Chapter 6

After leaving the Jensons' estate, Archer didn't rush off to collect debts. Instead, he took his time strolling around Duskhallow. Around noon, he stopped by a small restaurant for lunch.

Even though he had money now, he still preferred these simple, roadside places.

He had just sat down when a bright, cheerful voice rang out.

"Archer!"

Archer looked up, and was met with a beautiful face.

Her skin was flawless and supple. Behind rimless glasses, her bright eyes sparkled with life. With her well-shaped nose and small cherry lips, her features were perfect.

She wasn't just pretty—she had an incredible figure, tall and elegant. She was definitely the kind of girl people would call a goddess.

Archer blinked, a little confused.

What were the odds of running into someone like her in a random restaurant? If she were still in school, she'd definitely be the most popular girl on campus.

As he stared at her, something clicked. She looked familiar.

He hesitated for a second before asking, "Wait… Are you Rachel?"

The girl smiled sweetly. "I can't believe you still remember me!"

Now that he was sure, Archer froze for a moment. A memory surfaced—an awkward, quiet girl with thick black-rimmed glasses and bangs that covered her forehead.

He could hardly believe it. That shy, invisible girl had turned into this stunning specimen?

Rachel Hines was a classmate from middle school.

Back then, she was a total nobody and was always getting picked on. The only reason Archer remembered her was because he had helped her out once when she was being bullied.

That one moment turned into a friendship.

"Wow, you look completely different now. I should've made a move when I had the chance," Archer joked, grinning.

Rachel blushed and rolled her eyes. "You weren't this smooth back then."

In middle school, Archer had been quiet and withdrawn, mostly because of the way he was treated at home. He barely talked to anyone.

It wasn't until he went to prison that his personality began to shift.

"Well, people change." Archer chuckled. "You here to eat too?"

Rachel shook her head. "This place is actually my mom's. I'm just helping out today since it's Sunday."

"Rachel, the food's ready!" someone called from the back.

She quickly ran over and then returned a moment later with a plate of spaghetti.

"A beauty like you serving me food? What an honor," Archer teased as he took the plate from her.

Rachel laughed and sat down across from him, resting her chin in her hands. "So Archer… Why'd you suddenly disappear from school back then?"

"Something came up," Archer said vaguely, not wanting to explain too much.

Rachel didn't push and instead changed the subject. "So, are you still in school now?"

Archer shook his head. "Nah. I'm actually married."

Rachel gasped. "Wait, what?"

She looked completely shocked. Archer wasn't even 20 yet!

"I just got married a few days ago," Archer replied with a smile. "What about you? Got a boyfriend?"

Rachel quickly shook her head. "Nope. I'm still in college, so I'm not in a rush."

Archer nodded. "That's smart. Focus on school. Don't end up like me."

Rachel gave a soft hum in response, but deep down, she felt a strange twinge of disappointment.

Right then, a group of thugs burst into the shop.

Rachel's expression changed instantly, and she glared at them. "What are you doing here again?"

"Well, well, the boss's woman is here, too," said the red-haired thug to his friends with a creepy smile, his eyes roaming over her.

Rachel's face turned red. "Don't call me that! I'm nobody's woman!"

A middle-aged woman stepped out from the kitchen—Rachel's mother. Her face fell the moment she saw the men.

"Gentlemen… Are you here for a meal?"

The redhead grinned. "So, have you thought it over?"

Sharon Hines's face went pale. She clearly didn't know what to do.

The redhead kept going. "Mr. Bourn said if you agree, not only can you stop paying us, but he'll even help expand the shop."

Sharon forced a smile. "Rachel's still in school, and we're not looking to get her involved in any relationships. But thank Mr. Bourn for the offer. I promise I'll pay the fees on time."

Crash!

The red-haired thug kicked over a chair and growled, "Don't make us play rough. Mr. Bourn likes your daughter. She should be honored. Quit talking nonsense. Either she goes with us today, or we trash this dump!"

The customers quickly got up and ran out in fear.

"You're breaking the law! I'm calling the cops!" Rachel shouted.

One of the thugs snatched her phone. "Call the cops all you want. We'll be out in a few days, then we'll come right back—unless you plan to close down forever."

The redhead stepped closer, still smiling. "Come on, sweetheart. If you agree to Mr. Bourn's offer, you'll live the good life. No one will ever dare mess with you again."

Rachel was scared, but her voice stayed firm. "Forget it! I'll never agree to that."

Sharon quickly stepped in front of her daughter and begged, "Please, gentlemen. We're just trying to run a little shop. Can't you leave us alone?"

The thugs weren't having it. Their patience had run out.

"Damn it! You two are asking for it. Smash the place up and drag them out!" the redhead barked, and his men moved fast.

In seconds, tables and chairs were flying. Half the place was wrecked.

Sharon and Rachel scrambled into the kitchen, terrified and heartbroken.

Rachel's eyes darted toward Archer. Deep down, she hoped, just for a second, that he would step in like he did back in school.

But she quickly dismissed that thought. What could he do against a gang like this? She just hoped he would get out while he still could.

The thugs noticed him, too. The blonde-haired one sneered, "Hey, kid. Get lost. Don't stick your nose in this."

Archer stood and looked over the wreckage calmly. "You guys seem to be having fun."

"Didn't you hear me? I said get out!" the blonde thug snapped. "If you're not moving, you might as well stay here!"

He raised his hand to slap Archer, but Archer grabbed his wrist mid-swing and twisted it.

Crack!

A sharp snap rang out, followed by the thug's agonized scream.

Without even flinching, Archer threw him aside like trash.

The others jumped into action. The redhead was furious. "You little punk! You're gonna get it! Do you even know who we are?"

Archer nodded casually. "Yeah. A bunch of scumbags."

"Get him!" the redhead yelled, pulling out a knife and charging forward.

"Archer, watch out!" Rachel screamed in panic.

But what happened next made her jaw drop.

Archer took down all of them with just a few punches and kicks. It was done so effortlessly, as if it were nothing.

The redhead lay on the floor, groaning in pain, but still tried to act tough.

"You're dead… Mr. Bourn won't let you off the hook…"

Archer stepped forward and planted his foot on the guy's face, pressing down just enough to make him scream.

"What was that? Couldn't hear you," he said calmly, increasing the pressure.

The thug felt like his skull was going to split. Still, he refused to give in.

"Y-You idiot… Mr. Bourn is with the Frostclaw Order. You're dead meat! Not even God can save you now…"

Archer pressed harder.

The redhead's face twisted in pain. He felt like his head would pop. Finally, he broke down.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Please stop! I give up!"

Archer stepped back before glancing at the others.

Not one of them dared to speak.

The redhead slowly staggered to his feet, ready to run, but Archer's voice rang out behind him.

"Hold it. Did I say you could leave?"