As Rita collapsed, weak and fragile, the cameras instantly locked onto her face—the woman who had shaken the heart of the Lord.This had never happened before. Even Lord Xoxo himself was stunned. How could the Lord’s divine ears be moved by Muna’s words?The crowd whispered the same question, their voices rising in disbelief.Eddie only shook his head. He still couldn’t accept it. The very man he despised, mocked, and dragged through the mud—Franco—was now standing before them as the Ruffian Lord.The memory struck him like a blade. Months ago, Franco had challenged him to present a gift to the Scotts. Eddie brought fakes, confident in his scheme. Yet Franco had destroyed those gifts and—before everyone’s eyes—summoned Lord Xoxo to deliver treasures worth billions.Now it all made sense.Eddie’s lips trembled.“So… Franco was right that day? He wasn’t faking it? He… was the true genius?”His chest tightened. His thoughts dragged him back to that night.“And that night…”His pulse quic

The silence that followed Franco’s threat was broken when Granny stepped forward. The tip of her walking stick struck the ground with a sharp crack, commanding attention. Her wrinkled face was stern, her eyes locked on Eddie.“What on earth are you thinking, boy?” she demanded. “Did you truly believe you could bring down the Lord? Do you have a death wish?”Eddie froze, his breath catching. Of all people, Granny was the last he expected to hear this from. He had thought she would show her resentment for Franco—maybe even stand beside him in tearing the man down. But her words revealed the opposite. She was siding with Franco.The realization stung like betrayal.“What are you saying, Granny?” Eddie’s voice shook with disbelief. “You mean to tell me I shouldn’t be doing this? Don’t you know who we’re talking about here? It’s Franco! The same useless man who once lived under your roof as a pauper. And now you defend him?” His voice rose, raw and incredulous. “You should be condemning hi

Eddie shook his head violently, terror written all over his face. At that moment, he knew he was done for.His lips quivered as his heart pounded like a drum in his chest."W-What are you talking about?" he stammered, eyes darting from Franco to the others. "Are you saying... you're going to kill me?"His voice rose with panic as he faced Franco, but Franco didn’t need to answer. He simply turned toward Lord Xoxo, who gave a subtle, definitive nod."Yes, My Lord. We’ll take care of it immediately," Franco said with finality, his voice devoid of hesitation.Then he turned sharply to the Ruffian Army."Seize this man. Now!"Eddie’s breath caught in his throat. He looked back at Franco, searching for even a flicker of mercy—but Franco’s eyes were cold, unwavering.There was no trace of empathy—only ruthless resolve.That look told Eddie everything he needed to know.A swarm of bare hands suddenly gripped his arms with brutal strength, pulling him back as he fought to break free."No... n

“I know that everyone standing here today has just one thing in mind about me,” Franco began, his voice steady and commanding. “Either you're thinking about what should be done with this young man, or how best to make him suffer for disrespecting the Ruffian Lord!”A quiet murmur stirred the crowd, but Franco raised his hand slightly, signaling silence.“But amid all these thoughts, one thing remains certain.”Franco paused, letting his words settle deep into the minds of his listeners.“One thing which is absolutely certain— We will not tolerate any form of disrespect. Whether it's toward the Ruffian Lord... or the Ruffian Law! Anyone guilty of such offenses will be punished according to the consequences of their actions. Let it be known: when a crime is committed, the punishment must follow!”Eddie lifted his head slightly, confusion and fear clouding his expression.He was trying to make sense of Franco’s words.If Franco was talking about crime and punishment now, did that mean he

The soldiers gripped Eddie tightly, their hold like iron shackles around his arms. His anger boiled hotter with every passing second, pulsing through his veins like wildfire. He thrashed against them, desperate to break free—not just from their grasp, but from the pain exploding inside him. He wanted to run. He wanted to cry out everything bottled up in his chest. To pour his heart out to Granny and Muna. To tell them how much he was hurting. But the soldiers held him too tight. Even moving was nearly impossible.Still, Eddie didn’t stay silent. He raised his voice, filled with fury, spitting threats like venom.“I’m telling you this! I’ll get my revenge on you, Franco! I swear it—I’ll get my revenge on you and Muna. That’s a promise! Mark it at the back of your neck!”He fought against their grip, rage seething in every word.“I’ll make sure you all pay! I swear on my life—I will kill you all!”“I will kill you all… I promise!”His scream echoed as the soldiers dragged him away, fu