Chapter 109: It Would Be a Pity

Dexter couldn't believe it, but the facts were undeniable.

Thud!

His legs buckled, and he fell to his knees before Jared. "I'm sorry, Mr. Chance! Please spare me!" he pleaded frantically, prostrating himself.

If Jared were merely Josephine's boyfriend, Dexter wouldn't have been so terrified. He'd dared to owe the Sullivan family money, demonstrating he wasn't afraid of them. Despite being Horington's wealthiest family, the Sullivans were involved only in legitimate businesses; someone from Dexter's underground circles wouldn't normally be intimidated.

However, Josephine had publicly acknowledged Jared as her boyfriend, and Tommy and Walter treated him as an honored guest. He was someone Dexter couldn't afford to offend.

Jared snorted at Dexter's pathetic display and walked past him. Dexter slumped to the ground; a puddle had already formed beneath him.

As Jared stepped onto the street, intending to hail a taxi back to the office, he saw Hilda sprinting across the road.

"Jared!"

Hilda ran toward him excitedly. A wave of warmth washed over Jared; she hadn't left, but had waited for him.

Just as she darted into the street, a speeding car bore down on her. Hilda froze in stark horror, her mind momentarily blanking. The driver, seeing her, slammed on the brakes. The ear-splitting screech and tire smoke created immediate tension.

Instantly, Jared channeled his energy and lunged forward. Shielding Hilda, he slammed his hands against the speeding car, bringing it to a stop. Hilda stood blankly, her eyes wide with terror.

"You're fine now, Hilda…" Jared said, taking her hand and leading her across the road.

"Are you blind? Watch where you're going!" the driver yelled, rolling down his window. His own fright was evident.

After leaving with Hilda, the driver got out to inspect his car. Seeing deep palm prints on the hood, he broke into a cold sweat, scrambling back into the car and speeding away.

"Why didn't you go back to the office, Hilda?" Jared asked, concerned.

Hilda, having regained her composure (though she didn't understand how she'd avoided the car), replied swiftly, "I was worried about you. Are you okay, Jared?" She anxiously scanned him.

"I'm fine. Those men only pick on those weaker than themselves. Let's go back to the office."

Jared hailed a taxi and returned to the office with Hilda. The sales representatives were gathered, whispering amongst themselves.

"Jared's bold for collecting that debt from Dexter Murphy! Everyone who's tried before came back bruised!"

"Exactly! Hilda shouldn't have gone with him. Dexter's a libertine who tries to sleep with every beautiful woman. The female sales representative who went before resigned afterward. I heard she was pregnant, and the child was Dexter's!"

"Let's wait and see. Jared'll be black and blue when he gets back!"

While they whispered, Maria frowned, worried about Hilda. She wasn't worried about Jared, even if he were crippled. It would be a pity if Hilda, a young, innocent girl, were harmed by Dexter.

Regret washed over her. Gah! I should have stopped her from going with Jared!

(The promotional text at the end has been removed as it's not part of the story.)