Rachel was infuriated. “Why should we leave? Our company rented this factory with a ten-year contract and paid three years’ rent in advance. You can’t just tell us to leave!”

Hank smirked. “That’s because I’m Hank Foster. If you don’t want trouble, you’d better get out of my way.” He continued, “You’re lucky I don’t take advantage of women. Someone else might have stripped you naked and taken you to bed. You wouldn’t even have a chance to talk.”

Rachel’s face paled. Hank was a thug; reasoning with him was pointless. The company’s security guards had families to support and wouldn’t risk confronting him. The Carter family’s bodyguards, however, were loyal to Malcolm. Rachel pondered the problem, finding no easy solution.

Matthew knew arguing was futile. He took Rachel’s hand. “Let’s go back first.”

Rachel hesitated. She looked at Hank. “Did I offend someone, or is this about money?” She wanted to understand the reason before leaving.

Hank’s gaze was vicious. “You’re too naive to be this bold. He’s already scared; that’s why he wants to leave. Why are you still asking questions?”

Feeling less confident, Rachel frowned at Matthew.

Matthew urged, “We should go; we won’t find answers here.”

Disappointment flickered in Rachel’s eyes. Matthew’s fear surprised her; she wished she hadn’t brought him.

Rachel abandoned the immediate confrontation. She turned to the workers. “Go back to the company. If you’re not feeling well, talk to Tracy about a doctor’s appointment. We’ll handle this later.”

The workers left dejectedly. Matthew started the engine, waiting for Rachel before driving off. After turning a corner, he stopped. “You’ll have to drive back alone.”

Rachel was upset. “Where are you going?”

Matthew paused. “I’m from Lambda City, and I know a few people. I’ll get someone to handle this.”

Rachel’s expression softened slightly. Despite his cowardice, he was still addressing the problem. “Alright, I’ll head back to the company. Get someone to deal with it, and don’t be stingy with the payment. No matter how much it costs, I’ll reimburse you.”

Matthew smiled and nodded. “Got it.”

After a few parting words, Rachel drove off.

Matthew watched her leave, then turned and walked back after her car disappeared. He returned to find most of the factory’s security guards gone; only four remained, and Hank was nowhere to be seen.

Matthew approached the entrance. “Where’s Hank? Tell him someone’s here for him.”

A security guard went to the security office and returned shortly with Hank and a group of others.

Hank was surprised to see Matthew alone. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag. Approaching Matthew, he scoffed, “Why the hell didn’t you leave? Are you courting death?”

Before Hank finished, Matthew slapped him hard. Hank’s vision blurred as his cigarette fell. He staggered, clutching his face. “How dare you hit me? You must have a death wish!”