Chapter 9 A Menace to Society

• At first, Edmund and Lucille were totally confused about what was going on. But before they could figure it out, Alice's bodyguards sprang into action. One of them kicked Edmund hard, sending him crashing to the ground.
• Both Edmund and Lucille felt cramps in their stomachs, almost losing their lunch from the day before.
• "Beat them!"
• The young lady of the Hiltons, Alice, was looking fierce. With a wave of her hand, she told her men to get to work.
• Her ten or so bodyguards didn't waste any time and rushed in without holding back.
• Edmund and Lucille's faces turned pale when they saw this. "Great!
• "So you've got that mistress backing you, huh?
• "Just so you know, this isn't over. We'll see how this plays out!"
• Edmund and Lucille were fleeing in panic, trying to escape as quickly as they could.
• Eric watched them leave, then suddenly flicked his fingers. A flash of golden light shot out and hit Edmund.
• Edmund's body shook three times, but he was so scared out of his mind he hardly even noticed.
• He quickly jumped into the car, slammed the gas, and sped off.
• With their boss gone, the rest of the village thugs scattered in a frenzy, running for their lives.
• Eric chuckled as Edmund's car vanished in the distance.
• He had nothing good to say about his uncle.
• He didn't even want to think about what they might have done to his parents during the five years he'd been away.
• Take today, for example.
• If he hadn't shown up in time, who knows what could have happened next.
• However, considering Evelyn's current state of mind, Eric couldn't bring himself to go on a killing spree.
• But while he might spare their lives, their punishment was far from over.
• People like Edmund were a menace to society.
• After thinking it over, he decided it was best to cut off Edmund's lineage for good, to make sure they wouldn't cause trouble for generations to come.
• With Edmund and Lucille gone, the villagers who had been watching came up to comfort David and Evelyn.
• "Thanks, everyone, for looking after Eric's parents," Alice said.
• She had her bodyguards haul out a large pile of various gift boxes, filled with cigarettes, alcohol, tea, and other treats, and began handing them out.
• "Um ... "
• The neighbors were taken aback. Just the packaging alone made it clear these gifts weren't cheap.
• "Everyone, please accept these.
• "I've been away all these years, and it's been you all helping to look after my parents."
• Eric knew exactly what she was up to. She wanted to make a friendly gesture, so he didn't refuse and welcomed it with a smile.
• "Well then ... "
• "We won't be polite!"
• Seeing Eric's response, the neighbors eagerly accepted the gifts, excited to take them.
• "Eric finally comes back and brings such a lovely girl with him, so we won't keep you.
• "Go ahead, enjoy your time."
• Everyone noticed that Eric had come with his girlfriend and, being polite, quickly got up with smiles to leave.
• "See? What did I tell you?
• "Just like I said, Eric is a capable guy. Even after splitting up with Monica, he still has no trouble finding a partner.
• "See?
• "He's already brought home such a stunning and classy girl!"
• "Yeah, and you can tell from the way she speaks that she's not just a nobody."
• "If my son could bring home someone as stunning as her, I'd be dreaming with a smile on my face!"
• "Not only is she gorgeous, but she's also gracious and sensible. We're really lucky to know Eric!"
• Hearing the praise from the neighbors, David couldn't stop smiling.
• Having no descendants was the worst sin.
• For David, a simple man, what did he want after living most of his life?
• It was all about having kids to carry on the last name.
• When Lucille said that nasty words earlier, David was genuinely concerned about his son's divorce. As parents, they were a heavy burden, and he knew finding a wife in the future could get even tougher for his son.
• But in an instant, Eric had brought home such a gorgeous and impressive girl.
• Even though Alice wasn't his girlfriend, she still made David look great today.
• It was the happiest and proudest day David had had in five years.
• ...
• When Eric got home, he knew his dad must have misunderstood what was going on between him and Alice.
• So before his dad could say anything, Eric chimed in with what he had planned to say, "Mom, Dad, let me introduce you.
• "This is Alice. She was a business partner of mine before.
• "She heard I was back and wants to offer me a job at her company.
• "Anyway, you don't need to worry about my work situation this time."
• When David heard that Alice wasn't going to be his daughter-in-law, he couldn't help but feel a bit disappointed.
• But then he thought about it—Alice's manner, speech, and appearance all pointed to her coming from a wealthy family.
• A young woman from such a high society background was probably out of his son's league.
• And even if he were to take a step back and consider ...
• Even if they were dating, the differences between their families would probably make it tough for them to be happy together.
• If David knew that Alice had come all this way just to convince Eric to save her grandpa, he'd probably be so shocked he'd drop his dentures!
• Given that Alice was the CEO of Hilton Group, she was naturally well-versed in the ways of the world.
• When Eric said that, Alice jumped in and agreed, "He's right.
• "I've known him for a long time and trust him completely—both his skills and his character.
• "You can be sure that if he works with me, everything will be fine.
• "Here's my business card."
• She handed over her business card with a smile to David.
• David took the card and his hands shook a bit when he saw the name.
• Hilton Group!
• This was the number one listed company in Ciderbrook!
• With a powerhouse like that backing his son, the future looked bright.
• Even though his son's love life was still up in the air, working at Hilton Group would definitely make it easier for him to find a partner in the future.
• He'd be able to hold his head up high when talking to matchmakers to take care of his marriage!
• With that thought, David couldn't stop grinning from ear to ear.
• Eric and Alice had a very good understanding with each other. They talked to each other and made David smile happily.
• But Alice couldn't help throwing an irritated look at Eric.
• Alice wasn't someone who let romance cloud her judgment. As the CEO of the Hilton Group, she was a calm and strong woman.
• She wasn't going to fall for a guy she'd just met today.
• Given her looks and charm, and the fact that she'd always had guys lining up to win her favor, she was no stranger to being pursued.
• But Eric?
• From the moment he walked in, he was quick to distance himself from her!
• The thought of it left Alice feeling uncomfortable.
• She wasn't used to having her charm overlooked, and it rubbed her the wrong way.
• In short, Alice was annoyed.