Chapter 42
After Label accompanied Jack to treat his facial injury, they returned home together. Martin said Jack could return to the company anytime he wished. Jack, relieved of his burden, smiled. “Isabel, Blake, thank you so much today,” he said. Blake replied, "Jack, we have faith in you."
Hannah, curious about Jack's injury, received a brief explanation from Isabel. Overwhelmed, Hannah wept, confessing, "Isabel, you have no idea how much Jack has suffered. He forwent college after passing his exams to support our family. He even worked construction, returning home bruised daily. It's all our fault…" The mention of the past left Hannah heartbroken.
Jubel comforted her, "Mom, things are better now, aren't they? Besides, Jack's been promoted. We've discussed starting our own company. I promise our life will be better than Emily's and Grace's." Hannah nodded, finding hope in the family's improving circumstances since Isabel's arrival. Isabel's earlier promise to be the family's rock now seemed genuine.
Alex became security captain, earning $20,000 monthly. Jack became a manager with an annual salary exceeding $1 million. Roy secured a promising position at Dely Studio, a top studio. Simon focused on his studies, showing significant progress, as confirmed by a call from his head teacher. Even Samuel had become more responsible. Isabel truly was the family's lucky star.
Blake suggested to Hannah, "Mrs. Galvez, with your improved circumstances, you don't need to raise so many pigs, chickens, and ducks. Don't overwork yourself." Seeing Hannah's tireless dedication, he felt compassion.
"Alright," Hannah laughed happily. "You're all successful now; I can finally relax a bit."
It was midnight. Silence descended as everyone fell into a sound sleep. Then, a figure appeared in Maxwell's room. Maxwell, plagued by a terrifying nightmare, awoke to find a masked man standing before him. Before he could speak, he was gagged. In the darkness, he saw only a shadow. A sharp pain pierced him, silencing his scream. Letting out a muffled groan, he fainted as pain overwhelmed him.
The next morning, the Clydes were at breakfast. "Why isn't Maxwell up yet?" Roy asked. "Maybe he didn't sleep well," Cam said. Rosy, however, felt a growing unease, fueled by recent events. She went to check on Maxwell. Opening the door, she screamed in horror.
The family rushed upstairs, their faces falling as they witnessed the scene: Maxwell lay unconscious in a pool of blood, his arm severed, staining the blanket crimson. Rosy collapsed. Caius reacted first, shouting, "Call the ambulance! Now!" Amelia vomited from the shock.
Maxwell, rushed to the hospital, survived but lost his arm. He was a cripple. Silence engulfed the family. Rosy, inconsolable, blamed Caius. "It's all your fault! I told you to sell the company!" Her heart ached for her son. Caius, devastated, accepted her blame without resistance.
Ethan exclaimed, "Those from the Celestial Clan are ruthless! They entered Maxwell's room unnoticed and severed his arm!" Roger added, "We have bodyguards, yet they infiltrated the house!" Caius clenched his fists. "I'm calling the police!"
"Call the police?" Rosy countered. "There's no footage, no proof. The Celestial Clan has deep connections; we can't afford to provoke them. We'll suffer in silence." She regretted their inaction, realizing they should have raised the 180 million dollars, even if it meant selling everything.
Caius's phone rang—an unknown number. "Mr. Clyde, if you don't repay the money by tomorrow, Maxwell will lose his leg," a voice threatened before hanging up. Caius was stunned. They still owed the money. "Maxwell's arm is gone, and they still want their money?" He was powerless against their ruthlessness.
Isabel, finishing class at Ardenfall University, received a call from Tyler. "Isabel, praise me!" he said playfully. "Good news. My people severed Maxwell's arm last night for non-payment," Tyler revealed.
Isabel remained silent. Tyler pressed, "What's wrong? Do you regret it?" "No," she replied calmly. Remembering her own dismemberment at the hands of the Clydes, hatred filled her heart. "It's just an arm. Compared to what they did to me, this is nothing."
Tyler continued, "Caius is selling assets—properties, shares. The Clyde Group remains, but it'll likely fail. They're in deep trouble."