Chapter 249: The Groans of Caleb Ward and Harold Ward Rose and Fell

"Ouch... It hurts so much..."

"Mom... Is my leg useless now..."

The groans of Caleb Ward and Harold Ward rose and fell in turns, while Agnes Ward stomped her feet in distress. The sight of her two sons being carried home, covered in blood, had nearly made her faint.

"That Derek Harlan is absolutely despicable!" Vanessa Ward clenched the hem of her dress, her nails digging into her palms. She never imagined Derek would dare to hurt her brothers so badly.

The village's rural physician had just set their bones and was wrapping splints around their injuries. "One has a broken arm, the other a broken leg. They'll need at least three months to recover properly. If complications arise, they might end up disabled."

Agnes trembled with rage and immediately shouted for someone to fetch the mayor. With Caleb out of the picture, the only hope for justice now lay with Mayor Martin Reed.

Martin walked into the yard with his hands behind his back. After hearing the full story, he shook his head. "I can't interfere with loan shark business. Just focus on healing."

"Mayor!" Agnes shoved Calvin Ward forward in desperation. "Look at these injuries!"

Calvin stepped forward reluctantly. "Mayor, if this goes unpunished, won't outsiders think they can bully our village freely? The Ward family's humiliation is one thing, but Pinehaven Village's reputation is at stake!"

Martin scoffed. "Calvin, you sure know how to spin words. But this mess was caused by your son-in-law. Why should we step in? If you ask me, you should take this up with your in-laws."

The gathered villagers chimed in:

"Exactly! Who dares mess with loan sharks?"

"Derek's family should pay for the medical bills!"

"Your daughter's still here—Derek's family will come for her sooner or later..."

With that, Martin and the crowd dispersed, leaving the yard eerily quiet. Agnes was so furious she nearly passed out, while her sons' pained moans from the bed tore at her heart.

"Husband, are we just going to let this go?" Agnes moved closer to Calvin, but he recoiled in disgust.

Standing upwind, Calvin frowned. "What else can we do? Loan sharks aren't to be trifled with. Blame your daughter—running home after a few slaps, and now her brothers are bedridden!"

In his eyes, a man disciplining his wife was natural. Vanessa's tantrum had thrown the household into chaos and gotten his sons injured. With the New Year approaching, how were they supposed to celebrate with two invalids at home?

Agnes deflated. If her husband wouldn't act, what could she, a mere woman, do?

"So... we just accept it?"

"Why rush?" Calvin narrowed his eyes. "Derek's family will come for her eventually. When they do, we'll demand compensation for medical expenses and recovery costs—not a penny less!"

He had already calculated everything. The old woman was hoarding the family's money, and Harold's wedding dowry was still short. This was the perfect opportunity to squeeze some funds out of the Harris family.

Outside the window, Vanessa bit her lip until it bled. Her father's words cut deeper than any knife. There was no hope left in her family—she had to start planning for herself...