Chapter 208

Ryan Wallace was being pressured by his family to meet a potential bride. The matchmaker had already arrived with the young woman at their doorstep.

He couldn't even be bothered to lift his eyelids. In his foul mood, not even the most beautiful woman in the world could catch his attention.

The girl, however, seemed quite taken with his family's property. The moment she stepped inside, her eyes locked onto the row of sturdy brick houses. When she turned her gaze to Ryan, her expression brightened. She eagerly asked how many pigs the family owned, and upon hearing there were thirty full-grown hogs and hundreds of piglets, her eyes gleamed like a starving wolf spotting prey.

Ryan was thoroughly annoyed. Just as he was searching for an excuse to escape, Mayor George Clark's voice boomed from outside the courtyard: "Luna Whitaker's in trouble! Grab your tools and lend a hand!"

Without hesitation, Ryan snatched up a carrying pole and bolted out the door, leaving the matchmaker and the bewildered girl behind.

The matchmaker and the young woman exchanged awkward glances. Fortunately, Walter Wallace quickly stepped in to smooth things over before the situation became unbearably tense.

When Ryan arrived at Luna's home with the mayor, he found her standing in the center of the yard, broom in hand. Behind her, her two sons stood ready—one gripping a carrying pole, the other a fire poker. The usually gentle Luna now carried an air of defiance, her delicate features hardened with determination, giving her an unexpectedly striking presence.

The moment Ryan heard the Lewis family was causing trouble, his blood boiled. When Derek Lewis tried to sweet-talk the mayor, Ryan didn't hesitate—he slapped the man across the face.

What kind of man bullies a woman?

Though Ryan didn't know the details of Luna's divorce, the Lewises' behavior told him everything he needed to know. Besides, he knew Luna well—stubborn and resilient, raising three children alone without complaint despite the hardships. Even with the village's idle men constantly lurking around her door, she managed to keep her life in perfect order.

"Six Paths Village is bullying outsiders!" Chloe Dawson shrieked, rushing to shield her husband. "How dare you hit him?"

George Clark sneered. "You're damn right we hit him! Coming here to cause trouble and expecting us to just stand by? Get the hell out of here! Luna's already divorced from Darren Lewis, and the kids are hers to raise. She's being generous not demanding child support from that deadbeat, and now you want underage boys to support their father? Ever heard of the law?"

"Should I call the local police station to give you a legal lesson? Take your trash and get out!" George's glare was sharp enough to cut steel. "You think you can cause trouble in Six Paths Village? Know whose territory you're stepping on!"

Chloe and Derek were stunned. They'd thought Luna, with no family to back her up, would be an easy target. They never expected the entire village to stand behind her. If things escalated, they'd be lucky to leave Six Paths Village in one piece.

The couple backed down immediately. They knew nothing about the law, but they understood one thing—when the mayor spoke, his word was final. Nobody dared cross him.

The group hastily carried Darren and Margaret Lewis away, tails between their legs.

The villagers cheered.

Luna dropped the broom, her eyes red as she bowed deeply. "Thank you, everyone!"

George waved her off. "No need for thanks! Did you really think we'd let outsiders bully one of our own? Next time there's trouble, just sound the alarm. Let's see who dares to mess with you!" He wasn't bluffing. In these times, village disputes often turned violent, and when the whole community stood together, the law tended to look the other way.

As the crowd dispersed, George turned to Luna. "Remember what I said, girl. As long as I'm here, nobody's touching you or those kids."

Luna nodded. "I'll remember, Uncle."

George was about to leave when he noticed Ryan still lingering. "What are you still doing here?"

Ryan glanced at Luna. "If you need anything, just call."

Luna nodded again. "Understood."

Once everyone was gone, Luna's legs gave out, and she nearly collapsed. Her sons quickly helped her inside to lie down.

The yard was a mess. The boys silently cleaned up before tending to the pigs.

Luna lay on the bed, her chest tight with emotion. She'd fought so hard for this new life—why couldn't the Lewises just leave her and the children alone?

This was only the beginning. If Derek had set his mind to this, he'd be back.

Luna clenched the quilt, her nails digging into her palms.