At the office, Clifford had just returned from the military base and taken only a few minutes to rest after a meeting. He hadn't even settled into his chair when Aurora called. This was unusual; she knew he was busy and never called during work hours.
Answering the call, Clifford's face darkened at the sound of Aurora's sobbing. Knowing Aurora for years, he was acutely aware of her strength; she had never cried before. His usual composure vanished. He asked urgently, "What's wrong, sweetheart?"
Looking at the trembling women opposite her, Aurora said, "Come to the police station," then hung up.
Clifford quickly dressed, summoned a car, and rushed to the station. He remained nervous throughout the journey, his anxiety mounting with each unanswered call to Aurora.
At the dessert shop, Deputy Chief Darnell of the Betrico police station had arrived. With an impassive expression, he led a dozen officers into the shop. They immediately saw Aurora and Yvette emerging from a private room. Their appearance was striking; one was a familiar acquaintance, the other breathtakingly beautiful. A group of wealthy women stood nearby, looking injured.
Darnell's serious demeanor instantly shifted as he approached Aurora. "Oh my, Mrs. Chavez? What brings you here? What's happening?"
Aurora, knowing Darnell, explained succinctly, "Just a group of gossiping women I… dealt with. Now you see the result. Let's go."
Darnell surmised that the women had gossiped about Aurora, who had subsequently subdued them. He glanced at the bruised women—bald spots, red handprints, torn clothing—confirming his assessment. Aurora's fighting ability was formidable; she'd taken on ten at once.
Darnell, surprised by their capabilities, mused that women could be terrifying when angered. He chuckled. "Mrs. Chavez, I don't know who called the police over such a minor matter. How about we handle this privately?" His tone shifted as he addressed the women. "Ladies, settle this privately or publicly? Privately, we discuss it here. Publicly, come to the station with your families."
The women immediately agreed to a private settlement. Except for Eleanore, the most injured, who remained silent. All eyes turned to her.
Aurora asked, "What about you? Publicly or privately?"
Eleanore, dizzy and possibly concussed, reluctantly agreed to a private resolution.
Everyone was relieved. Aurora remained indifferent. Darnell, satisfied, asked cautiously, "Mrs. Chavez, does Mr. Clifford Chavez know about this?"
Aurora replied seriously, "Yes, he's probably on his way."
Darnell's smile faltered. "Mrs. Chavez, the issue's resolved. No need to trouble Mr. Chavez, right?"
Aurora cheerfully agreed to inform Clifford. Darnell, relieved, asked if she had further requests.
The beaten women felt indignant but remained silent. Aurora calmly stated, "Apologize to Yvette."
All eyes turned to Yvette. Her quiet presence and striking appearance were undeniable. While some women were willing to apologize to Aurora, they hesitated regarding Yvette.
Yvette, her expression unreadable, addressed the group slowly. "Pretty lady, they're glaring at me. I'm a little scared; I'm kind of shy."
Aurora's maternal instincts surged. "This won't end until you apologize. Do what you feel is right."
The women remained reluctant. Then, the dessert shop door opened, revealing a man who stunned everyone, including Darnell. Yvette remained calm. Aurora, excited, dashed towards the door.
Amidst the shocked stares, Aurora stopped before the man, speechless with excitement.