Chapter 121

Isabel, intent on leaving, quickened her pace to avoid further entanglement with Liam. The men following her realized her intentions; this secluded spot proved ideal. Eight men emerged.

"Isabel," Liam began, but was immediately surrounded. His face registered utter confusion. Isabel's sharp gaze swept over the men; her fists clenched at her sides as they moved threateningly closer.

"Who are you guys! You dare mess with me?" Liam asked, his voice wavering, betraying his fear.

Isabel glanced at Liam, expecting cowardice. Surprisingly, he shielded her. Not entirely bad, she thought, recognizing his unexpected selflessness.

The group ignored Liam's question and lunged at Isabel. "Do you know who I am? I'm Mr. Swanson of the Swanson family! You'll regret—"

Before he could finish his threat, a punch aimed at Liam's face was intercepted. Isabel's powerful counter-blow instantly knocked the man down.

He staggered back, shock evident on his face. Such strength. A girl, and yet she possesses such power, the attacker thought, astonishment filling his eyes.

Seeing their companion fall, the others attacked simultaneously. Isabel shoved Liam aside and engaged them. Bang! She kicked one attacker, delivering another heavy blow that sounded like breaking bones.

Liam stood stunned, frozen by fear. He could only watch as Isabel flipped a burly man, landing a palm strike that drew blood. The man looked terrified, as if internally injured.

Isabel moved so swiftly, the men only caught glimpses of her shadow. The sounds of breaking bones filled the air. Within moments, all seven were on the ground, howling in pain.

Isabel stood, the street breeze lifting her hair. Like a warrior goddess, her icy gaze sent chills down spines. She pressed her foot down on a man's leg; another bone snapped, eliciting a scream.

Passersby gathered, but fear kept them from intervening. Someone had quietly called the police. Initially, they worried about Isabel, a girl surrounded by burly men; Liam appeared helpless. But the burly men were the ones incapacitated, unable even to flee.

Liam quickly rose, looking at Isabel in astonishment. "How can you be so strong?"

Isabel gave him a cold look, making him feel intimidated. He realized her formidable skills and was thankful he hadn't previously intended to offend her; he'd only wanted to get close.

Police sirens echoed; officers arrived to find eight groaning men. "What happened here? Who started this fight?" an officer asked.

"Help me... Officer, she tried to kill us!" one man pleaded.

The officer looked at Isabel in disbelief. They couldn't believe a slender girl had taken down such burly men, but the men's condition spoke for itself.

"Did you do this, miss?" the officer asked.

"Yes," Isabel admitted without hesitation.

"No, officer. They attacked us first," Liam quickly explained.

The officer, ignoring him, said, "You both come with us to the station."

Liam complied, entering the police car with Isabel. The injured men were taken to the hospital; some spitting blood, others with broken limbs—a gruesome sight.

At the station, Liam shouted, "Let us go! We did nothing wrong. They attacked us first. Do you know who I am! I'm Liam from the Skamon family! Let me—"

"Shut up already, what's going on here?" one officer complained to another outside.

"Just a regular brawl. A girl took down eight big guys. It was terrifying; you should have seen the state of those thugs," the other officer replied.

"What can we do? The girl is a student, so we'll notify her family. As for the other one, he's Mr. Swanson from the Swanson family, and he didn't participate in the fight. We've also called his family."

The officers cautiously glanced at Isabel, admiring her skills. Unlike Liam, Isabel remained calm. Blake arrived, worried sick. After understanding the situation, he took Isabel away.

"Isabel, are you okay?" Blake asked with concern.

"I'm fine."

"I'll deal with those jerks; I'll make sure they pay for what they did."

"Forget it; they're already in bad shape," Isabel shook her head. "With broken limbs, they won't be recovering anytime soon," she thought.

Blake disagreed. They dared lay hands on his Isabel in broad daylight. Broken limbs weren't enough. "By the way, why were you with Liam?" Blake asked, jealousy evident.

Isabel sensed his jealousy. "Is Liam even worth your jealousy?" she asked. They had nothing; he simply wouldn't leave her alone.

"He's still a guy, and he was with you. Isn't he still after you! I'll teach him a lesson," Blake declared impulsively.

Isabel quickly stopped him. "Let it go; we're at the police station. Do you want to get locked up?" Blake is usually so steady. When did he become so impulsive? she thought.

Considering Liam had shielded her, he wasn't entirely bad. She didn't want to argue.

"Alright, I'll let him off for now. But I know you care about me. Otherwise, why would you have the police call me?" Blake thought happily.

"I—I was worried my parents would panic," Isabel explained. Samuel and Hannah would worry sick. So she gave the police Blake's number. He'd take it as a compliment.

Blake looked at her speechlessly.

"Don't worry; most people can't bully me." Those thugs were simply unlucky.

"You're right. The cops told me you took down eight big guys all by yourself. You are incredible, Isabel," Blake's eyes shone with admiration and affection.