25 Darius barely gave Howard and Lydia a second glance, their insults feeling like nothing more than an annoying buzz in his ears. He had heard it all before, and today, their words seemed especially hollow. Turning to leave, he heard Howard's voice cut through the air, a note of forced superiority
26 He stepped out of the car, his movements calm but deliberate. The gang turned to him, sneers forming on their faces, sizing him up as an easy mark. The leader, a bulky man with a scar running down his cheek, stepped forward, his eyes narrowing at the sight of the Eclipse. "Well, well, what do
27 Micheal burst into laughter, the sound harsh and mocking. He fixed his gaze on Darius, his eyes gleaming with malice. "You think you're some sort of hero, kid?" Micheal sneered, stepping closer until he was only a few feet away from Darius. "I'm here on behalf of the Werner family. They're in
28 Every head turned in shock and confusion towards the source of the command. Micheal's expression twisted from one of annoyance to shock, and then quickly to fear. "Why are these nobodies interrupting? Can't they see I'm working?" he muttered under his breath, turning towards the newcomer with
29 Everyone could only stare in disbelief as Trevor, the feared boss known as Tiger, knelt before Darius with an unexpected humility. Darius, though young, had a maturity that belied his years. He looked down at Trevor, who was kneeling before him, and said firmly, "Stand up, Tiger. You didn't do
30 "Yes, it's me," he replied, kneeling beside her to be at eye level. Mrs. Kinsey reached out, her hand trembling as she gently touched his cheek. "Look at you, all grown up and... and taking charge like this," she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. Darius looked away for a moment, uncomfor
31 Darius reacted swiftly, catching Mrs. Kinsey before she could fall. "Mrs. Kinsey!" he exclaimed, concern etching his features. As an orphan, Darius had rarely known kindness until Mrs. Kinsey had taken him under her wing, treating him with a warmth that filled the void of his missing family. La
32 The slap resounded sharply across the crowded emergency room, instantly drawing all eyes to the portly man whose arrogance seemed as large as his frame. The nurse recoiled, a bright red mark forming on her cheek, as stunned silence fell momentarily among the hustle of medical staff. Darius, who