Hazel's tears burst forth like a dam breaking, her body shaking with sobs as she reached the car. Noah's arms enveloped her, his gentle pat on her back a soothing balm to her wounded soul.

"How can they not feel remorse for what they did?" she muttered, her voice cracking with anguish. "They still came here to badmouth me, to try and destroy what I've built."

Noah's voice was a low, steady hum, a comforting presence during her turmoil.

"Some people can never change, Hazel. And that's why we'll make them regret everything they did to you." His words were a promise, a vow of retribution that resonated deep within...