Rory didn't fight back at all. Judging from his past experiences, his resilience was nothing but a joke to the adults. Crying wouldn't do him any good either because no one would pity him. That was the case for asking for help as well since no one would save him from his doom. Even if someone bothered to put a stop to his suffering, he would only suffer worse once he was brought back to a place where no one could meddle. The only thing he could do was to grit his teeth and protect his weak spots while he received a beating. Once the adults had had enough of torturing him, they would lose their interest, and he would be spared. Rory clasped his head between his hands tightly as he awaited the pain. He had no idea why the netizens called Misty an angel. After all, he was well aware that she was the same as the monsters. She was a devil who toyed with his life. However, the pain he expected didn't fall on him.Instead, a melodious voice rang above him. "Misty, you're
Rory was staring at Hannah as his eyes gleamed with admiration. She was so cool and strong, and she had beaten Misty to the point that she couldn't even bring her head up.He couldn't help but clench his fists, a small flame of hope flickering in his chest. Could he possibly be that strong when he grew up? Would it be possible for him to beat up those who bullied him? Hannah had no idea that her actions kindled a flicker of hope in Rory's heart. When she saw the resentment in Misty's eyes, she scoffed. She was preparing to strike at her again. She thought Misty was extremely awful since she went too far by bullying a child. "Hannah, how dare you!" Misty shrieked in disbelief. She could sense Hannah's intentions. As her hand flew to her swollen cheek, she hollered in a shrill voice, "What makes you think you can hit me? You've got no right to act like some goody-two-shoes here!"No matter how she treated Rory, it was undeniable that she brought him here to treat his illn
Darren addressed Misty in a disdainful manner. It was as if her name would taint his lips. "Scumbag."Piece of trash."There was no way that she would allow herself to be called such names. Clearly, Hannah should be under her. She was deemed to be trampled over and looked down on. She didn't deserve the right to be above her. How could she?Though Hannah slapped Misty, she was blamed for dirtying Hannah's hand. A huge wave of defiance and resentment washed through her in an instant, reddening her eyes. She gritted her teeth in fury, and the look in her eyes was terrifying. How she wished she could lunge at Hannah and tear her to pieces. She would ruin her face too, so she no longer could show off in front of her. "Darren…"Hannah was amused. The brochure felt slightly cool in her hands. As she held it, the displeasure that rose in her when she was interrupted by him earlier vanished immediately. Aside from being deeply amused, she felt equally helpless and touched. She
Rory was still a child. He would be doomed if Misty really laid her hands on him. He was kidnapped when he was much younger, and he was forced to beg on the streets by the human traffickers. Thanks to his somewhat adorable appearance and his young age, they didn't break his limbs. Instead, they coerced him to put on a pitiable act. They figured they could sell him off at a handsome price in the future. This was the only reason why they let him grow up.Given his hardships and countless bad experiences with people, he was adept at survival despite his young age. However, he seemed to be in a trance at the moment. He could no longer bother about protecting himself as he hurled his attacks frantically at Misty. "Big bad guy! I'll beat you up!"He kept repeating those words in a childish manner. As he threw his attacks mindlessly, he happened to grab Misty's hand.Without a trace of hesitation, he bared his teeth and sank them into her hand. "Take that, you wretch!""Argh!
Rory held the candy wrapper carefully in his hand as he nodded vigorously. "I'll be a good boy and wait for you, Missus.""That's lovely, Rory."Hannah's gaze grew warm as she ruffled his hair again. However, when she spun around and looked at Misty, her expression was grim. Misty was horrified when she saw the look in her eyes. As she backed away with a pale expression, she clamped her hands over her stomach and blurted, "Hannah, you can't do this to me! He's nothing but a homeless brat if you dare—""If I dare to what?"Hannah smirked, tilting her head to one side. It was meant to look adorable, yet she seemed particularly domineering when she did so. Clenching her fists, she strode toward her."Misty, who do you think you are?""Hannah," Darren called out to her when she walked past him. He handed the brochure to her again as he said warmly, "Don't hurt yourself." He showed no intention of stopping her.Misty was on the verge of losing her sanity as she stared at
Heather swallowed hard. She could do this. It didn't matter if they found out about Londyn Welfare Center. Londyn Welfare Center had a well-established history. It was founded by a Yewlander during the war. Technically, it was a charitable organization funded by overseas holdings. No matter how influential the Winchester Group was in Hopeldon, they couldn't possibly do anything with it. Moreover, they had Connor. Heather felt more reassured when she was reminded of his way of doing things. He was infamous for being vicious and reckless. Despite Winchester Group's powerful influence, they were still a legal organization. They stood no chance against Connor. As this thought crossed her mind, she finally managed to stop trembling. Her wavering gaze turned firm as she flashed a warm smile. "Ms. Misty went volunteering at Londyn Welfare Center, and she found out that Rory was diagnosed with severe peptic ulcer disease. Thus, she volunteered to pay for his medical expenses.
Was Hannah going to detest Rory too? Was she going to doubt him and give up on him?He told himself that he wouldn't be sad. After all, he was already used to this. These adults wouldn't pay him any attention, and nor would they care about his intentions. They would only believe in Heather and regard him as a natural-born criminal. They avoided him at all costs. It seemed like he wasn't worthy of any kindness. At this point, the candy in his mouth tasted bitter and sour. This must be a prank from Hannah to punish a disobedient kid like him. She gave him a sour candy, only for him to realize it was bitter beneath the sugar coating. With his head hung low, Rory desperately tried to widen his eyes. His effort was in vain as his tears fell uncontrollably. When his tears splattered on the colorful candy wrapping, colorful rays of light were reflected. His eyes dimmed in contrast. Just then, he felt something soft and cool against his ears. He glanced up and realized Han
Could he? Rory's eyes lit up with disbelief. He wasn't sure whether he was hallucinating because he had been anticipating this for so long. His eyes were glued to Hannah. His lips twitched, yet he couldn't bring himself to speak. He stared at her as his eyes began to redden. "Rory, you don't like being with them either, don't you?"Hannah lifted a brow, waiting for his response earnestly. She continued gently, "I hope you can lead a happy life. If you're willing to believe in me, come with me, alright?"Rory's whole body shook with elation as his gaze was fixated on her palm. "I…"He opened his mouth, only for his tears to blur his vision. He could feel a lump welling up in his throat. Tears streamed down his cheeks, but he wiped them off violently. This wasn't a dream. Did he really have the opportunity to leave that terrible place and start anew? Could he be like the other kids who were able to live happily?Rory lifted his hand as if he were reaching out to a swe