Upon hearing the name “the Apex”, Noemi snorted disdainfully, “When did those parasites give up such a lucrative piece of territory in Woodsea?”
“In the past, they didn’t have any formidable figures, so they didn’t dare to provoke Woodsea. I heard they recruited a badass this time, so they set their sights on Woodsea again.”
“They have sent messengers to the village committee three times, demanding that we accept the conditions of the Apex, or else Woodsea will be thrown into chaos.”
“Over a hundred security guards have resigned under their threats. Haven’t you noticed that even Leroy has to guard the parking lot now?”
Darnell caught every word, and a look of surprise appeared on his face. He hadn’t expected that there would be a conflict between the Apex and Woodsea.
No wonder there were hardly any security guards left in the village. It turned out it was the Apex’s doing.
It made sense. Woodsea was a juicy piece of meat. Which gang wouldn’t want it?
“Noemi, don’t worry. It’s a society based on the rule of law now. Even though they are fierce, they wouldn’t dare to act recklessly.”
Lillian comforted her godmother in a soft voice, “If they really cause trouble, we can just call the police. They’re no match for the police!”
“The police?” Noemi sneered, “What good are the police going to do? If they’re useful, I wouldn’t have to work so hard. It would be good enough if they didn’t make things worse.”
Then she changed the subject abruptly. “The situation is critical now. Leroy and the others can’t handle it. Only I can withstand the Apex.”
“That’s why I have to leave the hospital. Without me as the village chief, the Woodsea villagers will be scattered and easily defeated by the Apex.”
At this point, Noemi suddenly caught sight of Darnell standing behind them. Her expression changed as she blurted out, “You little brat, why are you still here?”
“Lillian, how do you know him? He doesn’t look like a good person.”
“Listen to me. Don’t associate with him anymore. This scoundrel is shameless.”
“I’ll call Leroy and kick this bastard out of Woodsea.”
Noemi vented her emotions in rapid succession, but her injured back prevented her from cursing loudly. She could only weakly grunt, which looked quite comical. Lillian hurriedly stepped forward and held her godmother’s hand, saying, “Noemi, he is my colleague. He’s not a bad person.”
“He even saved my life.”
“If it weren’t for him, I would have died in Bauhinias Residences.”
Upon hearing Lillian’s words, Noemi was momentarily stunned. She seemed to not have expected such a connection between them. Her attitude softened slightly, but her tone remained harsh.
“Hmph! He saved your life? Fine. Give him some money and be done with it. Don’t tell me you’re going to give yourself to him. Anyway, this guy is not a good person.”
The thought of her unpleasant experience with seven burly men in that cramped apartment made her want to curse.
“Ms. Sotheby, I never want to go against you. I usually avoid you.” Darnell shrugged his shoulders before continuing, “It’s just that you were cursing too harshly tonight, and I couldn’t bear to watch it anymore. Seven people in a two-bedroom apartment is really not much.”
“Not to mention rental houses with over ten people. Even in the building where I live, there are ten people squeezed into each two-bedroom apartment.”
“It’s unreasonable for you to drive them away, and it’s even more wrong to curse at them.”
Lillian also spoke softly, “Yes, Noemi, why do you have to drive them away?”
Noemi hesitated for a moment before glaring at Darnell and cursing without reservation, “Mind your own business!”
Lillian held Noemi’s hand tightly. “Noemi, Darnell said they’re not bad people. Why do you have to kick them out?”
“If I don’t kick them out, they’ll eventually be killed by James,” Noemi replied through clenched teeth, revealing her intentions. “Not only have they clashed with the Apex, but this afternoon, they also fought James over motorcycles.”
“The Apex is colluding with James. If Garrett and the others don’t leave soon, James will definitely make them pay.”
“My informant close to James told me that the humiliation James suffered this afternoon will all be placed on Garrett and his crew.”
“James will stop at nothing to take revenge on them, and maybe in a few days, he’ll frame them for theft.”
“Seven country bumpkins, with no money and no connections, how can they possibly fight against the Apex and James?”
“I can’t help them, so I can only be the bad cop and drive them away.”
Hearing Noemi’s words, Darnell was momentarily taken aback. He hadn’t realized she had such intentions. He nodded in acknowledgment. “Ms. Sotheby, I’m sorry. I misunderstood you, and I apologize.”
Noemi shot him an irritated glance. “What good is your apology? If you care about them, just hurry up and tell them to find another place.”
“James plays dirty. If they don’t leave, those seven will definitely face jail time.”
Darnell nodded gently. “I’ll warn them to be careful, but moving isn’t necessary.”
“Face what comes. If James wants to play tricks, just hit back. Besides, if he truly wants revenge, moving won’t help.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll take good care of those seven and won’t let you bear any trouble. I’ll handle anything that comes up.”
“That’s easy for you to say. I’m worried you might have good intentions but lack the strength to follow through.”
Noemi huffed. “I’ve already tried my best to help them. Don’t blame me later if something goes wrong.”
Darnell smiled, “Thanks, Ms. Sotheby. They’ll be fine.”
Noemi fixed her gaze on Darnell, her eyes narrowing as she studied his bright smile. She was somewhat reassured by his words, but she soon huffed again, “And remember, don’t get involved with Lillian. She’s so innocent. You can’t upset her.”
Lillian’s cheeks flushed. “Noemi, what are you talking about?”
Noemi shot Lillian a glare. “I’m doing this for your own good!”
“Ouch!”
This time, she spoke loudly, and Noemi winced as the pain from her injury flared up.
“You have an acute back strain. It can be serious, so you should take it easy.”
Darnell exhaled. “I won’t argue with you. For Lillian’s sake, I can help treat your injury.”
Noemi paused, then scoffed, “You can treat? Do you think I’m an idiot?”
Darnell clapped his hands together. “I saved Lillian’s life. Your back injury is no problem at all.”
Lillian felt a spark of hope. “Noemi, Darnell can be trusted.”
Noemi waved her hand dismissively. “Get him out of here! Though I want to get out of bed soon, I won’t let him mess around and make things worse.”
“Besides, I’ve already called an expert. I don’t need this jerk’s help.”
“In this world, the only one who can help me recover is the person who’s coming soon.”
Darnell suddenly pulled out a box. “With my help, you’ll be able to get out of bed in three days.”
Noemi, growing impatient, shouted, “Get out of here! I don’t believe you. Lillian, kick him out!”
Lillian chuckled helplessly, “Darnell, just forget…”
Before Lillian could finish her sentence, she witnessed a shocking scene as Darnell stepped forward.
Thud!
He knocked Noemi out with a swift strike.