripping wet.
The moment she saw me, her voice broke into a sob.
"Cindy, please—you have to save Leopold."
My heart lurched violently.
"What happened to him?"
Amelia's eyes were red as she gripped my hands tightly. "I don't know all the details. Just that last night, Leopold was punished—forced to kneel all night. He still hasn't gotten up."
"Even Grandpa is furious this time. No one can talk him down."
No wonder Leopold hadn't come back all night.
My heart felt like it was being crushed in a vice. Each breath hurt.
"Let's go. We're going to Percy Manor."
Percy Manor
The moment we arrived, Amelia and I grabbed umbrellas and rushed inside.
Passing through the courtyard and gardens to reach Donovan's main residence, I immediately spotted that familiar figure—spine ramrod straight like a pine—kneeling on the stone pavement.
He was soaked to the bone. Rain traced down his clenched jawline, following the contours of his muscles before disappearing into his black shirt.
Amelia started to rush forward, but I grabbed her arm. "Wait. I'll go see your grandparents first. You stay with him—make sure nothing happens."
Amelia swallowed her sobs and nodded quickly.
I took one more look at Leopold—drenched and disheveled yet refusing to bow—and let out a quiet sigh.
What on earth had he done to anger Donovan, who'd always doted on him, to this extent?
I circled around to another entrance of the main house and knocked gently.
The butler answered. Seeing me, his eyes widened in surprise before he quickly ushered me inside.
"Mrs.—" He caught himself mid-word and corrected course. "Ms. Wipere, you're finally here! Please, talk some sense into Mr. Donovan Percy. Otherwise, Mr. Leopold Percy is going to be in serious trouble."
I nodded. "That's exactly why I'm here."
"Thank goodness. Please, wait just a moment." The butler hurried back inside.
"Cindy."
Donovan's voice rang out. I immediately stood. A second later, I saw him being wheeled out by the butler.
I was so used to seeing Donovan upright and commanding that seeing him in a wheelchair made my eyes sting with tears.
"Grandpa." I rushed over and crouched down to check on him. "Why are you in a wheelchair? Hasn't your body recovered yet?"
"It's nothing serious." Donovan patted my head affectionately. "Still a bit weak, that's all. That's why I'm using the wheelchair."
Relief washed over me. "As long as you're okay."
"You shouldn't be crouching in your condition. Come, let's talk over there."
I obediently rose and moved toward the sofa.
The butler tactfully retreated to the side.
Donovan studied me, his eyes reddening slightly. "You poor thing, keeping it all to yourself. You've suffered so much yet never said a word."
I blinked in confusion. "Grandpa, what do you mean?"
"Don't play dumb with me!" Donovan's frustration showed. "Your leg injury was so severe, and it's flared up multiple times. You... you..."
He seemed unable to continue.
Seeing his anger, I had a vague understanding of why Leopold was being punished.
Warmth bloomed in my chest.
"Grandpa, is that why you made Leopold kneel outside?"
"Exactly! Who told him to treat you so badly!" Donovan's anger flared again. "I wasn't planning to punish him at first. He brought this on himself."
"Last night I suggested letting you go abroad—to give you both some breathing room. But what did he do?"
"Making excuses left and right, then using the baby as leverage. Absolutely absurd!"
I didn't like the Percy family, and I was deeply disappointed in Leopold.
But I genuinely cared for Donovan—not just because he stood up for me, but because he truly understood me.
"Grandpa—"
"Don't try to defend him. This is the price he has to pay."
Donovan glanced toward the window. Pain flickered in his eyes, but determination burned brighter.
"Leo already made one terrible mistake. I won't stand by and watch him make another. I need him to truly understand what respect means. What responsibility means."
Donovan's words echoed everything in my heart.
If Leopold remained too controlling and overbearing, he'd never truly understand what I needed.