Chapter 24 The two guards turned around. Before they could see who it was, a flurry of blows blindsided them from behind. They crumpled to the ground, unconscious. Seeing Bertha stop a taxi, Jacob finally relaxed. If not for Alfred's orders to protect Bertha secretly and that he couldn't expose himself unless it was absolutely necessary, he would have rushed forward just now! How dare anyone hurt Bertha? They must be suicidal! After Bertha left, Jacob whirled toward Brenda, who was still sprawled on the ground, clutching her twisted ankle. Jacob dashed over, shouting from afar,"Excuse me, ma'am! You're blocking the path!" Brenda turned just in time to see Jacob hurtling toward her like a miniature rocket, his legs pumping at full sprint. If he'd crashed into her, it would've hurt like hell! "Y-you, slow down! You brat, slow down!" Jacob lunged, sending Brenda skidding away across the pavement. Though small, he was solid as a rock, his tackle packing surprising force. Brenda burst into tears out of pain. "You! Who are you? Where are your parents?" Jacob feigned concern as he approached. "Oops, sorry, ma'am! I couldn't stop in time. Are you okay? Let me help you up." As he "assisted" her, he "accidentally" stomped on Brenda's injured wrist. When Brenda shrieked and tried to swat him, Jacob flopped onto her. His hand landed squarely on her sprained ankle and broke it. Brenda's scream cut off as she fainted from the pain. Jacob stood, dusted his hands, and gave her a contemptuous snort. Bertha always said, "Women, the elderly, and children are vulnerable. Don't bully them." But someone could be the exception. Had he hit a woman? Not really. He was teaching a bad guy a lesson. As a car approached, Jacob stuck out his tongue at the unconscious Brenda and ran away. 16.13 3.4% < Chapter 24 Bertha had just reached home. Alfred and Ethan had already heard from Jacob that Mommy had been bullied. At the sight of the slap marks on her face, Ethan burst into tears, gently touching her swollen cheek with a heartbroken look. "Mommy, does it hurt?" Bertha quickly hugged Ethan, murmuring reassurances. "It doesn't hurt. I just tripped and bumped my face. I'm perfectly fine, see?" Ethan clung to her neck, sobbing uncontrollably. Menu Alfred, his eyes red-rimmed, understood Bertha was hiding the truth and didn't press further. He fetched an ce pack and carefully applied it to her cheek. Noticing Jacob's absence, Bertha asked, "Where's Jacob?" Taking out the trash," Alfred replied. "He'll be back soon." ་་ Bertha didn't dwell on it. Knowing Jacob's fiery temper, she feared his reaction to the marks. After comforting Ethan, she made an excuse to freshen up in the bathroom. The moment she stepped inside, Jacob returned. Where's Mommy?" She went to wash up." Alfred pulled Jacob into their room, shutting the door before whispering, "What happened out there?" acob seethed, his voice tight with anger. I don't know the whole story. I was too far away to hear what they were talking about. Just saw a woman with bodyguards blocking Mommy, hitting her. Didn't you get details from Mommy?" 'She said she tripped. Since she didn't want to talk, we didn't push." I already took care of them," Jacob declared."Gave them a proper beating." Alfred's frown deepened. "This city feels cursed for Mommy. She's never been happy since we got here. We need to find out why she came, then get her out of here, fast." "But what if she won't tell us?" " We'll investigate on our own. From now on, you will protect her when she goes out. No more letting her hurt." "Got it, Mommy's safety is on me! Oh, right, she was working at a bar tonight, selling drinks." get Ethan, eyes still red, piped up, "Mommy must be working to pay for us. I saw her looking for part-time jobs this afternoon..." His voice cracked with a sob. 16:13 3.4% < Chapter 24 Menu At the mention of money, Alfred's expression turned pained. He was only five, but if he told Mommy he had billions of dollars stashed in the bank, his sweet, hardworking mother would probably faint. Sighing, he muttered, "I'll find a way to sponsor Mommy." C