Chapter 94
Herman sighed and heavily ascended the villa's second floor. Rooney glared at Lauren, scoffing, "Just you wait, Lauren. I'll completely discredit your family in the next two days." She then led her daughter back to their rooms to rest.
Harrison’s lips curled into a fleeting smile, quickly replaced by a grimace due to his facial injury. Maria, armed with a broom, began cleaning the mess. With a gentle smile, she said, “You have important matters tomorrow; go rest in your rooms!”
Lauren walked expressionlessly to her room, Harrison limping behind, supporting his waist. In their room, Lauren sulked at the dressing table. Harrison softly consoled her, “Don’t be upset. I think we acquitted ourselves well today.” He'd never before defied his elder brother, yet today he'd fought him and felt unprecedented freedom.
Lauren frowned. “Didn’t you hear Rooney? She’ll discredit us!”
He straightened. “Different situations demand different actions. I’m no longer afraid of them.”
She sighed. “Hera’s birthday is soon. They’ll surely cause trouble then.”
In Rex District, Zakariah, after his granddaughter’s call, arrived with Martial Arts Association experts to collect her. Nash was seeing Skadi off outside the district. Zakariah’s face paled. “Skadi, why did Mr. Calcraft personally see you off?” He addressed Nash, hand on his heart, “Mr. Calcraft, you needn't trouble yourself.”
Skadi was surprised. “Grandpa, is there a problem?”
Zakariah’s expression darkened. “Of course—”
“Of course, there’s no problem at all,” Nash interrupted, eyes narrowing slightly. “Skadi’s Hera’s friend, therefore my friend. Isn’t it normal for me to see her off? Besides, I’m not some bigwig.”
Zakariah understood, smiling slightly. “It’s late, and such a bother for Mr. Calcraft!”
Skadi’s lips curled. “It’s only past ten. We young people don’t sleep till twelve!” She waved to Nash. “Take care of Hera. And don’t touch her; if you do, I’ll have Grandpa break your legs.”
Zakariah trembled, terrified by his granddaughter’s words, and apologetically looked at Nash. Nash, aware of their friendship, smiled. “It’s alright. I promise not to touch her.”
Skadi entered the car. Zakariah, hand on his heart, said to Nash, “W-We’ll take our leave, Mr. Calcraft.” Nash responded with a gesture. The old man entered his car, wiping cold sweat from his brow.
Skadi pouted. “Grandpa, Nash’s power doesn’t require such courtesy. You’re the Martial Arts Association president!”
He replied helplessly, “Girl, you’re naive about the world’s complexities.” He had to help Nash keep his secret, unwilling to reveal Nash's true identity to Skadi.
Back at the apartment, Nash sat on the bed, cradling Hera’s head and massaging her neck. A grinding sound indicated her misaligned bones resetting. Hera's phone lit up; a WhatsApp message from Hunter.
This man again.
He read it: a kissing emoji followed by, “[Hera, I heard about Skadi. Don’t be sad, I’ll be with you! I’m happy, had a few drinks. May I ask for photos of your legs?]”