Jojo
After stealing 3,000 dollars, Eloise Maguire is taken to the main hall by her husband, Zander Pierson, to face punishment.
Chase Pierson, the Pierson family elder, glances uneasily at her pregnant belly. "Our family has stood for a hundred years and is wealthy beyond measure. Eloise is eight months pregnant. Is there really a need to make such a fuss over 3,000 dollars?"
Zander is dressed in a dark gray overcoat, which only accentuates his tall, commanding figure. His distant eyes and cold voice make it clear there will be no room for leniency.
"Julia manages the household. If Eloise needs money, she can ask her for it. Instead, she goes behind her back and takes the money without permission. Even if it's only 3,000 dollars, taking it without permission is still theft.
"We have rules in this family. Anyone who steals is punished by having all ten fingers crushed. As my wife, she should set an example, not giving the younger ones a reason to break the rules."
Chase is at a loss for words. He can only urge Eloise to plead for mercy.
But Eloise doesn't even spare Zander a glance. She supports her lower back as she slowly walks into the room. "I accept my punishment," she says calmly.
"Eloise, have you lost your mind?"
Chase hurries after her. "The punishment is having all ten fingers crushed in a finger clamp. Even a man couldn't endure that kind of torture!
"Zander may be strict about the family rules, but you're his wife. He won't treat you like everyone else. Just beg him for mercy…"
Eloise says nothing. She simply places her fingers into the clamp.
The housekeeper pulls the rope tight, and a searing pain tears through her entire body. Cold sweat trickles down Eloise's forehead as her thoughts begin to blur.
In this lifetime, she steals money twice.
The first time is five years ago, when Zander is struggling to deal with the trouble caused by his sworn enemy.
Eloise returns to her father, James Maguire's, house and takes the entire inheritance her mother left her from the family safe. Her father beats her so badly that she ends up with three broken ribs.
She struggles back to Zander and hands him the bank card containing her entire fortune, telling him to use it to deal with his troubles.
For once, even Zander, known for being cold and reserved, is visibly stunned.