Kevin Sherwood's words caused an uproar in the room.

Everyone exchanged glances, unable to believe what they had just heard.

Fiona Valentine and Penelope Valentine shared a look.

Both saw surprise in each other's eyes.

Prestigious families like the Sherwoods did indeed uphold traditions of family discipline.

But such punishments were always carried out behind closed doors.

There had never been a precedent for public execution.

Miles Sherwood was also stunned.

He hesitated before speaking. "Father, perhaps we should handle this back at home—"

Kevin cut him off decisively. "Since we've already been disgraced, let everyone see the Sherwood family's rules!"

Miles wanted to say more but held back.

He felt his father was acting unusually today.

Kevin had always been quite lenient with the collateral branches.

Moreover, Mina had already moved out and started her own household.

Such severity seemed unnecessary.

Mina stood frozen in place.

She had only intended to protect the family's reputation.

She never expected Kevin to take it this seriously.

A public punishment...

Her hand instinctively moved to cover her abdomen.

Her face paled slightly.

Evelyn Ross stepped forward with a frown. "Mr. Sherwood, administering private punishment in public is illegal."

Kevin looked at her. "I am disciplining my own junior. Who would dare interfere?"

He then turned to Mina. "Will you call the police?"

Mina pressed her lips together and remained silent.

She was indeed in the wrong today.

Miles still wanted to persuade his father.

Kevin barked sharply, "Go and retrieve the family discipline tool now!"

Miles had no choice but to turn and leave.

The hotel wasn't far from the Sherwood residence.

The round trip would take at least half an hour.

Kevin found a seat and sat down.

Mina remained standing, her fingers unconsciously twisting the hem of her clothes.

She never once looked in Marcus Valentine's direction.

Evelyn wanted to rush over and take her away.

Alexander Vance held her wrist.

"Don't rush," he said quietly. "Kevin must have his reasons for doing this."

Evelyn frowned. "What reasons?"

Alexander's gaze was deep. "Think about it carefully."

Evelyn calmed down.

Kevin wasn't an impulsive man.

He always valued the family's reputation.

Why would he do something so damaging publicly?

Unless...

Evelyn's eyes widened suddenly. "He knows the child is Marcus's?"

Alexander gave a slight nod. "If Yvonne Sherwood knows, how could Kevin not know?"

Evelyn understood immediately.

When they picked up Mina that day, Yvonne was urging her to have an abortion.

The news must have come from Mina's parents.

Kevin was forcing Marcus to take a stance!

Evelyn looked at Marcus.

He was frowning as he stared at Mina.

Clear impatience was written on his face.

Evelyn was so angry she wanted to hit him.

Alexander held her back. "It's no use. Marcus only trusts his own judgment."

Evelyn gritted her teeth. "Are we just going to watch Mina get beaten?"

Alexander's gaze remained calm. "Let's wait and see."

Evelyn could only suppress her anxiety.

Time passed minute by minute.

Fiona and Penelope moved closer to Marcus.

"I heard the Sherwood whip is really vicious..."

"One lash would definitely cause a miscarriage..."

"Good thing if it's lost. A bastard child shouldn't be kept anyway."

"But Mina seems to care a lot about this child..."

They discussed the situation with gleeful schadenfreude.

Marcus's expression grew darker.

Miles finally returned with the whip.

It was a long, black whip that gleamed.

Small barbs covered its surface.

Kevin took the whip and gave it a casual flick.

The whip struck a leather sofa.

It instantly scraped off a layer of leather.

Exposing the cotton stuffing inside.

The crowd gasped.

If that whip struck a person...

Mina trembled in fear.

She looked at the mark on the sofa, her face deathly pale.

"Kneel!" Kevin ordered sharply.

Mina bit her lower lip and pleaded softly, "Uncle, can we wait until after the baby is born—"

"Sherwood family discipline allows no negotiation!" Kevin interrupted. "Either name the father, or take five lashes!"

Mina closed her eyes in despair.

Marcus didn't believe her.

How could he possibly step forward and admit it?

She slowly bent her knees and knelt on the floor.

Kevin raised the whip.

The shadow of the whip cut through the air.

With a sharp whistling sound.

It was about to land on Mina.

"Stop!"