Chapter 396: Derek Harlan's Face Turned Ashen

Derek Harlan's face turned ashen as he realized The Ward family was about to turn the tables on him.

"Shut your damn mouth, Ward!" He slammed his fist on the table, sending teacups rattling. "The whole village knows your daughter ran off with some man! Now you're accusing me of murder? Bullshit!"

Rolling up his sleeves, he revealed the tattoos on his arms. "Pay up or hand her over. No way you're walking away from this debt!"

Martin Reed, the mayor, frowned and stepped in front of Calvin Ward. "What? You looking for a fight?"

"Enough!" The mayor's roar silenced the room. "Everyone's got their own version of the truth, and I'm not the judge here. I'm calling the police—let them sort this out."

He pulled out an old Nokia phone and made a show of dialing. "Derek, you said she's missing? Perfect, the cops can help find her. And if The Wards are accusing you of foul play, that needs investigating too. Anyone throws another punch, you’ll answer to me."

Derek deflated instantly.

The last thing he wanted was police scrutiny. His gambling debts, the illegal loans, and his plans to sell off his wife—none of it could stand the light of day.

"This—this is bullying!" His voice wavered. "I’ll... I’ll get my parents to deal with you!"

His thugs, sensing trouble, melted into the crowd—one pretending to tie his shoelaces, another lighting a cigarette, all vanishing within seconds.

Derek turned to flee.

"Stop!" Agnes Ward lunged at him. "Give me back my daughter, or I swear I’ll have you arrested!"

Martin Reed sighed, glancing at Calvin’s bruised face. "Everyone, go home. Nothing more to see here."

The villagers scattered, though not without craning their necks for one last look.

"Mayor!" Agnes grabbed his sleeve. "You have to help us!"

"Help with what?" He shook her off. "Find your daughter. If she really did run away, you’ve got bigger problems than pride."

With that, he walked off, leaving The Wards stunned.

Derek didn’t stop running until he was well out of sight. Leaning against a wall, gasping for air, he fumbled for his phone, hands still shaking.

"Hey, Boss... About the money—I’ll have it in a couple days, I swear..."