Chapter 186

There was no evidence supporting Shawn's actions. Even if reported to the police, they couldn't arrest him. No one was killed, and the only witness was a five-year-old child. What crime could they possibly charge him with?

Furthermore, he'd likely welcome arrest. It offered an escape from Lance and his debt collectors. He'd consider it a lucky break.

Felicia casually called Lance, ordering him to find Shawn quickly. If payment was impossible, the usual punishment should commence.

Eager to oblige, Lance saw this as an opportunity. This was his specialty, and defying Melvin's orders—through Felicia—was unthinkable. He immediately began his search.

She suspected Kayla had given Shawn money to escape. If a transfer occurred, there would be a record.

Twenty days swiftly passed.

After the training camp, students packed their belongings and boarded the bus. Even villagers from Hillfort descended to see them off. Unlike their initial complaints, most students were touched by the villagers' sincere gratitude.

Receiving gifts—products of weathered hands and years of toil—elicited deep emotion.

Hillfort's village head rubbed his hands, smiling sheepishly. "Our village doesn't have much to offer—local ham, homegrown fruit, and cabbage. We hope you don't mind." Each household contributed, ensuring everyone received a gift.

Charles and the Alverton villagers also sent numerous gifts, including boiled eggs and fresh strawberries. This generosity stemmed from Felicia's influence. She waved goodbye.

The bus departed, retracing its route. Students inside became lively, playing games, making calls, and excitedly recounting their experiences, sharing eggs and strawberries.

Felicia sat at the back, gazing out the window, until a clean hand offered her a small piece of bread. The woman in front had extended it.

She was surprised. Her school reputation was poor, and she felt isolated. Most classmates mocked or shunned her.

Beside the woman, a man smiled shyly, his ears flushed.

Felicia smiled faintly and accepted the bread. "Thank you."

"You're welcome! We're all classmates," the woman replied.

Others chimed in, "Yeah, classmates. Maybe there were misunderstandings, but let's get along from now on!"

Their previous exclusion stemmed from Kayla and Arnold's influence—mostly blind adherence to the group. However, time spent in Alverton fostered better understanding of Felicia among many students, reducing hostility.

She smiled. Her backpack shifted, revealing a small head. A woman exclaimed, "Wow! It's Cloud!" Cloud pawed at Felicia's pants, hiding behind her legs.