Chapter 541
Ivan spotted Heath sitting in his wheelchair when he stepped out of the car. He looked very displeased.
"That's enough..."
Ivan stepped forward and slapped Karen twice. Even though Karen was his aunt, he felt that it was better for him to deal with her than to let Seth do it. Seth wouldn't stop at just two slaps.
Karen was stunned by the slaps. Her cheeks swelled rapidly. She stared at Ivan in disbelief. "Ivan, are you crazy? Why did you hit me?"
She had called Ivan for support, but he hit her instead. She felt that Ivan had lost his mind.
Ivan slapped her again and leaned forward, whispering through clenched teeth, "Don't drag me into your mess. Do you know who you've crossed?"
"Who? Is there someone in Rainville even you fear?"
Karen saw the seriousness in Ivan's face and felt a shiver run down her spine.
She had some influence in the area and considered herself a local queen. But there were many people to be feared.
"The man in the wheelchair is Prince Heath Walton of Riverland. The man behind him is his brother, Benjamin Walton. The only reason I have any influence is because of Heath's subordinate, Seth Clayton," Ivan explained in a low voice.NôvelD(ram)a.ôrg owns this content.
Karen didn't know who Heath was, but she understood the implication.
Heath had a subordinate named Seth, and Ivan was only in his position because of Seth. That meant that the man in the wheelchair was Seth's boss.
And she had just insulted him.
Karen felt a wave of terror wash over her, her body trembling uncontrollably.
"Ivan, what am I going to do now? Why is Prince Heath in Gordon's shop?"
Karen's voice was shaking as she clutched Ivan's arm.
Ivan spoke sternly, "Don't ask questions you shouldn't. Just tell me what you did."
Karen's eyes darted around nervously.
"I-I bought cookies at the store and saw that they were about to expire, so I..."
"So you tried to get them for free?"
Ivan knew Karen well. It wasn't the first time she had pulled a similar stunt. Other shopkeepers might have allowed her to get away with it to avoid trouble, but she had chosen
the wrong target that day.
"Ivan, it's all my fault. I won't do it again. Please help me!" Karen begged, clutching Ivan's arm in fear.
She was truly afraid she wouldn't see the light of day.
"This is the last time I'll help you. If this happens again, you're on your own," Ivan said coldly.
"Now, do exactly as I say, or not even Tony can save you."
Seth mentioned that Heath and Carlisle were as close as brothers, which was why Heath was staying at Carlisle's house to recuperate. Heath and Benjamin might look harmless, but that was just to keep Carlisle's parents from learning their true identities.
Karen would be in serious trouble if Heath weren't happy about the unfolding situation.
She nodded desperately.
"I'll do whatever you say. Just don't let them kill me!"
Ivan thought momentarily before saying, "Go and apologize to everyone you have offended. The situation might be resolved if they forgive you."
"Apologize? Like, actually apologize?"
Karen was horrified. She had a reputation to uphold. She wouldn't face anyone after that day. Ivan noticed her hesitation and sneered.
"If you don't do what I say, I guarantee your whole family won't sleep well tonight."
Terrified, Karen didn't dare defy Ivan. She trembled and reluctantly walked over to Benjamin as he chatted casually with Heath.