THE UNDERESTIMATED HEIR

HOPE ON THE HORIZON 1

The men spread out, moving through the house like shadows. They didn’t waste any time, opening doors and tossing furniture aside.

One of them stormed into the bedroom where the youngest children slept. He grabbed a small wooden bed and, with little effort, flipped it over, sending blankets and stuffed animals scattering across the floor.

One of the orphans, a small boy, barely five, tried to gather his things, clutching a tattered teddy bear.

The man only sneered and kicked the bear out of his hands.

Another child, a girl with wide, tearful eyes, tried to grab her shoes as one of the men dragged her by the arm.

"Leave me alone!" She kicked and wriggled, desperate to hold on to the small things she called her own, but he only tightened his grip, ignoring her screams.

Outside, Mr. Charles stood with his arms crossed, a cold smile was on his face as he watched his men work.

He didn’t seem to care about the cries of the children or the pleas of Mrs. Martha, who followed them from roo