Hearing the limited time frame of only two days, Myloâs heart sank.
The thought of what his son, his only treasure, might be enduring in another cell was unbearable.
He huffed, âNathan, heâs your cousin, Nortonâs grandson.
How could you do this to him? Youâre inhuman, a devil!â
His curses faded into the background as Nathan, with a_ stoic expression, continued down the corridor, seemingly deaf to Myloâs wrath.
Instead of heading straight to his office, Nathan detoured to the cell at the end of the hallway where Ronan was held.
As the officer reached for the keys to unlock the door, Nathan stopped him.
âNo, Iâm not going in.
â
He paused at the door, peering inside through the iron bars.
Darin and the others were sprawled against the wall, asleep.
After a quick scan of the cellâs occupants, Nathan kept his voice low, inquiring, âWhere is Ronan?â
The officer glanced inside and replied, âHeâs been ostracized by the others and forced to sleep in the toilet.
He has been in there since last night.
â
Ronan, once a proud and polished member of the Payne family who valued cleanliness above all, now found himself relegated to a filthy toilet.
This harsh reality was far from the sheltered life heâd known.
It seemed only through adversity might he learn to appreciate a more humble existence.
âSir, would you like a cigarette?â the officer offered, presenting a luxurious cigarette box with both hands.
Nathan barely looked at the offer, dismissing it with a brief command.
âPay close attention to this cell.
Ensure no one is killed or seriously harmed.
Iâll be back tomorrow.
â
âUnderstood, sir.
Take care,â the officer responded, putting the cigarette box away.
Hilliard had been taking Jennifer out for fun in Stastle these past few days.
They visited Cadieredâs largest zombie park, played immersive horror games, explored the most thrilling amusement park, and rode the renowned Ferris wheel.
After days of adventure, Jennifer felt rejuvenated, having never before managed to completely let go of work and immerse herself in such uninhibited leisure.
Today, while shopping in the most opulent business district near the Simmons Group headquarters downtown, Jennifer decided to drop by and see Lucinda at the office.
After their shopping spree, they arrived at Lucindaâs office laden with bags.
Lucinda, who had just wrapped up a meeting, greeted them warmly in her role as president.
âHilliard, you seem to be in high spirits with all those purchases.
You didnât make my future sister-in-law foot the bill for everything, did you?â Lucinda teased.