Severin walked back to the house and found Judith at the gate, anxiously waiting. As soon as she saw him, she rushed over, her face etched with worry. Taking his hand, she asked hurriedly, "Are you alright, Severin? Did they hurt you?"

Severin's heart warmed, and he smiled. "Don't worry, Mom. They didn't hurt me. I got the money and paid them. They won't bother us again!"

"Really? You're not lying? You actually had that much money? Twenty-six thousand!" Judith was clearly skeptical. How could he have that kind of money after just being released from prison?

Severin explained, "I met a generous person in prison who gave me a bank card with more than enough money to pay the debt."

"Is that so? I'm so glad!" Judith was overcome with emotion. "You must repay his kindness someday, Severin."

"Yes, Mom, I will," Severin replied, smiling. "In fact, he's the reason I was released early."

He had no other choice but to fabricate this explanation to ease her worries. The truth was far more complicated, but the core of his statement—that his benefactor was generous—was true.

"Well, it's good they won't bother us anymore," Judith sighed. "Now you're out, you can get a job. Your father and I won't have to work so hard." She continued, "Lucy is a terrible woman. Six months after you went to prison, she was with Easton. She even sold the house you bought for half its value. We have no money and no decent house. You're twenty-eight; we need to save so you can find a wife!"

Her voice choked with emotion. "It's good you were released early. If you'd served your full sentence, you'd be thirty-three by now. It would be much harder to marry then!"

"Mom, I'm handsome enough! I won't have trouble finding a wife!" Severin chuckled. "Where's Dad?"

"He's at the construction site, moving bricks. He should be back soon," Judith said, glancing around.

Just then, a sweaty, dust-covered man arrived on a dilapidated bicycle laden with cardboard boxes.

"I got lucky today," he announced. "Found a pile of cardboard boxes. They should sell for a few dollars…"

He parked the bicycle in the dim light of a streetlamp and began unloading the boxes. "Judith, who's this?" he asked, noticing Severin.

Severin approached his father, Maurice, whose face showed the toll of time. Tears streamed down Severin's face as he said, "Dad… it's Severin. I'm back."

The cardboard box slipped from Maurice's trembling hands. He stared in disbelief. "Severin? It's really you? My son… is back?" Tears welled in his eyes.

"It's Severin, Maurice. He's back, released early!" Judith's voice was thick with tears, but a smile played on her lips.

"Wonderful! Nothing could be better," Maurice exclaimed, stepping closer to examine his son. "You don't look too bad, but your hair's too long. Get a haircut tomorrow. You look like a hobo! You need a fresh look to find a wife! Come inside."

Judith smiled. "You two get a shower and change. I'll get some wine and stew." She left to buy supplies.

Maurice called after her, "Do you have money? I got an advance for living expenses."

"Yes, I do," Judith replied without turning.

Severin helped Maurice with the bicycle. Kneeling before his father, he said, "I'm sorry, Dad. Sorry for making you and Mom suffer. I never imagined Lucy and Easton would be so ruthless."

"Forget the past," Maurice said, helping Severin up. "Ordinary people can't fight the Loughs. Just live an honest life. Find a good woman."

But Severin was firm. "Dad, we can't let this go. That house was your blood, sweat, and tears! Lucy and Easton sold it for half its three-hundred-thousand-dollar value! It was a scam!" His anger flared. "And the Orwells demanded forty thousand in dowry! They should refund that!"

Maurice shook his head. "I went to them, but they beat me up. My nose was bruised, my face swollen. I was hospitalized!"

"Damn them! They're bullies!" Severin's fists clenched, his eyes blazing with fury.

Maurice looked at his son's anger. "You're free now. Don't cause trouble with the Orwells. They're wealthy thanks to the Loughs."

Judith returned with the wine and stew, overhearing Maurice's words. She quickly intervened. "Severin, don't be reckless. The Loughs and Orwells are powerful. We can't fight them!"

"Don't worry, Mom. I won't be reckless." He smiled. "I'll make sure you both live well. But I will ask the Orwells about the dowry. If they refuse, I'll reason with them—no violence."

"Ask, but don't do anything rash," Maurice advised. "If they refuse, forget it." He paused. "Maybe Lucy, considering your three-year relationship, will return the dowry. They're rich now, it's a small sum to them."

Severin sneered inwardly. He knew Lucy wouldn't be sentimental. She and Easton were despicable, and he wouldn't let them get away with their actions. He would make them pay.