Chapter 3 The woman strutted forward, oversized sunglasses perched on her nose, her lips painted a bold crimson. She snapped loudly at those around her, her voice dripping with irritation. "No more of those pathetic little scripts! Filming in the countryside? What a hassle to come back! No planes, just a grimy train. Me, riding a train? With my status? Look at these people-shabby, classless, disgusting!" Brenda Petersen's voice carried, sharp and grating, drawing frowns from everyone nearby. Her agent nodded frantically, trying to soothe her, while her bodyguards rudely cleared a path. "Move! Out of the way! Back off!" Ethan stood frozen, too stunned to dodge, when a bodyguard shoved him hard. He tumbled to the ground, pain shooting through him. Tears welled in his eyes, but he bit his lip, too scared to make a sound. "Whose kid is this? Get lost!" Brenda snapped coldly. Ethan, terrified by the commotion, sat hugging his knees, his tear-filled eyes fixed on Brenda, too frightened to move. Brenda's brow furrowed. The sight of Ethan stirred a deep, festering resentment within her. He was about the same age as the thorn in her side. Her teeth clenched with loathing. I told you to scram! Don't you know blocking people's way is rude? What kind of parents raised a brat like you? No manners, no class!" With that , Brenda jabbed her pointed heel into Ethan's leg before stalking off in her stilettos. Ethan let out a wail, tears streaming down his face. "Mommy! Alfred! Jacob! It hurts!" Bertha was still in the restroom, but Alfred and Jacob heard the cries and rushed over. Seeing Ethan's crumpled form, Alfred's heart twisted with worry. "Ethan, what happened? Are you okay?" Ethan sobbed harder at the sight of his brothers, his little shoulders shaking, words stumbling out between gasps. "That lady kicked me, Alfred. It hurts." Jacob's temper flared instantly. Nobody messed with his little brother and got away with it. "Alfred, stay with Ethan. I'm gonna make her pay!" Before Alfred could stop him, Jacob bolted, vanishing into the crowd. Left behind, Alfred knelt to help Ethan up. "Show me where it hurts, buddy." 16:08 0.4% < Chapter 3 "Here... and here," Ethan whimpered, pointing to his backside and leg, still sniffling. Alfred rolled up Ethan's pant leg and froze, speechless with shock. A vivid purple bruise bloomed across Ethan's tender skin, glaring and angry. Alfred's small fists clenched, fury rising in his chest. He hadn't wanted Jacob to stir up trouble, but seeing this, he was ready to throw punches himself. Nobody could hurt Ethan like this in front of them. 'It's okay, Ethan. Let me blow on it-it'll feel better," Alfred said softly. Ethan nodded, still teary. "Okay." Meanwhile, Jacob had chased Brenda out of the train station. Spotting her about to climb into a sleek car, he darted in front of her, his little face fierce with defiance. Hey, you ugly hag! Who gave you the nerve to hurt my brother?" Brenda's brows shot up, her eyes narrowing at Jacob. His words made her itch to slap him silly. But Marcus was in the car, and she needed to play the part of a kid-loving sweetheart to win his favor. So she shot Jacob a venomous glare, hissing under her breath, "Who are you calling ugly, you little punk?" You! You're not just ugly-you're old! And mean! Ugly, old, and rotten to the core. You're hopeless!" With that, Jacob pulled a small pocketknife from his jacket and began circling the luxury car. Scratches marred the glossy black surface as Brenda's eyes widened in horror. You little brat! Stop that! Do you know whose car this is? You're gonna regret this!" Menu Brenda lunged to stop him, but Jacob dodged nimbly. She chased, he ran, and soon they were circling the car ike a circus act, Jacob leading her on a wild chase. Inside the car, Marcus sat watching, having come to pick up Brenda. His brow creased at the scene. He turned to Axell. "Go see what's going on." 'Right away," Axell replied, reaching for the door. But before he could step out, something unexpected happened.