Chapter 1400

Sergio quickly regained his composure. He lowered his voice, as though he was holding his emotions in check. "Leave." "But Mrs. Brooks Senior—" Allie said. "Leave!" "Yes, Mr. Brooks." Allie stepped out and even closed the door behind her. Sergio stared at the closed door while his mind was suddenly flooded with memories from over a decade ago. It was the same way Hailey had closed the study door back then. She had always spoken to him in an unyielding, commanding tone. "Finish those books, or you're not allowed to leave!" The memories rushed back. He had knelt on the floor while the sharp sting of Hailey's belt seared into his back. Hailey had scolded him with disdain, "If you don't work hard, you won't amount to anything. If you don't succeed, you'll never be able to protect this family." The young Sergio had knelt and swallowed the pain, the humiliation, and the frustration. It was then that he learned to hide his emotions, to keep them buried deep inside. He couldn't af