You More Than Anything In The World

Chapter 1348 Manual Labor

The children obediently finished their meals before heading to the study for a standing punishment.

Shaun, Ethen, Jack, and Bradley were all given a stern glare by Benjamin. They didn't dare to dawdle any longer and hurriedly went out to accept their punishment.

Their punishment was far more severe than the children's. They were made to heavy loads for a distance of thirty kilometers.

“Why are you following us? You should have just slipped away!” Shaun turned his head to look at Bradley.

With a goofy grin, Bradley said, “I wish I could, but unfortunately, Boss also glared at me!”

Otherwise, he wouldn't have foolishly followed them.

Shaun chuckled, then said to Bradley, “Do you even know what our punishment is? Did you just come without knowing anything?”

“What?” Bradley glanced at Shaun, sensing something was amiss. He then turned his gaze to Ethen and Jack.

“We're trekking thirty kilometers with weights!” Ethen sympathetically patted Bradley's shoulder and advised, “You might still have a chance if you go back and plead with Mrs. Graham now!”

The corner of Bradley's mouth twitched. The punishment sounded too cruel. “Did Mr. Graham specify that that was the punishment?”

Their confidence puzzled him. How do they know? Could it be that Mr. Graham had already mentioned it without my knowledge? Nôvel/Dr(a)ma.Org - Content owner.

“Mr. Graham has always been clear about rewards and punishments. Needless to say, we already know what the punishment would be. Compared to Mr. Watts, our punishment can be considered light.”

Ethen felt much better after comparing their punishment to Kingsley's.

“Don't include me in this. I'm far worse off than you guys.”

Shaun glanced at them, regretting the words he had spoken at the dinner table. He should have kept a low profile in front of Benjamin.

Jack chuckled and said, “I'm the one who's got it worst. I didn't even join you guys, and I still got punished!”

“Well, it's because you knew about this too but didn't tell Mr. Graham!”

Ethen shot him a cunning smile as if he had anticipated that Benjamin would find out. He figured it might be better to drag someone else into punishment; at least they'd be in it together.

Jack's face darkened as realization dawned upon him. “No wonder you wanted to tell me about the plan! You're so cunning!”

Shaun sympathized with Jack, patting him on the shoulder. “Let's hurry over, or we'll be up until midnight!”

Jack chuckled and said dismissively, “It's just thirty kilometers. I'll have it done in no time. You guys might take a bit longer though.”

Shaun and Ethen were speechless.

Bradley shared their sentiment. However, he was also slightly curious, as this was the first time he had encountered such a punishment.

Alas, Bradley sorely underestimated the weights that he would be carrying. The moment Bradley hoisted the weights onto his back, he could feel the weight dragging him down, making it impossible to stand straight. Running thirty kilometers with the weights seemed like a Herculean task now.

That night, only Jack managed to complete his punishment with ease, while Bradley, Ethen, and Shaun flailed.

After the children and the men left the dining room for their respective punishments, only a few elders remained at the table, along with Benjamin, Arissa, and Jonathan.

A few of the elders didn't drink alcohol. After having their fill at dinner, they moved to the living room to enjoy some coffee.

Arissa wanted to continue eating with Benjamin and Jonathan in the dining room. Seeing that everyone else had left and he was the only one not punished, Jonathan found the situation somewhat amusing.

“Mrs. Graham, you should go and rest. Don't worry about me. I'll just have a drink with Benjamin!”

“No worries, I feel uncomfortable if I sleep right after eating too much,” Arissa replied with a smile while moving the rest of the dishes in front of them.

“Shall I have Grandaunt accompany you for a stroll in the garden?” Benjamin turned his head and asked Arissa. He was about to call Mary over.

“No need! I'll wheel myself over!” Arissa stopped him. She wanted to go to the study to check on the six little brats.

Benjamin glanced at her, then stood up to fetch the wheelchair that was set aside. He gently lifted her into it and made sure to fasten her seatbelt.

“All right, continue enjoying your drinks with Mr. Patterson, but remember to eat some food to soak the liquor up!” Arissa reminded him before maneuvering herself out of the dining room.

Benjamin's gaze followed her closely, not wavering until Arissa's figure disappeared from his sight. Only then did he look away, only to meet Jonathan's teasing gaze.