Roko harbored a growing fear of Eric. In their line of work, Tiger's reputation preceded him. Dealing with underworld figures required caution—one couldn't partner with just anyone off the street without stirring up trouble.Andy only now grasped Eric's deep ties to Salt City's underworld. These small-time crooks might soon run out of patience.With a chuckle, Eric quipped, "Even Tiger would address me as Mr. Johnson. Seems you're in it for the money, not lives, I won't complicate things. Release Jacob, and we'll call it even!""But we can't!" Jacob interjected. "Eric, letting them go means more victims!"He seemed to grow a conscience, though not out of morality. He couldn't stand being duped. "Shut it!" Andy snapped. "Eric's handling this. Stay out of it!"Roko understood the implications of tangling with Tiger's associates, genuine or not. It was about avoiding humiliation, just in case. They hadn't lost anything, so he relented. "Fine, let's call it even. You get some leeway
"For these trivial matters, Eric actually came all the way here! If there's a next time, I won't care anymore! Go die wherever you want!"Andy was truly furious! He had assumed the lesson from Ava would make Jacob wiser, but unexpectedly, he fell into their trap. It's also because Eric had some influence that he managed to resolve this matter easily. Otherwise, who knew what kind of trouble would arise?"Andy, I dare not anymore..." Jacob looked aggrieved. "I just wanted to quickly find a girlfriend and get married. Who knew they'd set me up?! I even lost 10,000 dollars!"Andy shook his head speechlessly.Eric said, "Alright. Andy, the matter is settled. Let's first go to Nutikiville."Seeing the two getting into the car, Jacob hurriedly approached. "Andy, Eric, can you drop me off at the company first?""Get lost! Get a taxi yourself!"Andy raised his leg and gave him a shove.-Later at Nutikiville City Hall.Hank greeted Eric warmly upon his arrival.In recent years, Nuti
As they returned home, Blake was sitting on the doorstep plucking feathers from a chicken."Well, Dad, life seems good!" Andy exclaimed.Seeing his son and son-in-law, Blake was somewhat surprised. "How come you're back?" Currently, Blake was alone at home. Melinda was in Salt City helping Elly take care of the children, while household chores fell on Blake."If I feel like eating, I just catch a chicken. There is no problem," Blake remarked."We're planning to promote the cultivation of medicinal herbs in Nutikiville and several surrounding villages to improve everyone's income," Eric said.At his words, Blake paused his actions, looking at Eric and Andy. "Promote this? Is it feasible? The folks here are all old farmers. They're stubborn and reluctant to accept anything new. They're accustomed to growing wheat, corn, and potatoes. Asking them to suddenly cultivate medicinal herbs? I doubt it will work!"Besides, trouble tends to brew in poverty-stricken areas. You two hail fro
"Blake is quite thrifty. What if he eats one of those chickens? If he ends up dead, what then?" Richard exclaimed, his tone sharp with disapproval. He couldn't fathom using rat poison to kill someone else's poultry.Poisoning chickens was one thing, but if it escalated to loss of human life...Richard may not have been well-versed in law, but he grasped the principle of "an eye for an eye." If Delilah were to receive a life sentence, Gavin would be left without a mother.-Eric and Andy were oblivious to the fact that the chickens Blake raised had been targeted. When Blake finished stewing the chicken, they savored every bite.Though not an extravagant dish, it evoked childhood memories—a few pieces of chicken, a bowl of broth, a simple delight.Eric had invited Hank over to share a few drinks with Blake. They wouldn't be staying long as they had to return to Salt City by evening.After a few drinks, Hank reassured them about the herb cultivation venture. He claimed that next
Upon seeing Eric, Delilah's anger surged like a tide, "Are you trying to give me a heart attack? It's already dark, why the hell are you shouting like that? Who threw stones at your chickens? Only an asshole would throw stones at your chickens!"To evade suspicion, she even indirectly called herself an asshole."What are you standing there for?" Delilah yelled again. "Can't you see I'm injured? If it weren't for your shouting, would I have gotten hurt? You have to take responsibility!"Her mind worked swiftly, and she quickly shifted the blame onto Eric.Eric chuckled. "Aunt Delilah, if you hadn't done anything wrong, why would you have run when I shouted? I saw it clearly, it was you who injured our chickens! I even suspect that you broke the leg of a chicken my dad slaughtered today!"Delilah's expression changed. She knew Eric wasn't someone to mess with, but she couldn't admit to attacking Blake's chickens either. That would mean compensation.At this moment, Richard arrived.
Surveying the scene, Eric swiftly discerned the situation at hand. During the meal, Blake had mentioned the incident of the injured chicken, implying that if the chicken hadn't been harmed, they wouldn't have enjoyed its taste tonight.Now, it appeared that Delilah was responsible for attacking Blake's chickens. Wasn't this a case of the thief crying "stop thief"?Hank was known for his impartiality. Otherwise, the Nutikiville villagers wouldn't have elected him as their mayor.Delilah's face turned livid. "Who says I went and harmed their chickens? Which of you saw me throwing rocks at them? These are baseless accusations! Watch out, I'll sue for defamation!"Her agitation was evident. It was clear Hank wasn't taking her side. From her perspective, Hank either needed to be fair or had ulterior motives favoring Blake's family. It was odd for him not to defend them. 'Birds of a feather flock together, indeed!'Andy chuckled. "You can't put it like that. My father-in-law has surveil
Back in Salt City, Sylvia had also returned to the Williams residence.Eric recounted the events at Nutikiville to Sylvia. She couldn't help but cry from laughing, saying, "How can there be such people? You didn't go all saintly and heal her back injury, did you?"To her, leaving it untreated was the best option. If healed, who's to say she wouldn't turn around and injure the chickens again?Although those chickens and ducks weren't worth much, they represented Blake and Melinda's hard work!"How could I?" Eric chuckled. "Do I look like a do-gooder? I'm quite discerning, you know.""Yes, yes," Sylvia agreed. "Thankfully, you and Andy went to Nutikiville today. Otherwise, you'd have encountered Lora again after work."At the mention of that name, Eric felt a headache coming on."I just don't understand that woman." Sylvia sighed, equally exasperated. "She doesn't seem to want anything except, perhaps, you?"Eric was at a loss. What was there to desire about him?"Let's ignore h
Stealthbane was almost in tears. "Boss! I even call you boss! Just come with me once! My organization has been taken over. You have to help me reclaim it!"I... I... I even gave you such good stuff!"He wanted to manipulate Eric into going with him to reclaim the territory.But would Eric be so easily swayed?"Stealthbane, I'm being honest with you. This is a hectic time. The company has new strategies, and next year we're launching new projects."Once we get through this current rush, I promise I'll join you, alright? Let's lay low for now. When things calm down there, we'll go together. Our odds will be better!"He was genuinely making an effort to convince Stealthbane. After all, New Year's was approaching, and he couldn't just drop everything!In the end, Stealthbane relented. Without Eric's support, he didn't dare to return alone.In truth, Eric was also considering it. What he told Stealthbane was sincere. Once the year was over, he truly intended to accompany him.With