The group of men emitted an unfriendly aura. Several tattoos on their arms suggested they might be members of a specific group in the city.Some of them were casually smoking, while others stared at Leon and his crew challengingly."Can we help you?" Leon asked with a cold tone. Although he felt the need to maintain composure, Leon couldn't ignore the situation.One of the men, seemingly the spokesperson, stepped forward with a shout, "Show your identities!" he repeated.One of Leon's crew swiftly advanced, grabbing the collar of the rude man. "Watch your words in front of Mr. Leon!" he threatened loudly.The tense atmosphere escalated into a gripping confrontation, with collar-pulling and insults exchanged from both sides."Bastards!"The pulled man felt surprised and angry. He tried to free himself from Leon's crew's grip but failed."Hey! Let him go!" shouted his friends, quickly approaching to defend their comrade.Both sides faced each other with a defiant attitude, while other r
"What are you doing?!" shouted the girl, who only received a strong push without an answer, causing her to suddenly fall to the ground. "Ah!""Silly girl! Shopping alone. Don't you know people are starving? Haha!" mocked the man who pushed the girl arrogantly."Give me back my food!""No way! This food is for us only!" yelled the man loudly, accompanied by the laughter of two others behind him."Just begone, Dear. Before that man hurts you," said a larger man than the previous attacker, mocking her."No! That's my only food! I don't have money to buy another!""Begone, I said!"Instantly, the atmosphere in the small alley turned chaotic. The girl's screams and cries rang out, prompting Leon and his crew to approach."Stop!" shouted Leon loudly as he approached the teenage girl experiencing the robbery.A group of rough men had surrounded her and callously seized her food. The girl appeared to be crying and frightened, with disheveled long hair and weak, brown eyes. Her clothes were al
The sharp knife swung by the man earlier cut Leon's arm quite badly. Fresh blood immediately seeped from his torn shirt, a result of the sharp object's fury.Leon groaned in pain, reaching for his injured arm. "Bastard!" he muttered, attempting to stem the flow of blood with trembling hands."Sir, you're bleeding!" the young girl exclaimed in panic, noticing the serious wound on Leon's arm.Trying to reassure the girl, Leon said, "I'm fine. It's just a scratch." He forced a smile to calm her, but the injury seemed more serious than he thought."Rascal!" Another of Leon's men, angered by the cowardly attack, began brutally beating the man in retaliation for their boss's injury."Arghh!!!" A gruesome cry echoed briefly before the man collapsed unconscious.Leon quickly pulled the girl near him, away from the fighting. They walked unsteadily towards a safer location."Sir, wait a moment," the girl reached into her bag, searching for something to ease Leon's wound.She found a scarf in he
As the city center recovered from the previous chaos, the atmosphere began to improve. Traders tidied up their messy stalls and resumed selling, while the residents, who had previously hidden in fear, returned to their usual activities.The remnants of the riot no longer instilled fear in the minds of the Rossie community. Overall, life resumed its routine, including Adam Hart, who continued his hunt for Abigail, his sister-in-law."Where is that woman hiding?" he muttered while sipping his morning coffee.Adam looked out from his balcony with eyes filled with anger. He seemed tired, having spent several days tracking Abigail's whereabouts without success. It appeared that she was hiding somewhere unknown."Hans! Check the boutiques she frequently visit. Abigail has no more allies. That damn Andersen is already dead!" Adam ordered one of his mercenaries."Very well, sir!" he responded.The pocket money given by Abigail was still substantial. Although Adam had distanced himself from th
Inspector Kirk now sits in the center chair of the meeting room. His sharp gaze is directed at the stack of important files prepared on the table.Everyone in the room feels tense, realizing that today will be a decisive day for them.The attending officials appear uneasy and start to break into a cold sweat, knowing that this inspection is the moment when their secrets might be revealed."We will begin the inspection shortly," Inspector Kirk says with a firm voice.The thrilling moments have arrived. Inspector Kirk stands up, accompanied by some of his loyal staff. All eyes in the room are focused on them.Inspector Johannes Kirk is a strict official in carrying out his duties. He is known for being fair and not influenced by pressure or bribery. No one can sway the results of an inspection conducted by him."I will ensure that all procedures are strictly followed, and there will be no interventions affecting the final results," he asserts for the last time before diligently performi
Meanwhile, at Mansion Rossie, the festive atmosphere of the young Miss's birthday still lingers, even though it's been a few days.Decorative ornaments stand tall, the joy of the servants remains, and the cakes originally intended for the invited guests have now been enjoyed by the servants.The chef will prepare new dishes according to the party theme determined by the organizer."Forgive me, Grandma, Arren, our event got delayed," says Madam Rossie, feeling guilty."It's okay, Grandma. Your health is the priority," Arren says gently.Arren's birthday celebration was supposed to last all day after the successful surprise party at the West Pavilion. However, Grandma suddenly fainted, forcing the birthday banquet scheduled for the evening to be postponed."How long have I been unconscious?" asks Grandma."This is the third day, Grandma. Don't worry, everything is fine," Arren replies while gently caressing her Grandma's c
The lies of Madam Rossie began with the report presented by Clark about the progress of his tasks.Clark has been a loyal spy for the Rossie family, and his main task is to report every action taken by Arren and protect her without her knowledge.Although Madam Rossie had once expelled Arren and her family from the Rossie region, her longing for her granddaughter could not be compromised. Slowly, her hatred towards her son-in-law's behavior eroded, leaving only a deep yearning for the family.Due to the actions of her father, Arren, who was blameless, had to bear the burden. The incident of expelling Adam Hart in the past left a lasting impression on everyone, especially Madam Rossie.Madam Rossie had offered the option to raise Arren when Amber—the daughter—chose to leave with her husband. However, Amber declined, intending to raise Arren independently.Unfortunately, Amber eventually left her daughter due to an illness, leaving Arren to
"S–so, for all this time Grandmother lied to me? How cruel, you are!" Arren exclaimed, unable to contain the deep hurt in her feelings. "Does that mean Aunt did nothing to you, Granny?""It's not like that, my dear. Abigail, she did something to me," said Madam Rossie with teary eyes. "But Jess thwarted her plans.""That's right, Miss," responded the Head servant with a worried expression. What she had feared for so long had finally happened. She never expected the young Miss would uncover this scheme."You all truly unforgivable!""No–miss, listen to our explanation."The Head servant finally revealed that Abigail indeed had malicious intentions. She planned to jeopardize Madam Rossie's health with a scheme involving a fake doctor.However, the Head servant managed to prevent it, based on Madam Rossie's report. She sensed something was amiss with the dosage of the medicine and the sudden change of identity of the supposed doctor.After a thorough investigation, they discovered Abiga
The tip of the dagger was bent. No one would have expected that a sharp dagger could change its shape like that."No-no!" the servant cried out. She was very confused. How could Arren's stomach, which should have been stained with blood, bend the dagger without any effort?In a decisive moment, the dagger had undergone plastic deformation, like a metal dance changing its shape without being able to return to its original state."W-what's happening?" The servant wondered with trembling hands. Arren just smiled triumphantly. Her opponent had been thoroughly defeated without calculation."I anticipated this, Lesel," Arren said with a proud face.Yes. Lesel. It turned out she was Esme's henchman who was so eager to take her life."H-how did you know?"Arren immediately tore the tulle fabric covering her stomach. There was a shiny accessory there. A steel belt."W-what?"At first, the rumble and vibration were indeed felt by Lesel. She didn't expect that the collision between the dagger and
The blonde servant pursed her lips, while the black-haired one kept staring straight ahead."Fine!" she replied somewhat annoyed, but indeed their plan must not be ruined."I'll keep watch around. You need to get ready soon.""Okay."The two suspicious servants then continued their secret mission. There wasn't much for them to do except find their target and carry out their revenge."It seems he's on the west balcony. Wait for my signal, we'll launch the attack soon!""Okay!"***The atmosphere of the banquet was still lively with the melodious music playing softly in the background. Some guests enjoyed it while dining, while others continued chatting. Arren and Leon seemed happy as they greeted the guests present."It seems... I feel stifled," Arren whispered to Leon. This pregnancy made her easily tired and also felt hot all the time."Do you want to leave this place?" Leon asked, wrapping his arm around his wife's waist."Yes," Arren replied weakly."Let's go, then," said Leon, affe
Ava's eyes sparkled with happiness. She nodded eagerly and hugged Arren in return. "Thank you, Aunt!"Ava didn't expect that her birthday would be celebrated with a special feast, even though the feast wasn't specifically held for her."You're welcome, Ava!" Arren replied in kind. She was happy to cheer up her little friend who seemed down and lacking in spirit due to the absence of her parents."We have to go, Ava. This is for you," said Leon as he handed over a wrapped gift box with a purple ribbon on top."W-what's this, Sir?" Ava asked, surprised and delighted. She didn't expect to receive a gift from Mr. Leon on a day that wasn't her birthday."Consider it an installment gift," Leon joked, chuckling softly."Ahaha! Thank you so much!" exclaimed Ava as she opened the gift wrap. Inside was a brown fur teddy bear. "So cute!" Ava exclaimed happily. Arren and Leon were pleased to see her reaction.Shortly afterward, they really had to leave as there was something they needed to ensure
After some time in the hospital, Arren was finally allowed to go home. There were no signs of danger or contraindications from the treatment she received."Thank you, Doctor. I feel much healthier," Arren said after the doctor visited her for the last time."You're welcome, Madam. I'm glad you've recovered without difficulty."Doctors Freddy and Josh watched Arren leave with relieved hearts. Finally, their worries were gone. Arren was truly free from the danger that threatened her life.***On the way home, Leon kept staring at Arren with uncertain feelings. He was truly happy with his wife's recovery, but there was something that worried him."Are you sure about your plan? I don't want to put you in danger again, Darling!" Leon exclaimed, not wanting to endanger his wife anymore."There's no other way. We can do it, Darling!" Arren said firmly with strong determination.Leon sighed deeply. He couldn't prevent his wife's stubbornness. "Promise me, you'll stick to our plan.""Yes, Darli
"Sir! You're mistaken!" the nurse exclaimed, holding Leon's arm to prevent him from punching the doctor."What?!" Leon turned to the nurse. He was exhausted and couldn't tolerate any more mistakes from the doctor that would result in his children being born with defects."You misunderstood, Sir!""Yes, that's right!""Your children are fine, Sir."The voices of the nurse and doctor echoed. Leon lowered his fist and looked towards Dr. Freddy, who seemed to be breathing a sigh of relief."Tell me, Doctor! What happened to my wife and my children?!" Leon demanded, still full of anger.Before the doctor could answer, Arren's faint voice could be heard behind the nurse standing by the bed."Le—on…" she called softly."Arren!" Leon pushed aside the nurses covering his wife's presence. "Arren!" Leon approached Arren, tears streaming down his face. "Are you... awake?" he asked, gently caressing his wife's forehead."Uh huh," Arren replied weakly. "What happened? Why does it seem crowded here?"
Leon gripped Arren's hand tightly as they rushed to the hospital. Anxiety and worry consumed him. For some reason, Leon had a bad feeling."Driver! Faster!" Leon commanded as he saw Arren grimacing in pain, cold sweat dripping from her forehead and body, Arren's breaths were labored."Yes, Sir!"The driver immediately accelerated the car, doing his best to balance the increasingly speeding vehicle. He was truly worried that the young lady was suffering from an extraordinary ailment."Arren, hold on," Leon pleaded, continuing to comfort Arren with hugs and handholds."Argh, Leon..." Arren groaned as if enduring excruciating pain. Not just in his stomach, but throughout her body."We're almost there!" The driver signaled. Leon was so anxious. He nodded and prepared to take Arren to the emergency room as soon as they arrived at the hospital.Finally, after driving for some time, they arrived at the hospital."Doctor! Doctor!" Leon carried Arren to the ER, where everyone watched them with
Lora was successfully evacuated, and everyone was overjoyed. However, there was a strangeness apparent to her. Arren even noticed it. "Le-Leon...," she called out as Lora approached her.An unfamiliar scent emanated from Lora's body. It made Arren extremely nauseous."Ugh!" Arren vomited. He couldn't contain the overwhelming nausea."Darling!" Leon exclaimed in alarm. What was happening to his wife?"Le-Leon... Lora's... scent... it's very... unpleasant," she murmured as she nestled into her husband's embrace. Leon immediately caught Arren, who had almost fallen earlier. Now, his beloved wife was in a swoon."What scent?" Leon tried to sharpen his sense of smell. Indeed, he smelled something foreign and pungent, like the scent of lead. "Lora, come closer to me!"Leon tried to inhale the scent more deeply. Lora's heart, of course, was in turmoil. But the girl had already linked herself to William. Now, Mr. Leon was no longer the man who dominated her heart."Just wait a moment."With mo
Laurens's shout almost made Mrs. Dolores's heart jump out. "Oh, God!" The middle-aged woman then ran following Laurens's footsteps as he moved toward the field area."Leon! Let's follow them!" Arren exclaimed, following Mrs. Dolores's lead to her daughter's supposedly accident site. Leon followed Arren after ensuring Mrs. Dolores's house was securely closed.Arriving at the field, they were surprised to find Lora in a gaping hole. The hole, with rough soil around it, resembled a dug hole."Ouch!" Lora groaned in pain. Several wounds were visible on her knees and arms. "Mom! Help me!" she cried, tears streaming down her face."Oh, God! Lora! What happened to you?!" Mrs. Dolores trembled. "Laurens! Do something for your sister!" she ordered her son, who also seemed confused."I was just running, then... suddenly I fell in here! Huhu!" Lora continued to cry in pain.Arren and Leon had just arrived, as did the villagers who heard Laurens's shouts nearby."Get a rope!" Leon shouted, rolling
"Lora!" Arren called out, waving her hand. Lora just nodded her head, not returning the gesture of the young miss.Laurens felt uneasy. He elbowed Lora's ribs a little roughly. "Be polite, Lora!" he scolded his younger sister.Lora just snorted and turned away. She then ran off home without saying goodbye, without uttering a word.Arren, who was quite far from them, looked puzzled. However, she didn't dwell on it too much. There were many villagers waiting to talk to her."So, how will you develop our village, Miss Leader?" asked a middle-aged man who seemed to be struggling to find work.Arren just smiled and gave a brief answer. She didn't want to make empty promises. Arren would surely do her best. "You must be patient but diligent. When the village programs are finally implemented, I hope the villagers will truly make the most of them.""Thank you, Miss Leader! We will definitely do that!"Leon looked proud of Arren's gentle yet firm attitude. Arren could indeed be a good leader, l