Heartstrings on Fire novel Chapter 1036

Patton dropped to his knees in a hurry, his voice laced with desperation, "Bro, I swear, I didn't mean it. Please, Mr. Kearney, have mercy on me."

Kearney turned to Agnes, his tone serious, "What do you reckon we should do with him? This guy clearly doesn't know his limits. He needs a lesson."

A sly idea crossed Agnes's mind. "Considering his arrogance, punishment is in order. Didn't he say he'd work like a horse for me? Well, then let's take him up on that. The guesthouse at my place, Serenity Hall, has a room that's caved in. I've been meaning to fix it. Let him do it, all by himself, no help allowed. And no meals until he's done."

Kearney chuckled, "Agnes, you're really not like the rest of us. Your way of punishing... it's too kind."

But to Patton, Agnes's words sounded like a decree from heaven. He bowed deeply, "Thank you, Miss Agnes. I'll start first thing tomorrow at Serenity Hall. You can count on me to restore it just as it was."

Kearney turned away, his previously amused expression now gone, "Now, scram."

Patton scrambled away, tripping over his own feet in his haste.

Kearney checked on Agnes, "You alright?"

Agnes shrugged, "What could possibly be wrong with me? Don't forget, I can handle myself."

Kearney's laugh was dismissive, "Those little tricks of yours..."

"Hey, I'm not that bad. You might not even win against me."

Agnes knew only that Sean was a special forces veteran, lightning-fast and beyond her reach. But Kearney... he seemed more like a gentleman scholar than a fighter. Despite his imposing aura, she wasn't convinced he could outfight her...

"Agnes, you're really full of it," said a voice from down the hall.