?Chapter 2726:


    Cordell’s attention remained focused elsewhere as he issued a sharpmand to them immediately.


    “Understood,” the bodyguard responded crisply, advancing toward the second vehicle’s rear door and wrenching it open.


    “End of the line. Exit the vehicle.”


    Whoever upied the car’s interior appeared to resistpliance.


    The bodyguard sought guidance from Cordell, who responded with a decisive nod of authorization. Leaning into the vehicle’s depths, the bodyguard forcibly dragged out the first upant.


    “Keep your hands off me!”


    A boy burst into view as he screamed, his entire posture radiating fierce defiance, the tendons in his neck standing out like cords as he bellowed his fury.


    “Stay back!”


    A girl followed in his wake, clearly younger and more fragile than herpanion. The bodyguard’s rough handling sent her stumbling, her legs nearly giving way beneath her.


    Witnessing her distress ignited something primal in the boy’s gaze—his eyes zed crimson with protective rage.


    “Leave her alone! If you need to hurt someone, hurt me instead!”


    His words died in a strangled cry as Cordell’s fingers mped around the base of his skull, jerking him backward with brutal efficiency.


    “Listen carefully, boy!” Cordell’s lips curved in a mockery of warmth while his voice dripped with menacing authority.


    “You’ve entered Scott territory now—this is not some yground where childish outbursts are tolerated!”


    Maintaining his iron grip, Cordell issued curt instructions to his subordinates.


    “Move them inside!”


    “Yes!”


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    The girl found herself hauled forward against her will, tears streaming down her flushed cheeks.


    “You monster!” The boy spat his hatred through gritted teeth, his neck rigid with futile resistance, yet utterly powerless against Cordell’s dominating hold.


    They had covered only a few yards when their procession encountered Hadley’s position.


    “Miss Pearson,” Cordell halted his advance instantly, his demeanor shifting to one of calcted deference, “what an unexpected pleasure to find you here!”


    Hadley’s brow furrowed with growing concern as her gaze shifted between the two distressed young people.


    “Who exactly are these children?”


    “These two…” Cordell’s expression twisted into something predatory.


    “Shall we proceed indoors first? All will be revealed in due time.”


    “Miss Pearson.” At the entrance of the main house, Cordell stepped aside with a respectful gesture.


    “After you.”


    Hadley didn’t refuse; she stepped forward, questions still churning in her mind.


    Cordell followed a step behind.


    “Get in!” The bodyguards shoved the boy and girl forward, herding them through the doorway.


    “Hadley? What happened?” Ernest looked over upon hearing the noise, confusion flickering in his eyes.


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