Chapter 286

"Can we negotiate the price?"

Michael Stone gave him a sidelong glance. "Just say it's a loan. The main house must be built with bricks and tiles. The kitchen and storage can make do with adobe."

After a moment's consideration, the man nodded in agreement.

As the work bell rang, the crowd dispersed toward their homes.

"Daniel! Come quick!" Martha River's anguished cry pierced through the courtyard walls. "Your sister's in trouble!"

Daniel River's heart clenched. He sprinted into the yard in three strides. "What happened?"

"Those Garcia bastards beat your sister so badly she's in the hospital!" Martha trembled violently. "Your father went to fetch your uncle. We need to get to town now!"

"What?!" Daniel's fists clenched until his knuckles cracked. "Forget the ox cart! I'll get Michael to drive the tractor!"

He turned and bolted toward the Stone residence, kicking up dust with every step.

"Michael! Michael!" Daniel's voice was hoarse from shouting.

Michael paused mid-bite, chopsticks hovering over his bowl. That tone never meant anything good.

"Jessica's been beaten by the Garcias and hospitalized!"

Clang—

Emily Johnson's bowl crashed onto the table. That timid girl who'd shyly called her "sister-in-law" during New Year's was now...

"Let's go!" Michael slammed down his chopsticks and charged out.

"Be careful," Emily called after him, though her stomach churned. Domestic violence? Hospitalized? This could turn deadly!

The children tugged at her sleeves. "Mommy, what happened to Aunt Jessica?"

"The adults will handle it." She ruffled their hair. "Finish your dinner."

The tractor rumbled up to the River household. William Stone jumped aboard with a dark expression—family bonds ran deeper than petty disputes.

"Sam!" Martha suddenly grabbed her grandson's hand. "Go get your aunt Emily!"

The boy took off like a shot.

Emily was clearing the table when she heard the high-pitched shout.

"Grandma wants you!"

Her hands froze. Were they... gathering a mob?

But when elders summoned, you obeyed.

"Lock the door," she said hurriedly, tying up her hair, changing into rubber boots, and grabbing a pack of egg cakes before running out.

The tractor's trailer was packed. Mary Stone wiped tears while John Stone Sr. looked murderous. The three Stone men's muscles were taut, and Patricia Stone gripped a fire poker.

"What are you doing here?" Michael gaped.

"Your wife's got backbone!" Martha pulled Emily aboard with red-rimmed eyes.

The hospital reeked of antiseptic. On the bed lay Jessica River, frail as a dried leaf, blood crusted on her face.

"Animals!" Daniel punched the wall.

"Where are those Garcia bastards?" Michael's teeth ground audibly.

A trembling doctor handed over the medical chart, the pages fluttering in his unsteady hands.