A few seconds later, Lydia crossed her arms and slowly walked up to Cherise and Hank

She stared at Cherise for a moment before speaking coldly. "Me. Leach, what

are you doing here? Oh no, I may date be calling you Mrs. Chivers now. Mrs. Chivers, why do you keep interfering with my plane

"You did the same thing at the Walton residence tea party last time, and now you're doing again. If I remember correcty this has nothing to do with you, does it?"

At Lydia's words, the emotionless expression on Cherise's face twisted into a mocking mark. "How is fave not my band Jean is my husband's cousin, and this boy is my student.

"As a teacher, I have a responsibility to fulfill. My student went missing, so of come, I had to find him. That's generdy reasonable.

"And besides, Ms. Walton, you keep pulling these stunts again and again. If it weren't for the Walton family hting, me power in Clusia to shield you, you would've already met your downfall Hearing Cherise's words, Lydia let out a cold snort. "Hah, Mrs. Chivers, listen to yourself. But you really are

quite the dedicated professor.

"We only

invited this child here because we needed to confirm something with him. Once we're done, well personally can him back.

"Look at him-

he's standing right in front of you, perfectly fine. Isn't that right, Hank?" As Lydia spoke, the mouthed the word "orphanage" in front of Hank.

Hank, of course, knew what she meant-it was a threat. He

had no idea what was happening at Charity Orphanage right

now.

That one word made Hank clench his fists tightly and grit his teeth.

"Isn't that right, Hank? Why aren't you saying anything?" Lydia asked again, her tone carrying an implicit threat. "Tell your dear professor, have I done anything bad to you? Have I threatened or hurt you in any way?" Hank glanced at Cherise, then turned back to Lydia, looking as if he was struggling internally.

The next second, his voice cracked as he spoke, tears brimming in his eyes. "Ms. Leach, you have to help me!

"They're just like bandits! They grabbed me off the street and dragged me here. No, not dragged-

escorted me like this" He dramatically demonstrated, raising both hands as if being forcibly held. "It hurt so much.

"They even blindfolded me and took me to this maze-

like place, where they kept pressuring me with threats and bribes. They kept asking if I had any connection to the Jarrett family.

"I said no, but this evil woman wouldn't believe me! She even threatened me-

she said if I didn't talk, they would kill everyone at the orphanage.

"How could I possibly be related to the Jarrett family? If I were, would I still be living in that orphanage? I'm so scared. I just want to go home.

"Ms. Leach, you have to stand up for me! Do you know this is illegal confinement? I want to sue her! I want to sue all of them! I want to sue this evil woman!"

Hank kept talking, tears and snot flowing uncontrollably, until Cherise let out a few soft coughs.

Lydia was completely stunned by Hank's words. She hadn't expected him to be so unpredictable, and this outright infuriated her. "You! Very well. If you really don't afraid-

You see, Ms. Leach? She's trying to threaten me again." Hank cut Lydia

off before she could even finish speaking.

Lydia looked at the sharp-

tongued Hank, then at Cherise, who was staring at her intently. "Do you two understand the consequences of offending the Walton family? Ms. Leach, I trust you're well aware of the extent of our power." Cherise nodded slightly and stepped forward. "Ms. Walton, I suggest you weigh your position carefully. It's not that I can't deal with you.

"It's just that if something were to happen to the Walton family, I'd have a hard time explaining it to all of Clusia. I'm sure you understand.

"I will be taking Hank with me today. If you intend to stop me, don't blame me for showing no mercy."

With that, Cherise no longer hesitated and pulled Hank toward the exit.

Lydia, of course, wasn't about to just let them go. She was the daughter of a family of warriors, and she had

an unyielding spirit that refused to admit defeat.

More than that, she was curious to test Cherise's skills. With that thought, she barked an order, "Stop them!"

At her command, all the black-clad men surged forward.

Cherise's eyes were devoid of warmth. She didn't turn around, simply standing there quietly. Relying on her keen hearing, she flicked her wrist, and a dozen silver needles shot out from her sleeve.

In the next second, every black-clad man who had rushed forward froze in place, motionless.

Cherise said to Lydia, "I told you-l

wouldn't hold back. Consider this a warning. Whether this was your own idea or someone else's orders, suggest you think carefully about your actions. Don't become a sinner for the ages."

With that, she pulled Hank along and left the misty, maze-like forest.

Lydia glanced at the subordinates standing frozen in place. Without hesitation, without even a trace of pity, she turned and strode back toward the villa, indifferent to their plight. Meanwhile, Cherise led Hank toward the road outside the forest. Just as they stepped onto the asphalt, a familiar figure rushed toward them-

Morris.noveldrama

The moment Morris saw Cherise, his tense expression eased. However, when he noticed that she was holding Hank's hand, his face darkened, and a trace of displeasure flickered in his eyes.

Without a word, Morris stepped between them. Cherise's grip on Hank's hand was instantly broken, replaced by Morris firmly clasping her hand in his own.

"What are you doing here?" Cherise looked at him, surprised.

Morris glanced at Hank, who was watching them curiously, then answered, "Jean called me. She said this brat had gone missing and that you might have gone after him. I was worried about you, so I tracked your location and came over." Hearing this, Cherise gave him an apologetic smile. "Things were a bit urgent, so I forgot to call you."

Morris nodded, then cast a glance at the forest behind them and the villa partially hidden in its depths. "This place belongs to the Walton family?"

"Yes," Cherise answered truthfully.

"So the Walton family is as he said..." Morris muttered under his breath.

He turned to Hank and noticed the boy looking distracted. "Kid, what's on your mind?"

Hank didn't hide his concern. I'm worried about Charity Orphanage's safety

Morris reassured him, "Don't worry, I'll arrange for people to protect it. Besides, the Walton family isn't that reckless. Tristan still has some sense of restraint. For now, let's just focus on getting out of here? With Morris's promise, Hank finally felt some relief. He nodded gratefully, then followed them as they left this place.