Chapter 207

Chloe Dawson and Derek Lewis stumbled back in shock. Having lived in the same village for over a decade, they knew Luna Whitaker and her sons were famously mild-mannered. For years, the old woman had taken Luna's hard-earned wages from stone carrying, yet Luna never dared to protest. Who would have thought she'd grab a carrying pole and fight like a wildcat today?

"Luna! Don't you dare!" Derek barked, though sweat beaded on his forehead. "You think we're scared of a woman? Besides, sons supporting their father is only right—you want your boys branded as unfilial?"

The Lewis household had been in chaos for months. After the divorce, Paul Jackson initially enjoyed his freedom, mooching meals off his mother. Then one morning, he woke up paralyzed, unable to speak. The shock sent old Margaret Jackson tumbling—now she was bedridden too.

Tending to two invalids was hell. Paul needed help even to relieve himself, while Margaret soiled herself constantly. The stench in the house was unbearable. After months of misery, they'd hatched this scheme.

"Beat them dead!" Luna's eyes burned red. "I'm done holding back! My sister was right—we can't show mercy to bloodsuckers!"

Ethan and his brothers tightened their grips on the poles. "Don't worry, Mom. We'll take the blame!"

Derek turned to flee. "Run!"

Too late.

Outside the gate, Mayor George Clark blocked the path with twenty armed villagers. Derek's legs trembled—they'd counted on Six Paths Village staying out of this. How had the mayor mobilized so many?

"What's going on here?" George's icy gaze swept over the two figures on stretchers.

Seeing reinforcements, Luna's strength drained away. Her voice shook. "Uncle... They're forcing my boys to care for these two..."

Derek fumbled for cigarettes. "Mayor, have a smoke—"

Smack!

Ryan Wallace sent him sprawling with one slap.

"Good hit!" George snapped. "You dare cause trouble in Six Paths Village? Got a death wish?"