When fate plays its hand

Chapter 0872

However, their silent tolerance didn’t bring peace. Instead, the bullying only escalated.

The Sneider brothers vented their anger by sneaking into the Cliffords‘ home at night. They stole chickens from their coop and even killed their guard dog. Later, they hired someone to throw feces on the walls of their home and ran off after committing the deed.

Two weeks after Easter, they brazenly stormed into the Clifford residence with a group of men and injured Joli’s parents. As a result, Wanda’s health condition deteriorated, and she struggled to even eat or drink.

In addition, she was unable to travel to the town for treatment because the Sneiders had warned all the villagers with vehicles not to transport the Cliffords anywhere.

Joli’s phone was also deliberately destroyed during the confrontation.

On that day, Theodore happened to be at the Clifford residence. He hit his head during the scuffle and was bleeding profusely.

The Sneiders couldn’t care less about his injuries. Joli tried to call an ambulance, but Kenny twisted his arms behind his back and pinned him to the ground. He was unable to move.

It wasn’t until Theodore’s parents rushed over and pleaded desperately that the Sneider brothers finally relented and allowed them to take Theodore away.

That night, Theodore was sent to the hospital in town, only to be told that his condition was beyond their ability. He was transferred to the hospital in the county overnight.

He still hadn’t regained consciousness at this time.

Julie cried, “They clearly had no intention of setting up a family cemetery! They just saw that we made money growing cherries and wanted to take over our orchard!”

After hearing this, Madison trembled with anger. “How could such shameless people exist in this world? This is outright robbery!”

She turned to Joli and said, “You didn’t report them to the police the first time, fine. But why didn’t you report it now you’ve got beaten up and Theodore was so severely injured?”

Joli gave her a bitter smile.

Julie interrupted, “My brother did call the police! The police came, but it was useless…”

At that moment, there was a knock at the door.

Going over, Joli opened the door and called out, “Dad.”

A middle–aged man with a stooped figure and graying temples limped into the house. He froze momentarily upon seeing Miranda and the others.

Joll introduced them immediately, “They are my friends from Bedford College, and we’re… very good friends. They came all this way to look for me because I’ve been delayed returning to college.

Ollie’s expression changed when he heard this, and he straightened his back as much as he could. “Hello, nice to meet you all. Thank you so much for caring about Joli! We have some freshly picked cherries at home. I’ll wash some for you. They’re sweet, fresh, and free from pesticides…”

With that, he headed toward the kitchen.

Miranda waved her hands. “Mr. Clifford, don’t trouble yourself. We were just worried about Joli and came to check on him.”

However, Ollie insisted, “Jandersville, is so far from here. You must be exhausted from the long trip. Sit tight, and I’ll have the cherries ready in no time!”

Ignoring their protests, Ollie disappeared into the kitchen.

A moment later, he returned with a basin. Yes, a whole basin of bright red cherries, glistening with water droplets.

Then, he turned on every light in the house. “It will feel brighter this way!”

He bustled about, determined to give his son’s friends a good welcome.

They looked at the hardworking, middle–aged man smiling as he offered them the best he had to give, with his face still bruised from the beatings… Published by Nôv'elD/rama.Org.

Simultaneously, Madison’s eyes reddened, Miranda fell silent, and Sebastian felt an unbearable weight weighing down on him.

All three of them came from well–off families. The scenes they witnessed today completely shattered their worldview.

It turned out that there was still such gross injustice in the world. The dark and ugly side of humans prevailed in hidden corners of society that exist beyond the reach of sunlight!

Just then, a commotion came from outside the house.

A cocky voice called out, “Hey, Clifford! I hear you’ve got guests? Why didn’t you call me? Let me join in the fun!”

Ollie’s body stiffened immediately, Joli’s expression changed, and Julie hid behind her father with tears streaming down her face.

The entire family was startled and terrified at the mere sound of that voice.

They didn’t need to ask to know who it was outside. Miranda narrowed her eyes and glanced at the door…