Hannah Lee Testifies
Ernie Lee grew anxious as soon as he heard that. "Belle, how can you just deny everything after putting on your pants?"
"I can testify! My second uncle didn't leave the house last night—he stayed home!" Suddenly, Hannah Lee darted out from the crowd, pointing at Ernie Lee. "Yesterday afternoon, my second uncle asked me to help out at his place. I worked there from afternoon till dark, and he was in the yard the whole time. There's no way he could've gone to find Belle!"
Ernie Lee panicked and slapped Hannah Lee hard. "You little brat! What nonsense are you spouting? When did I ask you to help yesterday? How could you just make things up?"
A red handprint appeared on Hannah Lee's face, and she burst into tears. "Uncle, you really didn't leave the house! Why are you lying to hurt Belle?"
"You—You little brat!" Ernie Lee was furious, never expecting his own niece to turn against him.
Doggie Lee saw his daughter causing trouble at such a critical moment and pointed at Hannah Lee, cursing, "Wretch, just wait till we get home—I'll beat you to death!"
Hannah Lee's face turned pale with fear, but she still stammered, "Dad, even if you beat me to death, I have to tell the truth. I can't let Uncle hurt someone!"
Originally, only Lily Evans's family claimed Belle hadn't left the house last night, so the villagers were doubtful. But now, even Ernie Lee's own niece confirmed he stayed home and didn't go out. The villagers immediately believed it, cursing Ernie Lee for being wicked and making up lies to ruin Belle's reputation.
Doggie Lee and Ernie Lee watched as things took a sudden turn for the worse—the fat duck they thought was in hand was about to fly away. They were absolutely furious.
Doggie Lee, enraged, grabbed Hannah Lee with one hand, ready to hit her.
"Don't hit Hannah!" Jill Evans suddenly dashed out from inside the house, crying as she ran toward Hannah Lee.
Doggie Lee raised his foot, aiming a kick at Jill Evans's head. Lily Evans couldn't pull Jill back in time—she watched in horror as his foot was about to strike Jill, feeling her blood run cold.
Suddenly, Doggie Lee let out a miserable howl, clutching his leg as he collapsed to the ground.
Lily Evans looked closely—it was Lucky who had picked up a stone and hurled it straight at Doggie Lee's leg. The small rock pierced right through his calf, leaving a bloody hole.
"Hannah, are you alright?" Jill Evans grabbed the fallen Hannah Lee and dashed toward home. The two girls hid behind Lily Evans, their faces pale with fright.
"Waaa..." The two little girls cried in fear as Lily Evans shielded them protectively behind her.
Seeing his brother hurt by Lucky, Ernie Lee rolled up his sleeves and shouted, "How dare you hurt us! I'll fight you all!"
"Ernie Lee, do you have a death wish?" Lily Evans placed her hands on her hips and hollered. Instantly, thirty or forty strong men appeared all around, wielding sticks and sickles, surrounding Ernie Lee and his gang.
These men were laborers from Arthur Evans's construction site next door, brought over to back up Lily Evans. Ernie Lee's gang were nothing but a ragtag bunch—seeing the situation turn, they all fled, leaving only Doggie Lee and Ernie Lee rolling on the ground, injured.
Surrounded by so many burly men, Ernie Lee plopped down on the ground, nearly wetting himself in terror.
Lily Evans strode over and kicked Ernie Lee, sending him rolling several times. She cursed, "My Belle is a pure and decent girl. If you dare target her again, I'll chop you up and feed you to the dogs!"
Ernie Lee cowered, kneeling and begging for mercy, "Auntie, I don't dare anymore! I won't come near your house again, please spare my miserable life!"
Lily Evans spat in disgust and snapped, "Get lost!"
Ernie Lee hurriedly dragged Doggie Lee away, scrambling and stumbling as they fled.
Only then did Lily Evans breathe a sigh of relief. Jill Evans tugged at her sleeve, her voice trembling with tears, "Sister Lily, what about Hannah? She just helped us, but her dad and uncle will surely beat her to death."