The Prison Lord's Release

Chapter 6

'Lord Norbert?' she wondered. 'Why is Patricia suddenly speaking to him so respectfully?'

Ella stared at Patricia in confusion. Just moments ago, the woman had been shouting at Norbert, but now she smiled as if they were close friends.

Patricia quickly offered Norbert a seat. "Please, sit down. We can discuss Ella's adoption properly. With your financial ability and your family relationship, I see no reason to make things difficult."

Norbert glanced at the chair but did not sit down.

"Your attitude changed very quickly," he remarked.

Patricia laughed awkwardly. "Please don't misunderstand me, Lord Norbert. I was only following the adoption rules. I would never want to offend someone as respectable as you."

Mitchell raised an eyebrow. "You called him a poor man a few minutes ago," he interrupted.

"That was a misunderstanding! I sincerely apologize." Patricia turned toward Ella and softened her voice. "Ella, your uncle has the means to give you a wonderful life. You should be happy that such a good family member has come to take care of you!"

Ella looked at her suspiciously. She had never heard Patricia speak so kindly to her, and the sudden change made her uncomfortable.

Norbert ignored Patricia's flattery. Instead, he looked toward his niece. "Ella, come here for a moment," he called gently.

Ella slowly walked down. She looked at Norbert, then at Chloe, who was standing beside her with a confused expression.

"Uncle," Ella asked softly, "can I really go with you?"

Norbert smiled. "Yes. I'll take care of you and make sure you have a safe home."

Ella's eyes brightened at his words. For a moment, she imagined what it would be like to live with someone who wanted to protect her. But then she looked at Chloe.

The older girl had comforted her whenever she cried and defended her when others bullied her. Chloe stayed beside her when she felt alone. Ella suddenly ran toward Chloe and hugged her tightly.

"I want to stay with Sister Chloe!" she declared.

Chloe froze in surprise, then hugged the little girl back. Her eyes warmed as she realized Ella was choosing to stay with the person she trusted most.

Patricia's smile vanished. "Ella, don't be childish!" she snapped. "Your uncle has money and can give you a much better life. Why are you clinging to someone who isn't even your family?"

Mitchell's expression turned cold. "Watch your words," he warned. "You have no right to speak to the little miss like that."

Patricia immediately closed her mouth. She had realized that offending Norbert again would be foolish.

Norbert crouched beside Ella and patted her head. "It's alright, Ella. Take your time. I won't force you to leave with me."

Ella looked up at him, uncertain. "You're not angry with me, Uncle?" she asked, looking scared.

"Of course not," Norbert replied with a warm smile. "You can stay with Chloe for now. I'll come back to see you."

Ella finally relaxed and hugged Chloe again. She was still afraid of being hurt, but Norbert's words gave her a little hope that he truly cared.

Norbert stood up and looked at Chloe. "Please continue taking care of her," he said. "I'll make sure she has everything she needs."

He gave Ella one last smile before leaving with Mitchell. Ella watched them walk away while holding Chloe's hand tightly. She had always believed her parents abandoned her, and now a stranger had appeared, claiming to be her uncle. She wanted to believe him, but her little heart feared being hurt again.

After leaving the orphanage, Norbert entered the black luxury car waiting outside. Mitchell sat beside him and closed the door.

"Lord, should we really leave the little miss there?" Mitchell asked. "After seeing how Patricia treats the children, I don't trust that woman."

Norbert looked out the window. "Chloe genuinely cares about Ella. For now, I believe she is safe with her."

Mitchell nodded, though he still looked unhappy. He took out his phone and opened a file on the Turner Family.

"What about Marlene Turner?" Mitchell asked. "Would you like me to deal with her family?"

Norbert's expression turned cold. "Tell me what you know about them."

"The Turner Family owns several stores throughout Hillway City. They are wealthy, but their influence is limited compared to the major mage families."

Mitchell continued, "If you want to put pressure on them, we can do it easily. They won't be able to resist for long."

Norbert shook his head. "Not yet. First, make sure the school conducts a fair investigation. I want Ella's innocence proven in front of everyone."

"Understood, Lord."

Norbert leaned back in his seat. He had spent five years in Blackfall, where the strongest prisoners controlled entire sections of the prison, and he had become someone even those criminals respected.

Compared with the people he had faced there, dealing with the Turner Family would be simple. However, he didn't want Ella to grow up believing money and power could solve every problem.

"Also, find a suitable house near the orphanage," Norbert instructed. "I want to stay close to Ella."

Mitchell looked surprised. "I have already prepared a comfortable residence for you, Lord."

"I gave you an order."

Mitchell immediately nodded. "Understood. I'll arrange everything."

The next morning, Chloe took Ella to Lindenhall School. The teachers were preparing the room for the disciplinary hearing. Several committee members checked the projector while others arranged the documents on the table.

"Why is a theft case serious enough to require a disciplinary hearing?" one member asked.

"I heard the student involved is from the Turner Family's circle," his colleague replied quietly. "Mrs. Marlene Turner has been making calls since yesterday."

The first man immediately understood. In Hillway City, few people wanted to offend the Turner Family because of its wealth and connections.

Meanwhile, Marlene sat inside a car parked near the school entrance. She handed Frank, the disciplinary committee chairman, a thick envelope.

"You know what you need to do, don't you?" she asked.

Frank opened the envelope and saw the large amount of money inside. A pleased smile appeared on his face.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Turner," he replied. "I'll make sure the hearing goes smoothly. Ella Brooks will be expelled today."

Marlene smiled with satisfaction. She was certain that no one could overturn her plan. She stepped out of the car and walked with Ruby toward the hearing room. The school auditorium had been turned into a courtroom, with bright lights, a large screen, and a long U-shaped table equipped with digital displays.

When Marlene entered, she saw Ella sitting beside Chloe, but Norbert was nowhere to be seen. "It seems your poor uncle finally realized who he's dealing with," Marlene sneered at Ella. "Perhaps he was too ashamed to show his face here!"

Chloe glared at her while Ruby stuck out her tongue at Ella. "Enjoy your last few minutes at this school," Ruby whispered, making Ella lower her head nervously.

Frank entered the room a few minutes later. As he passed Marlene, he winked at her, confirming everything was arranged as planned. Chloe noticed the exchange and felt her heart sink. She had hoped Frank would be fair, but it seemed even the chairman had been bought.

A gavel knocked loudly through the room. "The disciplinary hearing for Ella Brooks is now open!" Frank announced.