Chapter 242: Money Trees

“Frederick, what are you implying? Not everyone who’s been to prison is a bad person. Don’t make that judgment,” Josephine said, displeased by Frederick’s jeering at Jared.

Frederick’s expression darkened at her protectiveness. “Josephine, why are you attracted to this ex-convict? Why do you keep defending him? Don’t you know how I feel about you? If we were together, your family would prosper forever in Horington. Wouldn’t that be nice?”

“Frederick, many envy your status, but I’m not interested. Do you understand?” Josephine retorted, casting him an annoyed look.

“Why?” Frederick demanded, enraged, grabbing her arm. “What’s better about him? He’s an ex-convict! How could he possibly be better than me?” His face contorted with rage.

Josephine winced. “Frederick, you’re hurting me!”

Frederick, seemingly losing control, maintained his grip.

“Fred…” William’s expression hardened. This was unacceptable! How dare he injure his daughter before him? “You’re courting death!”

Jared’s eyes narrowed, his aura menacing. He swiftly seized Frederick’s wrist.

Frederick shrieked, “Argh!” The excruciating pain shot up his arm, loosening his grip on Josephine. She immediately hid behind Jared.

Jared lunged, aiming a punch at Frederick.

William yelled, “Jared, please don’t!” Frederick was the mayor’s son; the consequences of a fight would be unimaginable. If Jared didn’t hold back and accidentally killed him, they’d be ruined.

Jared stopped his punch just in time, but Frederick, terrified—never having been challenged like this—had wet himself.

“I will kill you if you dare touch Josephine again!” Jared warned, pushing Frederick forcefully. The seemingly gentle nudge sent Frederick flying out of the pavilion, landing with a heavy thud.

Frederick scrambled up, his gaze venomous. Seeing his wet trousers, he was too embarrassed to stay. “Bastard! You’re just an ex-convict! How dare you defy me? You’ll pay for this!” He spat the threat and fled.

William sighed in relief. “Luckily, you stopped. If you’d punched him, the consequences would have been terrible! He’s the mayor’s son!”

“I broke his wrist, though,” Jared said quietly. He’d known Frederick’s identity, but it didn’t concern him.

“What?” William was stunned. “You broke Frederick’s wrist? This is bad!”

Josephine gasped. “We’re doomed. He won’t let this go!”

Fear gripped father and daughter.

“We need Mr. Grange’s help. Even retired, he’s well-connected and should be able to assist.” William thought of Walter. Even the wealthy Sullivans were merely “money trees” to politicians.

Jared, puzzled by their concern, said, “I don’t think we need to panic. It’s not like a broken wrist is incurable. As the mayor, his father should be reasonable.”

The added promotional text ("Sᴇaʀᴄh thᴇ Findηovel. website on Gøøglᴇ") has been removed as it was irrelevant to the story and inappropriately formatted.