All eyes were zoned in on the silhouette that appeared at the entrance of the hallway.
None recognized the male stranger who had appeared save for Jerry, whose face turned pallid upon seeing him.
It’s Levi Garrison!
Martin smirked as he slinked away into a corner to spectate the events to unfold.
“And who the hell might you be?” Conrad challenged.
“Levi, you are here!” Abigail ran towards Levi the moment she saw him.
“What’s happening here?” Levi asked.
Conrad took a step forward. “Let me give it to you straight. Abigail is to become my concubine!”
Abigail nodded furiously in affirmation of his general summary of the situation.
“Why in the world is anyone taking concubines in this day and age? Who granted permission for this?” Levi glared.
Conrad retained his haughty demeanor. “Do you even know who I am? I am the beloved scion of the Garcia family and wield the favor of the head of the Garrisons, the top ancient family. Whose permission would I need to do what I want?”
“Does that mean you are not going to seek anyone’s consent as well?” Levi asked.
Conrad chortled. “Of course not. What I want is mine to have. What use have I for anyone’s consent?
Hearing his reply, Levi was amused.
Without regard for common decency nor the rule of law.
A truly irrepressible tyrant!
No wonder Abigail needed my help to save herself from this menace.
Conrad lowered his gaze to scrutinize Levi from his elevated position. “Listen here, boy. I don’t care who or what you are. Abigail will become my concubine, and there’s not a damn thing you can do about it!”
“Oh, is that so? Then I have this to say – Whoever who would attempt to force Abigail to do anything against her will get no quarter from me!” Levi toughened his stance.
“You wouldn’t want to stick your nose into Mr. Garcia’s business, Levi. It would be best if you left quickly!” Jerry stood up suddenly and spoke.
“What did you say? Levi… Levi Garrison?” Conrad asked.
The others turned and looked in Levi’s direction.
“You heard it right. This is Levi Garrison himself!”
Jerry’s introduction had everyone else on their feet.
Though they had never seen the man in person, they had certainly heard of his name.
“He’s here in Oakland City?”
The masses were bewildered as they regarded him warily.
It’s him – the dishonorable progeny of the Garrison family who abandoned his mother and wife to save his own skin!
“You’re unfit to call yourself a man, Levi. The gall of you to even show your face around here!”
“I’d wish for no better than to throttle you to death!”
“You inhuman, cowardly good-for-nothing! You are a disgrace to all of Erudia!”
Levi listened in silence as the barrage of cusses exploded upon him like an ignited barrel of gunpowder.
“Get out of here, Levi, and Mr. Garcia may spare you your life yet!” Jerry prompted advised of him.
“Mr. Gott is a true gentleman. Looking out even for his bitter rival!”
“Only you are fit for Zoey. Not this sorry excuse for a man!” Those assembled chorused in praise for Jerry.
A peculiar glint flashed across Jerry’s eyes.
Unwavering by their comments, Levi smiled. “Fine. I can leave. But Abigail comes with me!”
“No! Abigail must remain and become my concubine! Since this has become public knowledge, would it not be a cause for embarrassment for me to allow her she to leave?” Conrad howled.
“Then all the more reason for me to take her! Woe be to whoever gets in my way!” Levi declared with blood-lust in his eyes.
