Matson's scream pierced the night sky.

Claude, already restless with the ongoing turmoil at Medicis Manor and burdened by the chaos brought about by Sebastian's departure, was on edge. He bolted from his bed at the cry emanating from the firewood shed, fearing something had happened to Adrian.

"Adrian! Where are you?!" Claude called out.

"I'm here." Adrian dragged Matson behind him.

Matson, weakened and whimpering in agony, was coughing up blood.

Claude was stunned. "Did…Did you kill him?" Panic-stricken, he added, "Urias doesn't tolerate outsiders meddling in Greenhursts’ matters. Handing Matson over will be the best option for a fair resolution."

"No, I didn’t kill him," Adrian calmly responded, "He's alive. I just gave him a small lesson."

Matson, face filled with tears and mucus, seemed on the verge of collapse.

A small lesson? That had almost taken his life. Adrian was ruthless. Had he known, he would have acted first.

"H-Help!" Matson croaked.

"As long as he's alive." C