“I’m sorry!”
Raelynn didn’t run far. She hid in a small park opposite the diner, softly sobbing on a bench by the fountain.
Darnell let out a long sigh, then slowly walked over to her, offering a tissue. “I shouldn’t have humiliated him like that in public.”
“If he was embarrassed, it means you were too. I didn’t consider your feelings, and for that, I apologize. I’m sorry.”
Darnell sincerely bowed to Raelynn in apology, adding, “It’s just that seeing him trample on you and mistreat the staff made me lose my head. I’ve seen many scoundrels but never someone like him.”
Thinking about Saul made Darnell furious.
Raelynn hadn’t expected Darnell to come to her, let alone apologize. She quickly stood up and said, “Mr. Halford, it’s not your fault. He went too far, and you only taught him a lesson because you couldn’t stand it. I hope he’s learned his lesson.”
Darnell sighed, “Hope he changes? Let’s hope so.”
Raelynn took the tissue from Darnell’s hand and gently wiped her tears away. “I know it’s hard for him to change. He’s been like this since childhood. There’s nothing I can do about him. My sadness isn’t about pride. It’s about his endless verbal humiliation.”
“The worst part is how he tarnishes your reputation through me.”
Darnell shook his head at her words. “Don’t belittle yourself like this.” He frowned slightly. “Can’t you just leave him?”
He looked intently at Raelynn. “If you’re worried he’ll retaliate, don’t be. I can handle him for you.”
“He’s all bark and no bite. He’s nothing but a coward. If you want, I can negotiate with him for you.”
Raelynn couldn’t hide her touched expression.
It was the first time in years that a man stood up for her, while Saul only knew how to exploit her. Thinking of Saul, she bit her lip bitterly.
“Mr. Halford, thank you. You’re a good man.”
“But this isn’t something you can help with.”
“My relationship with Saul isn’t just romantic. It involves our two families.”
Raelynn’s face turned sorrowful. “Saul and I are from the same village where his family is influential while mine is humble.”
“When my father was working at the village farm, his car lost control and damaged a lot of construction machinery, and accidentally killed Saul’s uncle, leaving us with a lot of debt and personal favors.”
“So being with Saul is my family’s way of making amends.”
Raelynn explained her predicament. “If I break up with him, my family would not only fall into hardship but also face prison or even life-threatening consequences.”
“I see.”
Darnell’s eyes showed some pity. “No wonder you’re so compliant with him. Now I understand.”
Raelynn straightened slightly and looked at Darnell with watery eyes, forcing a smile. “This is fate. I’m destined to endure these hardships in life.”
“I just hope Saul matures a bit so I can suffer less, but unfortunately, he’s still immature.”
“He finds fault with everything around him and likes to put on airs.”
Raelynn’s face darkened slightly. “He keeps telling his family that he will make big money and support them, fooling everyone into thinking he’s promising.”
“But he’s just living off my money. Yet, I have no choice. Exposing him would embarrass both our families.”
As she spoke, Raelynn’s breath quickened, her body moving rhythmically with each breath-a stunning sight that accentuated her allure.
Her long legs and curvaceous figure were captivating-any man would find her irresistible. This only made Darnell feel more protective.
Darnell nodded gently. “You’ve had it tough. Your salary isn’t high, but Jolie mentioned it’s around ten thousand dollars annually.”
“If this money were solely for you, you’d live comfortably. But as long as that scoundrel is around, there isn’t any money left for yourself, and you still have to endure his abuse.”
His voice grew serious. “Even though I know you have your plans and considerations, I still don’t think you should endure this silently.”
“Just because your family has difficulties doesn’t mean you must rely on his family to survive or sell yourself like this. If you trust me, I can help you.”
Darnell looked into Raelynn’s eyes. “The question is-do you want me to help or not?”
Upon hearing his words, Raelynn pressed her lips. She couldn’t believe Darnell was offering such help. This favor he wanted to offer wasn’t just about paying off hundreds of dollars but involved hundreds of thousands of dollars and potential danger lurking behind.
She thought he was merely comforting her until she saw his earnest expression. “Mr. Halford, do you know what you’re saying?”
“I know exactly what I’m saying,” Darnell replied seriously. “Helping you means lending you a substantial sum and suppressing any backlash from his family, but if that’s what you want, I’m willing to help.”
“Rather than watch Saul degrade you, I’d rather spend money and invite trouble upon myself.”
Raelynn sighed softly, “But your money and your kindness might all go down the drain. I might not be able to repay.”
“No worries.” Darnell laughed heartily, “You’re so beautiful. If you can’t repay the money, you can work as my maid to pay off the debt.”
Raelynn blushed slightly. “Mr. Halford-”
“Alright, I’m just joking. I won’t force any decisions now. Take your time to think it over after you go back home. When you make up your mind, call me.”
Darnell squeezed Raelynn’s hand reassuringly. “Don’t let Saul ruin your life.”
Raelynn nodded. “Okay, I’ll think about it carefully.”
“Ding!”
At that moment, Raelynn’s phone rang. She glanced at it, with amusement mixed with helplessness in her eyes, and then waved goodbye to Darnell.
“Mr. Halford, I must go now.”
Darnell knew it was Saul calling but didn’t stop her further. Raelynn would need time to think it through. “Remember to call me.”
Raelynn left quickly as Darnell watched her retreating figure. He turned towards another path out of the park, intending to hail a taxi back home.
“You owe our boss money, and it’s been ten days. It’s time to pay off your debt!”
Looking in the direction where the noise came from, Darnell saw four burly men surrounding a timid middle-aged man and beating him.
“Forty-two thousand principal plus eight thousand interest-that’s fifty thousand total. Get us the money now.”
“If not for Mr. Parvis’s leniency, we’d have broken your limbs ten days ago.”
“If we can’t get the money today, we’ll break your legs and kill your paralyzed grandma too.”
The middle-aged man was none other than the waiter from the diner. He was clutching a tattered bag, with an apologetic smile, enduring these men’s punches and kicks while pleading,
“Please… please give me five more days. I promise to personally deliver the money to Mr. Parvis in five days.”
“I’ve been gathering money these past few days, and I’ve collected almost enough. Please give me a little more time.”
Despite his bruised face, the man forced a smile. “Five days. If I can’t gather the money, you can cut off my hand, okay?”
“Five days? If we give you five days, who gives us five days?”
A sharp-faced man twisted his neck, exuding murderous intent. “No money today means either we take your hand back, or our hands get cut off when we return.”
“Tell me. Do we have a choice?”
“Weston, if you don’t have the money, then obediently stretch out your hand, and we’ll cut one off to complete our task.”
“You’ve already lost your fingers anyway, so keeping your wrist is useless.”
He pulled out a dagger from behind. “Someone, hold him down.”
Three men pinned the middle-aged man to the ground. He didn’t struggle much. He just clutched his tattered bag tightly to his chest as if it contained something precious.
One man dragged out the middle-aged man’s left hand. The sharp-faced man gave a cold smile and tilted the dagger. The blade flashed menacingly.
“Stop!”
Seeing the middle-aged man about to lose his hand, Darnell narrowed his eyes and called out coldly, “Committing a crime in broad daylight, you’re too brazen.”
“Kid, get lost. It’s none of your business. You can’t afford to mess with us. If you keep talking, you too…”
The sharp-faced man’s expression changed immediately upon seeing someone interfere. He turned around with the dagger, berating him, but halfway through his words, he froze.
Then he quickly put away his dagger, his murderous intent transforming into a smile as he repeatedly bowed. “Mr. Halford, hello! Are you taking a walk in the park?”
“I’m sorry for what I said just now. Please forgive me.”
As he said this, he slapped himself across the face. “Please forgive me.”
The other three men immediately released the middle-aged man, bowing with a bright smile on their faces. “Hello, Mr. Halford!”
Darnell narrowed his eyes, scanning all four men before finally resting his gaze on the sharp-faced man’s face.
“Jovanny’s men?”