Chapter 6 The sharp crack of leather lashes split the air . I knew at once - it was Ethan again . The boy's mind was clouded , and every mistake he made brought punishment down upon him . Ever since I had moved across the lane , not a night passed without hearing their blows and curses . One afternoon , I met Nathan at the edge of the settlement . He was pushing Ethan's chair alone , his face mottled with bruises , lips split . The sight made my chest tighten At the slope near the gate , his thin arms strained against the wheels . Each time he tried , the chair slid back down . I stepped forward , took hold of the handles , and pushed with one firm stroke , bringing them to the top . Nathan turned , startled . When he saw it was me , he lowered his head . " Thank you , " he muttered . " Should I call the enforcers ? " I asked quietly . He shook his head , bitterness flashing in his eyes . " It won't help . They'd only beat us harder once they were released . " releas His voice dropped , then hardened . " But sometimes ... sometimes the pack hears better through whispers than through law . " I smiled faintly , " Exactly . Sometimes the network spreads truth faster than any patrol . " Nathan froze , his gaze suddenly sharpened , a flicker of clarity piercing the gloom . He was clever . He understood at once . A few days later , I met one of Edward's distant cousins for dinner . " Clara , you'll never believe this , " she whispered , leaning closer . " Edward begged his parents for coin , said he couldn't feed two more mouths . " I lifted a glass , waiting " And guess what ? They cursed him instead - said Vivian must be cursed herself to bear two crippled heirs . They told Edward they'd find him another mate . " Larched a brow , " Another mate ? But isn't he already bound to Vivian ? " She smirked . " Edward's been plotting divorce for years . He doesn't want to be shackled to two defective heirs . His parents already have someone in mind - one of their kin's daughters , a servant girl . They'll call her a caretaker , but you know what her real duty will be . " I couldn't help but laugh . " Breed him a son ? " " Exactly . The moment she conceives , Vivian will be cast aside . " We clinked our cups , both of us shaking our heads at the absurdity . The proud Stones , reduced to such farce . I didn't expect the girl to arrive so quickly . Barely three days later , I saw a fresh - faced young woman coming and going from Edward's den Vivian's fury could be heard even across the lane . " You brought her here ? Into my home ? " " She was hired by your mother - in - law , " Edward snapped . " If you don't like it , take it up with her . " The fights grew louder by the day . " You dare ! After everything I sacrificed leaving my honor behind , givi you two sons - and now you humiliate me like this ? " were weak , Vivian ! You gave me nothing but broken heirs ! " " Don't talk to me about sons ! You w " You bastard ! How dare you- The clash of crockery , the shattering of glass , echoed through the walls like an unholy symphony . From my window , I listened , the corners of my lips curling upward . The Stones wanted a legacy so badly , they'd tear themselves apart for it . And I- I was going to watch every moment of their fall .