In the courtyard of Kane's estate, Stinger was tied to a large tree. His upper body was bare, while a whip lashed across his skin, leaving bloody marks one after another. Yet, Stinger refused to make a sound.

Not far away, a middle-aged man sat in a grand armchair with his feet propped on the seat, his expression full of disdain.

"Killing someone like Hunter is one thing. You can do that as you please. However, Stinger, what you should never have done is disrespect Lord Jamison."

When the whipping stopped, Stinger glared fiercely.

"Skyler, cut the crap and stop pretending to be the good guy! Even if I didn't look down on Harold, do you think he wouldn't have come after me? When Lord Kane was around, you acted like a lackey. Are you acting so tough now just because you've found a new person to support you?"

The middle-aged man, Skyler Stevens, chuckled.

"Let me tell you something. Lord Jamison is taking over Avesburgh's underground scene. It's not because Lord Kane's gone, but b