Herman's father, Congressman Mitchell, was a generous politician who always did good deeds. He was always televised and photographed doing many heartwarming acts of kindness towards the less fortunate. However, not many knew that he stole money from big projects. And his wife wasn't innocent either as she would guiltlessly go shopping using the stolen money. But those who knew about it were either part of the scheme or were too afraid to blow the whistle.
Nina's friend, who worked as one of the congressman's staff, told them about it. But while they didn't like what was happening, one couldn't just go against a person with power when you're not a hundred percent certain you'd win. Politics was always messy and dangerous. If you dip your toes in something you can't handle, you better be ready for what comes for you.
Angela looked at Herman from head to toe, recalling what she heard from the conversation he had with someone earlier by the back exit. She wished she had recorded the conversation, but at that time, it was the last thing on her mind. But now, she came prepared.
She heard him say, 'Oh, by the way… Next time when you persuade the parents, make sure you tell them that we're opening a school soon. That way, we don't have to take so much time convincing them. Who wouldn't want that for their kids? We might not have to pay them as much if they think we're doing them this huge favor. Make sure to sell it.'
This man went around Esmea, convincing parents to give up their children and telling them that it was the best choice, that the kids were better off without them.
Because she was too emotional at this point, she nearly slipped and told him what she heard about his father, and that wouldn't end well for her, so she tried to weaken her statement regarding his father. "Rumors have circulated around town about how shady your father has been with the project funds. But even after I heard about the gossip, I trusted that you're not like him since you're running this orphanage. Turns out you're not any better. How does it feel to sleep at night in your million-dollar home with everything you need just within your reach using the money you stole from my foundation and the ones you earned from this orphanage as your cash cow?"
Herman went red—from shame or from anger, she wouldn't know—his face was hard to read. But he was trying to make it seem like she was the odd one here and that he's not doing anything wrong, even not addressing what she mentioned about his father—not that it mattered at the moment. "Ms. Su, I know you're upset, but you need to see this objectively. You've seen how happy the kids were when you came with food and gifts. They wouldn't experience that if they were stuck in the rat house. If it were you, would you rather live in that kind of lifestyle where your parents can't afford to send you to school? You were also born privileged and grew up in a mansion. I'm sure you understand the importance."
Angela angrily pointed at him. "That's where you're wrong, Herman! Because even if my father were poor, I'd rather stay with him in a shabby old house and live off canned goods all my life than be separated from him. I understand there are children who really don't have parents anymore or that they need rehoming, but you can't say the same for those kids you brought here whose parents are still alive and breathing. They're not orphans! Yet you made it seem like they are! I may have been privileged, but I know the importance of family. I lost my mother when I was young, and it was devastating. The pain I went through cannot be compared to anything. And I would die if I'm also separated from my father. But you... You just ripped these kids' rights to be with their parents."
He looked down, seemingly trying to think of excuses to tell her or to make her understand his point of view. He honestly believed he was doing them a favor. "Try to think about it. These kids would have grown up without proper education, or that they wouldn't know they're supposed to eat three times a day. They come from limited access to education. They won't have a better future if it's not for us. We're doing a great cause here."
Her heart was broken. Angela unknowingly supported an orphanage that had this kind of system. She felt responsible, and now, she was facing this messed-up situation.
Feeling the need to get out of here, she shook her head and held her hands up. "I'm done talking to you. I will go back in there with a smile and pretend that everything's okay because they don't need to know what kind of a sick person you are and what you've done to them. They're already suffering enough. But keep in mind, Herman. I will make sure this place gets shut down, and you won't ever get to do something like this again."
"You can't do that. I own this orphanage. Besides, you don't have any proof. And we have papers to show that we have all the legal rights to have these kids under our care. There's nothing you can do." A small, proud smirk flitted across his face, showing his true colors.
Raising her chin, Angela gave him a bone-chilling scowl. "Oh yeah? Watch me."
She walked away, heading towards where Gael stood. Judging from where he was standing, he should have heard everything. She appreciated that he didn't interfere with her conversation with Herman despite the obvious deathly glare his grey eyes displayed.
"You want me to fuck him up? I'll make sure he'll be unrecognizable," he muttered under his breath when she came to his side.
Angela wrapped her hand around his fist and urged him to walk with her, carefully showing him the recording screen on her phone. "Don't bother. He'll get what he deserves. Take me home?"
Gael turned to face her, his eyes instantly softening. "Of course." He nodded, seeing what she did with her phone. He then took her hand and they headed back towards the building. Taking care of Angela was his priority.
This asshole, aka Herman—oh, he'd definitely take care of him later.
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