Belle Earns Merit

"What?! You dare tie me up?" Lila Green's eyes widened in disbelief. "I'm your First Lady! The child in my belly is Evans Family blood! How dare you lay a hand on me? Believe it or not, I'll have your grandma skin you alive!"

Lily Evans grabbed Belle with one hand and April with the other, lifting them up as she shot Lila Green a cold, mocking look. "Looks like our First Lady doesn't understand how things work in the Evans Family. Even if your grandma comes here throwing her weight around, I'd still toss you out! Who do you think you are, barging into my house and causing trouble? I'm letting you off the hook for the sake of your unborn child, but don't think I won't report your thieving ways. If you know what's good for you, get lost—now!"

Lila Green was utterly stunned. She'd expected Lily Evans to be soft and easy to push around, but clearly, she'd misjudged her—this woman was all steel and no nonsense!

"Mrs. Silver, Mrs. Copper—tie her up and throw her out!" Lily Evans ordered, and the two maidservants quickly bound Lila Green with rope and hauled her out the front gate.

"Belle, your sister's hurt—quick, get her some medicine. No girl should be left with a scar if we can help it." After dealing with Lila Green, Lily Evans noticed April had a cut on her forehead.

Only then did April burst into tears—scared, hurt, and feeling a bit wronged.

Belle hugged April, soothing her. Lily Evans personally applied medicine to April's wound. April sniffled and said, "Madam, I didn't embarrass you. I got the necklace back from the old lady."

Lily Evans looked at the stubborn determination on the girl's face and sighed, "That's right, April, you didn't let me down. You did great. But next time, if you run into bad people trying to snatch something, don't fight them head-on. You're still young, and nothing is worth risking your life for. Lost things can be replaced, but if I lose you two, where would I ever find such wonderful girls again?"

"Madam!" April's eyes welled up again, and she started sobbing all over.

Belle patted her sister's back and chimed in, "April's always been brave, Madam. She'd never let anyone bully us."

Lily Evans smiled and pinched Belle's cheek. "You two really are the Evans Family's little treasures."

Belle blushed, grinning from ear to ear. April wiped her tears and managed a shy smile.

Mrs. Silver and Mrs. Copper returned, dusting off their hands. "First Lady's been sent packing, Madam. Should we tell the old lady about this mess?"

Lily Evans waved her hand. "No need. Let her stew for a while. The Evans Family isn't a playground for troublemakers."

Mrs. Silver and Mrs. Copper exchanged glances, both grinning. "Madam, you really know how to handle things!"

Belle suddenly remembered something. "Madam, about the indenture—should we keep it or burn it?"

Lily Evans smiled. "Keep it for now. It's proof that the Evans Family protects its own. Besides, it might come in handy if someone tries to stir up trouble again."

Belle nodded, her eyes shining with admiration.

April clung to Belle, her worries melting away at last.