Chapter 2 The Valenwood Group

• "Why are you all just standing there like statues? Don't I need to spell it out for you to get moving?" Aric's voice broke the tension while he glanced at the alley, where a group of men in black uniforms promptly appeared.
• The demolition crew began to panic, their bravado faltering.
• Kael, who was visibly shaken, stepped forward and warned, "This land belongs to the Valenwood Group! Touch me, and you'll have them to deal with!"
• Aric smirked and retorted, "The Valenwood Group, huh? Fine. Today, I'm visiting them to see who gave them the nerve to tear down Elderglen Orphanage! As for all of you, clear out of here in three minutes! No one stays!"
• With Elowen in his arms, he spun around and lit a cigarette as chaos erupted behind him, accompanied by cries and shouts. By the time he finished smoking, more than ten demolition crew lay battered on the ground.
• "Admiral..." The leader of the black-uniformed group started tentatively, hesitating to address Aric by his military title when met with his stern gaze. Adjusting quickly, he changed tack, "Mr. Thornwood, we'll hand these guys over to the Brightvale authorities. What about these excavators?"
• Turning his gaze towards the row of excavators, Aric commented, "These machines are still in decent shape. Let's send them to the scrapyard. We might get some cash for the metal."
• Several men quickly climbed onto the excavators and drove them out of the alley as Aric had instructed.
• "Elowen, it's settled," Aric stated, giving her a reassuring pat on the buttock, which made her turn around somewhat shyly.
• "Aric, you've grown bold over these ten years," Elowen teased.
• Aric grinned and leaned close to her, whispering, "Who would've thought you'd become a journalist after all this time?"
• Accepting the camera, Elowen responded, "I've always dreamed of being a journalist, especially to uncover shady dealings like what the Valenwood Group is up to. It's my calling."
• Frowning, Aric asked, "Why does the Valenwood Group have to tear down the orphanage forcefully?"
• Elowen looked conflicted, but before she could answer, Rowan sighed heavily and clarified, "It's all because of the Mythralis Trade District project. The Riverwyn Group announced a thirty billion investment to build it last year. Though we're out in the boonies, we're right in that area. Once the district is up, land prices will skyrocket. That's why the Valenwood Group got their eye on us."
• Wiping tears from his face, Rowan thought, If they'd offered a fair price, I might've considered it. Yet, they only offer a measly hundred grand for the four buildings. I can't care for over twenty kids even if I yell my lungs out.
• Seeing this, Elowen quickly stepped forward to comfort him.
• "Mr. Riverhart, please don't cry. I've recorded everything from the demolition just now. When I get back, I'll ensure the Valenwood Group gets exposed in the paper! They won't get away with this," she reassured, her determination evident as she tightened her fist.
• "Sorry, Aric. I can't join you today. I need to head back to the office. Give me your number so I can let Galadriel know you're here in Brightvale," Elowen requested hurriedly, reaching for Aric's phone number before hopping into her car with the camera.
• "Galadriel?" Aric couldn't help but smile at the thought. It's been ages since we last saw each other. I bet she's even more stunning now.
• Rowan grinned warmly and continued, "Aric, Galadriel's the standout among these kids. She's the CEO of Umbravale Holdings now."
• Sighing, he added, "She's kept this orphanage afloat with her secret donations. Thinks I don't know, still."
• Just as he was about to continue talking about Galadriel, his phone buzzed in his pocket. Glancing at the screen, he remarked, "Oh, it's Lysander."
• Aric recalled that Lysander was Rowan's eldest son, around Galadriel's age. Family strife over the orphanage had always divided Rowan and his wife. After their split, Lysander stayed with Rowan's ex.
• "Dad, help me! Please save me!" Lysander's frantic voice gripped Rowan's heart over the phone.
• Rowan asked urgently, "Where are you, Lysander?"
• The voice on the other end shifted, and Lysander's cries faded into the background.
• "Hey, your son owes our casino one hundred thousand. If you want him back, sign the demolition agreement and bring the money. You have two hours. After that, I'll start chopping off his fingers every ten minutes," the voice threatened.
• The call cut off abruptly, leaving Rowan crumpled on the ground. Lysander was his only son despite their differences, and the family bond ran deep.
• "Aric, they've taken Lysander." Rowan's voice trembled as he looked at Aric.
• In his mind, Rowan pondered, In my lifetime, I lost my wife because of the orphanage, and now my son is in peril. Am I destined to witness my only son suffer in my old age?
• "I'll sign it... I'll sign. Aric, take me to the Valenwood Group. I'll sign their d*mn agreement," Rowan muttered, his resolve crumbling as he struggled to rise.
• Aric steadied Rowan, his eyes burning with fierce determination as he thought, The Valenwood Group has crossed a line!
• "Mr. Riverhart, stay here at the orphanage. I'll handle the Valenwood Group. I promise I'll bring Lysander back safely," Aric assured, his voice filled with unwavering determination.
• Rowan shook his head, tears flowing uncontrollably down his face. "Aric, help me get to the Valenwood Group. Once I sign their agreement, they can tear down Elderglen Orphanage, and we'll be done with this. There's no point in fighting them."
• Squeezing Aric's hand tightly, Rowan added with a heartfelt plea, "Aric, I know you're not just an ordinary guy anymore, but you're underestimating the Valenwood Group. I wouldn't be in this mess if saving the orphanage were that easy. Boy, we need to face reality."
• Aric met Rowan's gaze. To him, this man was more than just a benefactor; he was like a father who had rescued him from the streets after the Thornwood Family's tragedy. Without Rowan's kindness, Aric wouldn't have the life he cherished today.
• "Trust me, Mr. Riverhart. I'll bring Lysander back to you," Aric asserted.
• Rowan hesitated briefly, then agreed, "Please be careful."
• Aric nodded decisively and turned away, leaving the orphanage behind.
• At Valenwood Group headquarters, Aric checked the intel his department had sent to his phone and was fully briefed on the Valenwood Group's operations.
• The chairman, Palden Valenwood, had built his fortune from quarries to real estate, specializing in forced demolitions. Now, his Valenwood Group was valued at over a billion, and Palden managed to clean up his image.
• Though supposedly independent subsidiaries carried out the demolition work, Palden was clearly in control.
• It was clear to anyone paying attention that he wasn't willing to give up such a profitable business. This also indicated the Valenwood Group wasn't just Palden's show; other influential players were likely behind its enduring success.
• Entering the Valenwood Group building, Aric stood in the lobby where security guards approached and warned, "You can't enter without an appointment."
• Aric smirked confidently. "I don't need to go in. Tell Palden to come out!"