Chapter 194 Elysia was shaken, but Tarquin was even more so! If today were to claim Elijah’s life, it would be as though Tarquin himself had perished. Without Elijah in this world, there would be no Tarquin left to speak of! Heath and Benjamin were right there with him, tears streaming down their faces. Today had indeed scared them half to death! After the bustle at the hospital, and once it was clear that Elijah was out of danger, Elysia slipped away without a word, leaving the hospital behind. The snow was heavy today, and the air was bitterly cold, but the intense anxiety she had felt made her break into a heavy sweat. All she wanted was to head home, and take a long, hot shower to unwind. She didn’t bother asking about Allegra’s situation. She didn’t want to pry into Tarin’s family matters; her concern was for Elijah. Now that he was safe, she felt at peace. No sooner had Elysia left than Gideon Bradford arrived at the hospital with an imposing entourage in tow. Members from the main branch, along with some from the extended Bradford family had all converged. Dozens of them, crowding the corridors to the point of impassability. “Tarquin, how is Elijah now?” Gideon asked, his face riddled with worry. Tarquin stood leaning against the rail, a cigarette in hand, staring blankly ahead, not sparing a glance nor a word for them. His face was ashen, the atmosphere around him heavy with tension. Gideon, frowning deeply, shot an ominous glare at Allegra! His men dumped Allegra in front of Tarquin. A slap mark was visible on her cheek, and her clothes were stained with blood. It was clear, without needing to ask, that Gideon had enforced family discipline. Gideon then spoke to Tarquin, “I know you’re angry, and I’m furious too! If I had known she was this malicious, I never would have let her be born! To think she’d even attempt to harm the sole heir of the Bradford family, she deserves to die! Today, I bring her before you, with the authority to decide her fate in front of the entire Bradford family. Whatever punishment you deem fit, even death, is at your disposal!” Allegra was terrified as she pleaded, “Dad, please! No! I know I’ve made a mistake, and I never meant to harm Elijah. Who knew the kid would be so sensitive. Just seeing me set him off. I, I, I didn’t want him dead, please…” Her sobs were loud and fearful, clearly shaken by Gideon’s demeanor. Upon receiving the news, Gideon had stormed Allegra’s home and beat her senseless. Seeing Gideon’s indifference, she turned to the other family members, “Please help me, beg for mercy on my behalf, please…” The rest of the Bradford family, knowing Gideon and Tarquin were truly enraged, each felt their own skin at 1/2 09:51 Chapter 194 risk. They hunched their shoulders, too afraid to utter a sound. No one dared come forward to plead for Allegra. Gideon had summoned them as a warning, a demonstration that anyone who dared cross the sole heir of the Bradford family would meet this fate! Now, everyone wished they could vanish, so who would dare step forward and take the bullet? Gideon bellowed, “Silence! What face do you have left to cry? As a Bradford, you dared to harm the family’s only heir. It seems you’re asking for death! Today you can poison Elijah, and tomorrow it could be me, and the day after, the entire Bradford family! You, you…” He swung his cane, striking Allegra repeatedly, blood streaming from her head on impact. Allegra, petrified, ignored the pain and turned to Tarquin for salvation, “Tarquin, I’m sorry. Please forgive my foolishness. I won’t ever dare to cross Elijah again. Spare me this once, will you? Your grandfather wants to kill me, please…” Tarquin remained expressionless. Ever since the Bradford family had appeared, not a single flicker of emotion had crossed his face. The heavier his silence, the more oppressive the atmosphere became. Just as everyone felt as if they were about to suffocate from the tension, Tarquin suddenly spoke up. 212