In a flash, Yousef's hand cracked across Sunniva's face, leaving her reeling. As he glowered at her, he barked, "Have you forgotten everything I taught you? Is that how you talk to your mother?" Sunniva, still reeling from the slap, felt her cheek burn with pain and humiliation. She glared back at Yousef, her eyes brimming with bitter defiance. "Mother? Do you think she's worthy of that title?"Oh, father, you're quite the saint, aren't you? Hitting your own daughter for that woman? It's no wonder Mom spent her days in tears, dying from a heartbreak. And you? You couldn't wait to parade that woman around before Mom's body was even cold. Do you think she can fill Mom's shoes?"Listen to me, Yousef. Mom's gone. You drove her to her grave! And me? I despise you. I'll despise you for the rest of my days!"Sunniva held her reddened cheek, panting from her outburst at Yousef before whipping her head around to glare at Rebecca with icy, spiteful eyes. "Rebecca, if you value your life, st
Liam's eyes sparked with defiance. "Then brace yourself for the Bristow Group's downfall," he said with a calm certainty that belied the gravity of his words.Yousef's laughter was bitter, his eyes glinting with veiled menace. "You're quite bold, kid. However, remember, pride comes before a fall. You're the first to talk to me like this in years. Anyone can proclaim that, but let's see if you've got the chops to back them up."Liam's expression was serene, betraying no fear. After listening to Yousef, he let out a soft laugh and said, "Mr. Bristow, let me give you a friendly tip: think things over carefully, or you're going to end up with some serious regrets."The room went silent, everyone taking a sharp breath.Was that guy out of his mind?He was actually throwing down the gauntlet to the chairman of the state's Bristow Group, telling him to brace for bankruptcy and warning of regrets to come!That was the state's powerhouse family. Even the big shots from Drunham City's elit
The crowd gathered around, along with folks like Zeke, all started to talk Liam down from the ledge, trying to convince him not to make a move he would regret, especially not against the big-shot chairman of stateBristow Group."Kid, don't do anything hasty. That guy's the head honcho of the state Bristow Group. You're out of your league!" one onlooker said."Seriously, man, just drop it. If you tick him off, you're the one who's gonna end up in hot water," another chimed in."Money talks, doesn't it? His son's mixed up in an attempted rape case, and yet he's walking free on bail...""That's filthy rich for you. The almighty dollar flexing its muscles!""Listen to us, will you? Don't throw down the gauntlet..."They had all overheard that Clarke from state police headquarters had even stepped in, ordering the release of Yousef's son Yankel and demanding the capture of whoever set him up.Zeke, with a look of uncertainty, glanced at Liam and muttered, "I mean..."Despite the cro
Without another word to them, Liam pulled out his phone and found Howard's number. The moment the call connected, he got straight to the point, "I'm at Rectenwald Police Station. You know Clarke from capital police headquarters?"Howard, who had just stepped out of the headquarters and was about to slide into his car, saw Liam's call and quickly answered, standing attentively beside his vehicle.When Liam's icy question came through the line, Howard felt the intimidating force ripple through him, making his heart skip a beat. He was not sure what Liam was getting at and cautiously responded, "Mr. Cole, I do know Mr. Yach over at the capital police headquarters."Mr. Cole, is there something wrong?"A glint of frost appeared in Liam's eyes as he heard the question."Clarke just called, insisting that Rectenwald's police let Yankel go. You're telling me you're out of the loop on this?" Liam's voice was edged with disbelief.Howard's blood ran cold as if doused in ice from head to t
Liam ended the call and faced Yousef, Rebecca, and the rest with a calm, detached gaze.Yousef, who had been watching Liam's call, mocked, "What's this? Calling for backup?""That's right. You got yourself some muscle, didn't you? If it's a game of who knows who, I'm game to compete," Liam said, a grin playing on his lips.Rebecca sneered, her voice dripping with scorn, "Please, what a laugh. You think you've got clout? Kid, you're as good as dead!"Yousef chuckled and said, "Fine by me. I'll sit tight and see what kind of savior you can rustle up. If you manage to bring someone today who can stop me from springing Yankel, then I, Yousef, will keep my word. I'll pack up and leave Drunham City for good and drop the whole Yankel business."However, if you lose, don't come crying when I play hardball."In the end, Yousef's eyes glinted with a chilling intent to kill, his presence erupting with a fierce energy.Liam, however, stood his ground, unfazed by Yousef's intimidating show.
"Howard, this is not a joking matter! How important is this big shot you talk about? Does he have a higher status than the state police chief, Clarke Yach? You should understand that the people in this state are inextricably connected. Clarke is not someone we can afford to piss off," Cidro said in a solemn tone.At that moment, Howard was so anxious as he sat in the car that he was covered in sweat, feeling stunned by his brother's words. Of course, he knew Clarke was not to be messed with. However, the situation at hand was different. The person he offended was the only five-star commander-in-chief in Biskeland.Howard remembered that Liam wanted to keep his identity a secret. That was why he did not tell Cidro about it.Hearing Howard fall silent, Cidro thought he got through to him. He then continued earnestly, "Howard, I've told you more than once not to be impulsive. Clarke has been the state police chief for years. The connections he has is not to be taken lightly—"Before C
Cidro's hand that was holding the phone started to shake. He took a deep breath and said, "You mean the president of the Bristow Group pulled some connections and asked Clarke for help? And he had your officers from the Rectenwald Police Station let Yankel go without informing you?"Cidro felt a chill down his spine after he learned about how everything happened. He finally understood why his brother wanted him to look into Clarke.What Yankel did was enough to get the entire Bristow Group destroyed, yet Clarke dared to step up for Yankel. His position as the police chief was probably numbered.Howard looked out the window and saw that the police station was getting closer and closer. He immediately said, "Cidro, we don't have much time left. I'm in a hurry to see Clarke. You better have someone investigate him right away. You'll have ten minutes at best. We must make Clarke step down. I'll have to report back to the commander-in-chief later."Howard's car happened to arrive outsid
"I explained to them that Yankel is under investigation for attempted rape, so he can't be bailed. But Mrs. Bristow refused to listen and kept making a scene. She even hit our police officers."Then, Mr. Liam Cole, husband of the victim, Ms. Celena Stone, showed up. Mr. Bristow insisted that it was Mr. Cole who framed Yankel. She wanted us to release Yankel and arrest Mr. Cole. They are confronting each other now," Zeke explained.Of course, Howard already knew what happened. He just had to ask for formalities. After he heard Zeke's reports, his expression darkened, and he stared at Yousef icily."Mr. Yousef Bristow, Yankel is detained on my orders. He's involved in a case of attempted rape. The case is being investigated right now. That's why he can't be bailed for now. If your son is found innocent after the investigation is done, he'll be released," Howard said frostily.Yousef's expression got increasingly darker as he listened to Howard. He looked at Howard's frosty and threat