Chapter twenty
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Chapter Twenty — The M Mark
In A City
Ronald paced around his office, deep in thought.
The attack. The poison. The mysterious gang that had been following his movements.
There were too many unanswered questions.
Suddenly, something occurred to him.
Every gang has its own identity.
He immediately picked up his phone and called Andrew.
"Check the bodies of the men we captured. Look carefully for any mark or symbol that could identify the gang they belong to."
A few minutes later, Andrew entered the office.
"Boss, we found something."
Ronald stopped pacing.
"What is it?"
"They all have the letter M marked on the palms of their hands."
Ronald's eyes narrowed.
"The letter M..."
Andrew nodded.
"Sir, we also need to go to the Springville CEO's burial ceremony."
Ronald glanced at his watch.
"Yes. We'll go soon."
He paused.
"After the ceremony, investigate the meaning behind that mark. Find out which gang uses the letter M as its identity."
Ronald's expression became serious.
"And while we're at the ceremony, observe everyone carefully. If you notice anyone with the same mark, report it to me immediately."
"Yes, Boss."
Ronald and Andrew soon left for the ceremony, accompanied by several heavily armed security guards.
---
The Burial Ceremony
Ronald sat at the highest table among several influential CEOs.
Although he was one of the youngest people there, his position and reputation made everyone treat him with respect.
Several young women couldn't help stealing glances at him.
Some whispered among themselves, while others secretly wished they could approach him.
But Ronald's cold expression and the intimidating security surrounding him discouraged anyone from getting too close.
The ceremony soon became emotional.
The assistant of the late Springville CEO suddenly broke down in tears.
He wept bitterly as he spoke about his employer.
"The CEO had no children," he cried. "Now that he's gone, there is no one to inherit everything he worked for."
Ronald watched him carefully.
Something about the man's reaction caught his attention.
Could he know something?
Ronald quietly approached him.
"Are you alright?"
The assistant nodded while wiping his tears.
"I'm fine, sir."
Ronald discreetly examined his hands.
There was no mark.
No letter M.
He stepped back.
Not him.
Ronald turned his attention toward the crowd.
He couldn't shake the feeling that someone at the ceremony was connected to the gang.
He ordered one of his men to keep an eye on the assistant.
"Watch him carefully," Ronald instructed. "If you notice anything suspicious, report to me immediately."
The burial eventually ended.
As everyone began leaving, Ronald stood silently for a moment.
He looked at the grave.
Despite the man's wealth and achievements, he had died without an heir to continue his legacy.
Ronald sighed.
"Money can't protect anyone from death."
He turned away and walked toward his car.
---
The Next Morning
Esther sat quietly at the dining table.
She wasn't hungry.
She pushed her food around the plate for a while before remembering Ronald's words.
You need to take care of yourself.
She sighed and forced herself to eat.
After taking a few bites, she picked up her phone.
She hesitated for a moment before dialing Ronald's number.
Meanwhile, Ronald was working on his laptop when his phone suddenly rang.
When he saw Esther's name on the screen, a small smile appeared on his face.
He answered immediately.
"Hello, Esther. How are you?"
"I'm fine."
She paused.
"I just wanted to check on you."
Ronald smiled.
"And?"
"And don't forget to take your medication."
Her voice softened.
"And remember to eat properly."
Ronald leaned back in his chair.
"Alright. Thank you for reminding me."
"I'll come home soon."
They talked for a few more minutes before ending the call.
Ronald stared at his phone for a moment.
Then he smiled.
"Andrew."
Andrew entered the office.
"Yes, Boss?"
"Bring me something to eat."
Andrew froze.
"Food?"
Ronald gave him a cold look.
"Do you want me to repeat myself?"
"No, Boss."
Andrew quickly left.
A few minutes later, he returned with food.
He watched in amazement as Ronald actually stopped working and ate.
Andrew shook his head.
Love really can change a person.
---
Back at School
After ending the call, Esther drove to school.
The moment she entered the school compound, she noticed something strange.
Everyone was staring at her.
Some looked at her with sympathy.
Others whispered among themselves.
Esther became uncomfortable.
She walked toward the podium and looked at them.
"I'm fine."
Everyone became silent.
"I know the truth has been revealed, but please stop looking at me like I'm someone you should pity."
She lowered her head slightly.
"It makes me uncomfortable."
Suddenly, Mercy burst into laughter.
She covered her mouth as she looked at Esther.
"Who would have thought our fearless leader had a soft side?"
Esther glared at her.
Mercy laughed even harder.
A few students stepped forward.
"We're sorry for the way we treated you."
"Yes, Esther. We didn't know the truth."
"We shouldn't have judged you."
Esther looked at them quietly.
"It's alright."
She didn't want to hold a grudge against everyone.
But across the room, Jennifer stood watching her with an angry expression.
Her hands tightened into fists.
You think you've won?
She stared at Esther.
I'll make sure you regret coming back.
---
The Field Trip
Just as Esther returned to her seat, a teacher entered the classroom.
"Everyone, listen carefully."
The students immediately became quiet.
"We'll be going on a field trip tomorrow."
Excited whispers filled the classroom.
The teacher raised his hand.
"Quiet."
"We'll be spending three days studying nature and conducting research."
"The student who produces the best research project will receive a special prize."
The students immediately became excited.
"So, inform your parents that you'll be away for three days."
The teacher picked up his books and left the classroom.
Esther sat quietly.
A three-day trip...
For some reason, she couldn't shake the strange feeling that something unexpected was waiting for her there.
To be continued...
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