Ronald’s expression was grim. “Ms. Stovall, I agree to register my children’s birth. I will agree to any condition you state.”
With a frown, Boris replied before I could. “No need!”
As we were talking, the crowd scurried into the house. Boris pulled me aside and stood in front of me protectively. As the house was tiny, only a few men stormed in.
“Ronald Weeder, why are you hiding? Your daughter killed someone. Hand her to us before we take action!”
“Let’s not waste time. Find that b*tch now so she’ll pay for killing Fritz!” With that, the men started ransacking the house.
Soon, the house was in shambles. The farmers couldn’t find Ann, so they changed their target to Ronald instead. As Ronald’s house was too small, they brought him out.
Immediately, the crowd surrounded Ronald’s family and began abusing them verbally. Fritz’s mother would’ve given Ronald a beating if someone hadn’t stopped her.
The loud commotion caused the crowd to grow bigger and bigger. Some tried to persuade the Wolfsens to discuss instead of resorting to violence; some supported their decision to avenge their son’s death. It was utter chaos. Ronald and his family were slumped on the ground in dejection.
Life was never perfect, but this hurricane rendered me helpless. Ronald knew there was nothing else he could do to turn the situation around, so he said nothing and allowed the crowd to curse and hit him.
Suddenly, someone grabbed my arm. I looked down and realized it was Amy staring at me pitifully.
“Please, Ms. Stovall. Save my parents,” she begged.
I knitted my brows. “Amy, I can’t.”
Kindness was rare nowadays as most people had ulterior motives for doing something. I wasn’t far off. Hearing my answer, Boris sighed in relief and said, “You can’t interfere. Remember, you’re still pregnant. Don’t get yourself into trouble.”
I knew that well, hence I rejected her without hesitation.
After venting out their anger, the Wolfsens stopped beating the Weeders up. They sat down and demanded arrogantly, “A life for a life. Ronald Weeder, your daughter isn’t here, so you should pay us back. We don’t need the money back. In return, give me your second daughter.”
Ronald’s eyes widened as he roared, “Kurt Wolfsen, how dare you?”
Kurt scoffed. “Your daughter killed my son and escaped. I’m being nice cos I didn’t kill your entire family to avenge my son. Why would you think I don’t have the guts to do so?”
Ronald’s wife hurriedly implored, “Kurt, please spare us. You can have my daughters if you want. My husband will find Ann for you so you can avenge your son. Don’t hurt him, please.”
My brows furrowed up as I could neither understand nor accept the woman’s peace offering.
Kurt seemed pleased at her words. “Your second daughter is fourteen, right? My son’s dead, so she shall give birth to my children. Find that b*tch for me. Otherwise, I swear I’ll kill you, Ronald Weeder.”
With that, he stood up and gazed at the girl protecting her siblings. “You’re Alma, right? Your parents gave you to me. Come, follow me home and bear me a son.”
The girl, who was still a teenager, blanched as she shook her head profusely. She didn’t have a clue what was going on, but her instincts told her a more horrible fate would await her at the Wolfsen household.
Alas, Kurt ignored her wishes and dragged her away by the hair. Immediately, she bawled and cried for her parents to save her.
At the sight, my frown deepened. Clearly, they couldn’t be bothered about their children.
“Wait a minute!” It was Boris. He looked straight at Kurt and inquired, “How much did you pay them?”
Kurt Wolfsen was a plump and lecherous man in his forties. He eyed Boris suspiciously before answering, “One hundred thousand. What’s wrong? Did you take a liking to this girl, too?”
Boris’ lips pressed together in disgust. “I’ll pay the money. Release her!”
Suddenly, Kurt guffawed before his face contorted. “Oh, you’re trying to be the hero here. Mister, my son died. I want this girl so she can pass on my family name. Are you trying to take her away from me? If you took a liking to her, you can have her. But Ronald has other daughters. Do you think you can save them all?”
