Finally, Kallum yielded to Helen.While Gene's investment was a huge factor in her triumph, Helen understood that Frank was the reason she could take over as Lanecorp's board chairwoman easily and resolve all the difficulties they faced.Frank, however, did not linger at Lanecorp.Relieved to hear that Kallum had given up, he promptly left, jumping into his car and driving straight to Morhen.Susan Redford, Vicky's mother, was on the verge of tears. "Frank… Vicky didn't let me tell you because it's… complicated. Walter's been poisoned and remains unconscious, and we can't question him even if we wanted to. And the Martial Alliance keeps hounding us to hand him over… The Turnbulls are going to cave soon…""Calm down, Mrs. Turnbull," Frank said calmly, holding the steering wheel in one hand and his phone in the other. "Where's Vicky? She's in Morhen now, isn't she?""She…"Susan was hesitant and choking with tears. "She told me not to tell… Just come to Turnbull Estate, Frank. L
"Phew…"Silverbell breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Frank's nod, and her fingers eased around her sword's hilt."Lady Silverbell, that man…""He's my brother," she said and did not elaborate further."Brother, huh… And his last name is Lawrence… I think I understand," one of the elders beside Silverbell murmured thoughtfully.Silverbell glanced at him but stayed silent.-Bang!Frank kicked the door to the Turnbull Hall open, and everyone standing inside was clearly disapproving.Some were even ready to yell at him, but Glen Turnbull quickly gave everyone a warning glare even though he was startled too.This incident was so grave that the family's fate hung in the balance—it was not the time for manners.Walking up to Frank with a nod, Glen said, "We meet again, Mr. Lawrence. I'm sure my sister-in-law filled you in?""Yeah." Frank nodded. "Where's Mr. Walter? I'll check on him now.""Sure." Glen did not dawdle, leading Frank out of the hall and straight to a dome car
Nonetheless, Frank hesitated for a while before clapping Susan on the shoulder. "I'm sorry, Mrs. Turnbull—now isn't the time. We need to find out what happened.""What happened…?" Walter murmured, confused even as he looked around at members of his extended family gathered around him.He then smacked his head and frowned as he recalled, "Hold on, shouldn't I attend Denise Laine's coming-of-age ceremony? How did I get here?""Jet brought you back." Glen turned toward a towering man with hardened facial features, looking around his thirties."Jet…?" Walter was stunned, as Jet was leader of the Turnbulls' blackguards and an adopted son of George Turnbull.If Walter's family had to send the blackguards to bring him back, that meant things had gotten troublesome."Do you remember what happened at the ceremony yesterday?""Yesterday?"Walter grimaced as he worked hard to recall and shook his head in pain. "I remember Sif Lionheart offering me a toast, and then I got very sleepy… I do
"Hold it! You're not allowed in here!"The Turnbull bodyguards loyally stood their ground, holding the members of the Martial Alliance at the gates.In turn, Silverbell bellowed at them, "I have evidence of Walter Turnbull's crimes! The mayor of Morhen has already issued a warrant! Stand in our way, and you will be labeled an enemy of the Martial Alliance and Draconia!"The Turnbull bodyguards traded glances, but they eventually gave in and cleared a path.Even if a decision would be made to war against the Martial Alliance, it was not up for them to call it.Moreover, they were not in the right—the Martial Alliance had evidence and were making a legal arrest. Resistance would be equal to harboring a fugitive.Obviously, Silverbell bade her time waiting for evidence to avoid bloodshed, since violence would ensue if they stormed Turnbull Estate with mere accusations."Go!" With Silvebell leading the members of the Martial Alliance, they soon arrived at the bungalow where Walter
"No way! We can't let them take Walter!""Exactly! We will go down swinging if push comes to shove!""That's right! We do not fear death!"Glen was left glowering as the rest of the Turnbulls argued in defiance."Go down swinging?! Easy for you to say!" he bellowed. "Have none of you considered how serious a blow it would be to our family if we went to war against the mayor of Morhen?! It wouldn't just be the Martial Alliance—if the mayor sends the garrison, we're really screwed!"Looking at everyone around him pointedly, he continued, "At that point, we'd be unable to clear our name while we leap into the pit our enemies dug for us! And that's exactly what they want—for us to fight the Martial Alliance!"While most of the Turnbulls were stunned, some still argued defiantly."What, are we supposed to just give up?""Exactly. Even at best, we'd lose Walter… And our reputation is going down the drain…"Glen simply turned to Frank and said quietly, "Mr. Lawrence has already said
Even as the Turnbulls could only watch as two members of the Martial Alliance strode up and dragged Walter away, Susan started to chase after them, shouting, "Walter!!!"Glen stopped her, his expression exasperated and his words less than convincing, "I know it hurts, Susan… But you have to be strong. We will find evidence soon enough…"What the rest of the Turnbull did not notice, however, was Frank hurrying outside, shouting, "Silverbell!"Silverbell stopped in her tracks and smiled stiffly as she slowly turned around.She really did not want to see Frank in this situation, since it undoubtedly made her look cool. She certainly did not want to leave a bad impression after being apart for so long."Frank… Lawrence. Is there something else?""He's been set up, and there's no doubt about that." Frank pointed at Walter, his tone stern. "A nerve agent was used on him, and he couldn't control himself—no, he doesn't even know what he did yesterday."Silverbell frowned, her expression
The members of the Martial Alliance had no idea what Frank and Silverbell were talking about, but they heard the last part where Silverbell agreed to Frank's request of protecting Walter for two days.That was virtually impossible with the power that the mayor of Morhen commanded.His daughter was molested in public, and he was not about to wait two days to retaliate!If anything, Walter would be killed no sooner after they delivered him to the mayor's residence.Even if Silverbell's position seemed to command respect and authority, as a guardian of Morhen—the heart of Draconia—she was basically a glorified bodyguard. She would be punished all the same if she insulted the mayor of Morhen, which was why the members of the Martial Alliance quickly tried to stop her."Absolutely not, Lady Silverbell!""You'd be insulting the mayor of Morhen if you do that… It'll ruin your future!"However, Silverbell knew better than anyone the price she would pay if she protected Walter.Even so,
With those words, Glen turned toward Jet and said, "Gather the blackguards and go to Waver Street with Frank. We need to be serious about this."Frank would rather work alone, but he was not familiar with Morhen and had to agree to Glen's suggestion.Soon, the blackguards were sortied and departed.However, Waver Street was very far from Turnbull Estate, and it was night by the time they arrived.It was certainly a lively place, where people freely mingled, even going at it in the alley.Curses, cheers, and jeers could be heard from any corner, and Frank actually stood out like a sore thumb.He split up with Jet before walking down the street as agreed."Hey, handsome. Wanna hang out?" A flamboyantly dressed woman stood out in the street, winking at Frank with a cigarette between fingers."Come on in! Our ladies are the best!" A middle-aged woman beckoned at Frank."Sorry, I'll pass," Frank said, having no interest, and shook his head as he sidestepped them.At the same time,