Chapter 17

The house was a complete mess, with evidence of a recent intrusion. Broken dishes were scattered everywhere, and the tables, chairs, and other furniture had been smashed to pieces.

A note was stuck to the wall, which Timothy snatched to read. His eyes began to fill with fury. The note contained a brief message. "We have your parents. Come to Valiant Hall if you want to save them."

Timothy's veins bulged, and the note crumbled to dust in his hand. "Valiant Hall? I'll fucking ruin you! What a bunch of clowns. Do they really think I'm a pushover?"

Timothy left the courtyard without looking back, his fists clenched tightly.

…

On the other side of Lormford City, at a seaside manor belonging to the Barton family, the entire family had gathered in a mansion located at the center of the manor.

Isabelle's face was still swollen from the slaps, and the marks were still visible. Her parents, Serena Lewis and Lawrence Barton, looked at her with deep concern.

Serena gently caressed Isabelle'