Goodbye, My Love

Zaria glanced at Marco with a slight surprise.

She considered herself to possess exceptional perception in this limited area, and quickly noticed the unique aura the man in front of her radiated.

In contrast to her practiced elegance, this man’s lofty and haughty demeanor seemed innate and confident.

Such a man was either born into wealth and influence, enjoying reverence from birth, or he had long been in a position of power, accustomed to commanding and being obeyed.

Or could it be both?

Zaria’s mind whirled as she remembered Judie’s reference to this man’s formidable abilities, which caused her to be slightly cautious.

However, given that she had come to cause a stir at the orphanage, backing down now was not an option. Withdrawal would only invite mockery, and how could her family, the Cooper family, continue to command respect in the village if they showed weakness?

As Zaria’s gaze landed on her accompanying crowd, she felt somewhat relieved. Regardless of how formidable this man was, he couldn’t stand up against a united front. She had deliberately brought extra people with her, prepared for a war of attrition.

Feeling more resolute, Zaria glared at Marco, her tone filled with disdain and mockery. “Young man, don’t be naive. You may be powerful in the city, but this is the countryside. I don’t care about your background, your wealth, or your influence. Here, it’s our Cooper family who’s in charge!”

As Zaria’s haughty words hung in the air, Marco’s eyes snapped up, his expression glacial and detached, as though Looking at something beneath his notice.

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His look seemed to indicate that if Zaria really thought she could intimidate him, she should give it her best shot.

A chill ran down Zaria’s spine as she suddenly understood the sensation

Judie had described: being stared at by a venomous snake.

The Cooper family might have gained some wealth and status in their small village, but they were much inferior to powerful folks in city. A dreadful realization crept over Zaria that they were ill-equipped to take on the man standing before them.

But she had already lashed out, and there was no backing down now, especially in the presence of her daughter and subordinates. To do so would damage her reputation and undermine her future influence.

Pausing only briefly to collect herself, Zaria retreated behind her bodyguards, feigning indifference to Marco’s formidable demeanor. In a commanding voice, she ordered, “Get them!”

Her bodyguards arrayed themselves protectively in front of her, offering some comfort, but the rumors of this young man’s remarkable abilities lingered in her mind. Acting quickly, Zaria pasted on a false smile and attempted to negotiate.

“Your name is Marco, isn’t it? Marco, consider yourself warned. Don’t let youthful impulsiveness guide you. I’ll hold you accountable for harassing my daughter, but if you kneel and apologize to her, I might show mercy. At least, I won’t resort to violence.”

The bodyguards circled around, clearly apprehensive from their prior encounter with Marco. Though they presented an imposing front, their confidence in defeating him was shaky.

Marco surveyed the muscled men before him, visibly amused by their efforts to intimidate him.

“Apologize? You’ve misunderstood. It’s your daughter who owes an apology to the orphanage!” he shot back. ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

Zaria’s face twisted with rage at his retort, her teeth grinding together. The people who had come with Eloise proved to be just as unyielding.

“Marco, don’t mistake my caution for fear! Let me remind you, this village is under my family’s control, not the city’s. Your wealth means nothing here. Even if you were buried, no one would notice!”