He'll Protect Me

Isabella remained utterly unfazed by his threats.

Her resolve only hardened.

Her expression was impassive. "The Hayes family is powerful in Crestwood. I'm a nobody; of course, I wouldn't dare provoke them. But if you think you can harm anyone here today, I will not stand by and watch."

She paused, letting her words sink in.

Her next words were forceful and clear. "Let me be perfectly clear. This is not a threat. It's a promise. If you choose to escalate this, you will only be providing me with more evidence to use against you."

"You little—! I'll..." Consumed by blind rage, the scarred man lunged toward Isabella.

One of his lackeys desperately grabbed his arm, face pale with fear. "Boss, stop! We must be careful!" he pleaded.

Already furious, the scarred man turned and struck the lackey hard. "Fool! How dare you stop me? Do you want to die?"

The lackey cried out in pain, clutching his head. "Boss, think! If this gets out, we're finished!"

The scarred man knew he was right. He took a ragged breath, trying to calm the storm inside him.

The lackey cautiously watched his boss's face. "Maybe... maybe we should retreat for now. Formulate a new plan. They can't guard this place forever."

"Fine," the scarred man spat, malice dripping from the word. Before leaving, he shot Isabella a look of pure venom. "This isn't over. Next time we meet, you'll pay for this."

Isabella dismissed his empty threat. She watched until the last of them had left the orphanage grounds. Only then did she let out a slow breath of relief.

She hurried forward and firmly bolted the orphanage gate.

She had feared her bluff wouldn't work against such aggressive men.

But it seemed they were constrained by their own vulnerabilities.

She was silently grateful for the impulse to bring Alexander today. She dreaded to think what might have happened to Eleanor otherwise.

Just then, Eleanor emerged, her face etched with deep worry. "Isabella, that was too reckless. Those men saw you. They know your name. Especially the one with the scar—he's dangerous. You made an enemy for our sake. He won't forget this."

Seeing the concern in Eleanor's eyes, Isabella offered a warm, reassuring smile. "Eleanor, please don't worry about me. I'm not alone. There's no need to be afraid."

She turned and smiled at Alexander. "After all, my husband is here. He'll protect me."

Alexander's lips curved into a gentle smile. He reached out and took her hand, his grip strong and sure. Turning to Eleanor, he promised, "Eleanor, you have my word. I will not let any harm come to Isabella."

Seeing the sincerity in Alexander's eyes, some of the tension eased from Eleanor's shoulders.

Isabella glanced back at the bolted gate. "Eleanor, we can't be passive. Now that they're gone, we should contact the authorities before they return."

Eleanor sighed, her expression heavy with resignation. "It's no use. I've called the police before. They did nothing. I even tried the media, but the reporters were all paid off. Nothing ever changes."