There was no response from Sylvia. In fact, Eric did not care either.-When he got home in the evening, Sylvia was already at home."Rest earlier since we're going back to Nutikiville tomorrow," she said.Eric nodded and remained silent. -At the crack of dawn, the two of them headed to Nutikiville. When they arrived, Hank was holding a list of names in his hand. Many villagers had come as they were excited that the main road was about to be rebuilt.Needless to say, they were all curious to know how they had managed to gather the 20,000 dollars they were short of just a while ago. Nobody knew where the money came from, even though they tried asking around.Hank went to the notice board and faced the villagers."Everyone, that stretch of road has troubled us for many years. Fortunately, hard work pays off! With our collective effort, we will finally have a proper road!"The villagers applauded.People and vehicles would get stuck on the muddy road whenever it rained, which
"10,000 dollars?" Puzzled by Richard's question, Hank frowned.Richard chuckled and said, "I miscalculated! It should be 20,000 dollars!"Hank suddenly came to realize what Richard was talking about.Hank was livid. "Richard Johnson! All you care about is money! The 20,000 dollars is what Eric and his girlfriend donated to repair the road in the village. It's none of your business!"Richard immediately retorted, "What do you mean none of my business? Don't forget, Blake adopted Eric!""He's just an adopted son, and Elly is already married. If something happens to Blake and Melinda, guess who will have to take care of them? Me!"When they get sick, I'll have to spend money on their treatment. When they die, I'll have to spend money on their burial. Everything needs money!"If they don't give me that money, who else will?"Hank gave Richard a stern look. "What kind of twisted logic is that? Alright, enough already! Your son is doing so well, and you're fixated on Blake's meager e
The car accident occurred around noon, and now it was evening.The accident took place in a remote rural area, so there were hardly any passing vehicles. That was probably why no one noticed the accident for hours.Eric didn't have time to search for the van's driver. He quickly called 911 and also contacted the insurance company.The van's driver was missing, raising suspicions that this wasn't just an ordinary accident.Approaching the car, he opened the back door, got a coat from the back seat, and covered Sylvia with it. The nights in the countryside were cold now that autumn had arrived.Sylvia hadn't anticipated this and hadn't taken a coat when she left in the morning.Sylvia's brow slightly furrowed as she tossed the coat to Eric, much to his surprise."The sun has just set, so it's not that cold yet. You'll experience the cold in a bit!" Eric said. Sylvia harrumphed. "It's none of your business."Eric looked around. "I've already called the police but don't know when
Under the dim moonlight, Sylvia increased the song's volume to its maximum, trying to lessen her fear. Yet, what scared her wasn't only the elusive flashes of ghostly lights but also the chilling roar of a beast.It sounded as if a wolf was howling at the full moon on top of a mountain.Sylvia leaned closer to Eric and asked, "Eric, are there really wolves here?!"Eric nodded. "My dad mentioned there were wolves when he was in the hospital. One of my uncle's cows was bitten by a wolf."Sylvia became even more frightened.Generally, wolves traveled in packs. If one appeared, there would likely be a whole group. Even if she were skilled in martial arts, how could she fend off a pack of wolves?Eric got his phone out, ready to call Hank. He wasn't sure about wolves nearby, but if there were any, they might end up as their dinner tonight.But before he could dial, he saw warning lights on the road over the hill.Eric felt better. Maybe the town's police had come.A police car ar
The test results were already out when Brook and the others arrived. Sylvia had a strong cold, a high fever, and an unknown bacterial infection, which made her extremely tired. This was confusing for the Williams family. Sylvia was usually healthier than most people. So, why did she suddenly get such a bad cold with a bacterial infection?"Where's Eric?" Connor asked. It was only then they all realized that Eric was missing.Brook wanted to phone Eric, but Sylvester stopped him. Eric didn't know Sylvia's real identity yet. If Brook called now, it'd expose Sylvia.Once the doctor confirmed there was no major issue with her test results, the Williams decided to tell Eric.-Eric hurried to the hospital upon getting the call.Only Sylvia lay on the bed in the ward.Eric sighed. "Where's that guy when you're in the hospital?"He was referring to Sylvester. The doctor arrived before he could sit down. When he saw Erick, he paused and asked, "Where's her family? There were many p
Sylvia expected Eric's reaction. She decided not to hide anything from him. Three bowls of warm soup comforted not only her stomach but also her heart. She believed it was time to commit to a life with Eric.Looking at Sylvia, Eric replied, "Alright, I understand."From Eric's point of view, Sylvia and Sylvester shared the same last name. If they were from the same generation, it made sense for Sylvester to be Sylvia's brother.His response surprised Sylvia. She had prepared for Eric to question her truthfulness or even become angry. She had planned to explain everything to Eric in detail and with kindness. However, seeing Eric's reaction made her second-guess herself.Did he really not care about her?Frowning, Sylvia asked, "You get it?"Eric chuckled and said, "Are you about to tell me you're the Williams' heiress? Your aunt and a guy named Brook told me that Sylvester is his brother. So are you Brook's sister?"Come on, I already confirmed it with Irvin. He said that I was j
Noticing Sylvia sleeping peacefully, Eric stood up to make her some soup.Upon his return, Sylvia was already awake and looking directly at him. Feeling a touch of guilt, he asked, "Um, is everything alright?"'Has she found out that I was going to touch her hand last night?' Eric thought. He only now realized how inappropriate his thoughts had been.He approached her bed and set the soup beside her. Sylvia glanced at him and uttered, "Nothing."Sylvia suddenly noticed fresh, deep nail marks on Eric's right hand. She frowned and stretched out her hand, asking, "What's wrong with your hand? Show me."Eric extended his hand, allowing Sylvia to inspect the scratches on its back.She gently placed her hand on his, her face slightly reddening. "I apologize... I had a nightmare last night.""What kind of nightmare?" Eric asked. Sylvia sighed at his inability to read between the lines. She took her hand away and said, "I'm hungry."Eric was at a loss for words.Sylvia seemed to be
The art of grappling emphasized speed, accuracy, and power. It was easy to teach Eric since he had a photographic memory. After practicing for a while, Eric went to prepare breakfast.Sylvia stood by and said, "Can you go to work a little bit late? I'll have someone deliver a wooden stake later, and you can practice with it from now on."Eric nodded.Soon, breakfast was ready. There were some sandwiches and yogurt. Sylvia ate some yogurt and left for work. Eric cleaned up the table and went to the market to buy chicken to cook chicken soup for Sylvia. By the time he finished, it was already 9:00 a.m.Before he could even sit down and rest, the wooden stake that Sylvia had bought arrived.Eric helped to bring the stake into the house.After practicing grappling for a while, his phone rang again.Seeing an unfamiliar number, Eric answered, "Hello, who's this?"A polite voice came through the line. "May I speak to Mr. Johnson, please?""This is me," Eric replied."Mr. John