Chapter 277

Adrian Valdemar froze in place.

Aside from that one incident, he hadn't done anything particularly outrageous recently. His brother usually turned a blind eye to his minor antics.

Alexander's icy gaze swept over him. "And learn some restraint."

Adrian looked baffled.

This was just how he operated.

Everyone who knew him had been on the receiving end of his teasing—even Patriarch Valdemar, whom he often irreverently called "old man."

When Adrian remained silent, Alexander tapped the hospital bed with his slender fingers. "No allowance for six months."

"No way!" Adrian nearly jumped out of his skin. "You might as well kill me!"

He burned through money like water. How was he supposed to survive half a year with empty pockets?

"Bro, I messed up. It won't happen again..."

He'd rather take a beating than lose his spending money.

"Just hit me instead?"

Alexander smirked. "You think that's all?"

Adrian's eyes widened. "There's more?"

"Bring in security."

Before the words fully left Alexander's mouth, a security guard entered with a riding crop.

"Apologies, Young Master."

Adrian's agonized howls soon filled the room.

"Not so hard! Not there—bro, I swear I've learned my lesson!"

Regret twisted his insides.

Now he'd lost his allowance and gotten a thrashing.

Only when Adrian collapsed onto the sofa, no longer dodging, did Alexander signal for the punishment to stop.

"Remember this."

Drugging someone was unforgivable.

Gasping weakly on the couch, Adrian wheezed, "Got it..."

He'd definitely crossed a line this time.

Just as he thought the ordeal was over, Alexander's voice dropped lower.

"One more thing. Show Sophia Laurent proper respect."

Adrian almost rolled off the sofa.

"Bro, don't tell me you actually like her?"

He strongly suspected today's beating was Sophia-related.

Alexander's expression didn't flicker. "Nonsense."

Turning away, he ordered Henry Chamberlain, "Take him to get treated, then send him home."

"Yes, sir."

Henry glanced at Adrian. "Need help walking?"

Adrian scowled. "Do I look like I do?"

Henry studied him seriously. "Not particularly."

Adrian snorted. "Get me a stretcher then..."

Henry: "..."

Soon, Adrian was carried out on a stretcher.

His phone rang—Sophia's name flashed on the screen.

Henry immediately warned, "Young Master, Mr. Valdemar's awakening must remain confidential. No leaks."

Adrian looked surprised. "She doesn't know?"

Henry shook his head gravely. "Not yet."