Inside the room, Mrs. Penny awoke, her face pale as she gazed at Sean Hayes, tears shimmering in her eyes.
"Mrs. Penny, you're carrying twins!" Sean Hayes gripped her hand tightly. "For you and our children, I would gladly give my life."
"You silly man..." Mrs. Penny stroked her belly, her heart aching with reluctance.
She couldn't bear to part with the twins, but even more so, she couldn't bear to lose Sean Hayes. Overwhelmed by heartbreak and despair, she burst into tears: "How could I ever let you die, you fool! Having you by my side means more than having children. If fate doesn't allow us these babies, I hope they find a good family in their next life. Why should you suffer so much?"
As sorrow washed over them, the harsh reality set in. The two clung to each other and wept bitterly, their hearts heavy and aching.
Alexander Hayes and Lily Evans silently entered the room. Seeing Mrs. Penny and Sean Hayes embracing and crying, Lily Evans let out a gentle sigh.
Sensing their presence, Mrs. Penny, frail but determined, struggled to kneel on the bed. Sean Hayes supported her, kneeling beside her. He pleaded, "Your Highness, all the blame is mine. My feelings got the better of me. Mrs. Penny and the children are innocent. Please punish me, and spare them!"
Mrs. Penny cried out, "No, Your Highness, it was me—I led Sean Hayes astray! He's so naive, so pure, he doesn't understand. I tempted him! If punishment is due, let it fall on me!"
The two vied to take the blame, their words laced with desperation. Lily Evans watched them, sighing again.
Alexander Hayes's face remained stern as iron. "You two are both senior members of the Hayes Family Shadow Guard. You know the rules, yet you broke them knowingly. You've disappointed me! Do you understand the consequences of defying the rules?"