Chapter 13 Chapter 13 1288 Vouchers Even the warmest affection must come to an end. Alexander, who had held the ice-cold Sophie all night, had lips turning purple and a frighteningly pale face. After hastily washing up, he made a phone call. Throughout the night, Alexander recalled the incident's origin: the Reformatory. He planned to uncover the truth himself. Meanwhile, Alexander brought in the forensic examiners. Looking at Sophie on the metal slab, he said with anguish: "Be thorough. Document every scar, no matter how small." The examiners exchanged glances and nodded. Stepping into warm sunlight, Alexander choked up. "Sophie, I'll find out everything." "I'll repay your pain a thousandfold." Sophie's spirit followed Alexander into the car. She watched him open his contacts, tap "Reformatory Head," and di- She saw his contact note for her number: Princess Sophie. She thought he'd changed it long ago. Alexander stayed silent until they entered the Reformatory. Sophie stared at the familiar place, too afraid to go further but desperate to know his purpose. She quietly turned her back to the building and floated onto Alexander's shoulder. Unaware, Alexander strode inside. Scanning the surroundings, he froze. Students had sallow skin, vacant eyes-hugging walls or hiding when anyone approached. When he'd brought Sophie here years ago, he'd only checked facilities and teachers, ignoring the students. Alexander remembered Sophie after her return. He'd lost count of how many times he whipped her. He only recalled her blood-soaked back, the pool on the floor spreading under his shoes. Back then, Sophie kept her head down-no tears, no begging. 0.0% 12:39 Chapter 13 When he yanked her up, her eyes were hollow and numb, just like these students. Alexander knew the truth. He stormed into the office. Seeing the head's ingratiating smile, he slapped him: "What did you do to Sophie?" "Talk!" The roar shook the room. The head avoided eye contact, insisting: "Alexander, we did nothing." Knowing they'd resist, Alexander turned to his bodyguards: "You two stay and watch him." The head panicked, grabbing Alexander's arm, eyes wide with fear: "Didn't you order us to crush that child Sophie's spirit? We used minor methods-you approved them!" "Why investigate now? Alexander." 288 Vouchers Sophie listened as the administrator's voice trembled uncontrollably. A fierce gale suddenly tore through the window, howling like a lament. The wind battered the rickety window frame, slamming it against the wall with violent crashes. The wailing wind matched the frequency of Sophie's trembling spirit form. Sophie stared at the window in disbelief, gradually calming. Alexander hadn't anticipated this sudden tempest either. Regaining composure, he demanded: "Didn't I specifically instruct you to curb her defiance without excessive punishment? That she shouldn't suffer unduly before my return?" These words had only occurred to him five days after confining her. "Sir... by the time you called... the discipline was already..." The administrator's voice faded to a faint mosquito's hum. Alexander heard every syllable. He could wait no longer. Bursting through the door, he stormed toward the surveillance room. The resigned administrator scurried ahead, head bowed low, trembling too violently to meet the eyes of the man now seething with rage. 49.1% 12:39 0 Chapter 13 Nobody crossed Mr. Reed lightly. #1 288 Vouchers 98.0.4% 12:39