How Could He Sink This Low

"It started roughly a fortnight ago," Eleanor began, her voice weary. "A corporation decided they wanted this land. They have some grand development planned and have been applying immense pressure for us to relocate. I refused, naturally. Ever since, they've been making our existence a misery, showing up constantly to harass us."

Evelyn's forehead creased with deep concern. "Those injuries you have..." Her voice trailed off, thick with apprehension. "Did those people do this to you?"

"They're vile and aggressive, but they haven't used outright violence. Not yet. I got these injuries trying to prevent them from vandalizing the orphanage property." Eleanor released a heavy sigh. "I didn't want to tell you earlier. I didn't wish to distress you."

A cold wave of alarm washed over Evelyn. "Eleanor! How could you keep something this serious from me?"

As she spoke, her frustration solidified. Her hands balled into tight fists, knuckles bleaching white with strain.

"Those soulless monsters!" Evelyn exclaimed, her voice climbing with fury. "Can't they see this is an orphanage? That there are children here who have nowhere else to call home?"

She stopped, drawing a sharp breath to steady herself. Clenching her jaw, she demanded, "Do you know which company is responsible for this?"

Eleanor sighed, a look of utter defeat shadowing her features. "From what I've gathered, it's Sebastian Hayes who's orchestrating this."

Alexander's eyes widened in sheer disbelief. Sebastian? He struggled to comprehend it.

How was Sebastian involved in this atrocity?

Abruptly, a memory slotted into place in Alexander's mind. The parcel of land he had gifted to Sebastian some time ago... It all made a terrible, horrifying sense.

A dark shadow fell over Alexander's expression, his brows knitting together in profound concern.

Evelyn's eyes widened in shocked incredulity. "Sebastian Hayes? He's behind this?"

Sebastian was the public CEO of Aethelgard Industries, a prominent figure in the business world.

Evelyn had a brief, passing acquaintance with him from her interview at Aethelgard. They had exchanged mere pleasantries.

Even then, she had sensed a lack of principle in him, but she never imagined him capable of such cruelty.

"How could he sink this low?" Evelyn fumed, her voice trembling with rage. "This is unconscionable! I'm going to give him a piece of my mind!"

She moved to storm out, but Eleanor quickly placed a restraining hand on her arm.

"Evelyn, wait!" Eleanor cried, turning her anxious gaze to both Evelyn and Alexander. "You both need to hide. I will deal with these brutes."

Evelyn shook her head with fierce resolution. "No! Absolutely not! Your injuries are proof of their violence. They've been terrorizing you for weeks. With the children here, how can I possibly hide?"

A determined fire ignited in Evelyn's eyes. She placed a comforting hand on Eleanor's shoulder. "Don't worry. I will handle this."

Evelyn turned towards the door, but Alexander's strong hand suddenly closed around her wrist.

"Wait," he interjected, his voice calm but firm.

Evelyn turned back, expecting him to try and stop her.

Before she could protest, he said softly, "We face this together. Let me be by your side. Don't push me away."

Evelyn hesitated for a fleeting moment, then a grateful smile touched her lips as she nodded in agreement.

A surge of warmth spread through her chest.

Eleanor watched them, surprised. A small, hopeful smile briefly appeared as Evelyn began to push Alexander's wheelchair towards the door.

But the smile quickly vanished, replaced by a deep, worried frown.

She remembered Evelyn mentioning that her husband was an ordinary man.

They were up against the formidable Hayes family. Could they truly overcome this?

Evelyn pushed Alexander outside. They were immediately met with the sight of the leader of the men in black, a vicious scar marring his face, screaming at the teachers and children cowering in a corner.

"Tell me where that old hag is hiding!" the scarred man snarled menacingly. "If you don't talk, you'll regret it!"

Terrified sobs escaped the huddle of frightened children.

As the thugs moved to advance, Evelyn's voice cut through the tension, clear and resolute. "Stop right there!"