Thunderlord

Chapter 4

Bryson had been guarding the unconscious Audrey and Bella for over five hours.

Just then, the beautiful officer named Phoebe Williams approached with a respectful demeanor. "General, we've received a notification from the highest authority that since you've returned to Bennyvasia, a grand Worship Ceremony will be held in your honor. Please choose a suitable day for the ceremony."

Bryson didn't take his eyes off Audrey and Bella while responding, "Set it for seven days from now."

"Yes, General!"

Bryson handed Phoebe a small black notebook. "According to this list, send invitations to the dignitaries of Bennyvasia. I want them to witness this moment!"

"Understood!" Phoebe replied, standing at attention.

In just seven days, it would mark the tragic anniversary of the Reed family's extermination.

He needed to uncover the identities of those responsible for the Reed family's deaths within that time and ensure divine punishment for those present at the ceremony.

Phoebe turned to leave, and at that moment, Audrey stirred, slowly opening her eyes.

Her bright, alluring eyes still bore the signs of fatigue.

When she recognized Bryson, her body trembled, and tears filled her eyes.

A whirlwind of emotions of shock, resentment, and sorrow flooded her gaze.

"Bryson..."

"Audrey..."

Slap!

Before Bryson could respond, Audrey slapped him sharply across the face.

"Why have you disappeared for three years? Do you have any idea how much Bella and I have suffered during this time?"

After speaking, she covered her face with trembling hands.

Bryson wrapped his arms around her, nodding slightly as his eyes glistened with emotion. "Audrey, you're right. It's all my fault. I'm so sorry for you and our daughter."

"Do you understand how we've managed to survive these three years?"

Tears streamed down Audrey's cheeks as her weak body sank against Bryson's sturdy chest, her long hair falling over his shoulder.

Within Bryson, who was always strong and never shed a tear, guilt surged like a tidal wave, overwhelming every part of him, causing him to tremble.

As Audrey's sobs gradually quieted, her voice became hoarse, and her chest was soaked with tears.

At that moment, Bella stirred awake, rubbing her eyes and saying sweetly, "Mommy, don't cry. Daddy is back. Daddy is a hero. We can live together now!"

Audrey lifted her head, teary-eyed, and nodded at Bella. "Okay, Mommy won't cry. We'll live together..."

Bryson embraced Audrey and Bella, pulling them in close.

"From now on, I won't leave you again. I've made great achievements, and I promise to give you both the best life, making you the happiest girl in the world! Those who bullied you will pay!"

Audrey bit her lip and shook her head. "As long as Bella has her daddy, that's enough for me. You're just a soldier. I only hope our family stays safe and that we can live a happy life together."

Bryson nodded. Audrey was just as kind-hearted and easily pleased as she had been three years ago.

"Daddy, let's go home." Bella clung to Bryson's neck, clearly not wanting to let go.

"Okay, let's go home."

***

At the Russell Villa, a crowd of wealthy and prominent figures from Bennyvasia had gathered. Luxury cars lined the entrance.

As Bryson returned to this place, emotions surged within him.

Just as he was about to step inside, Bella tugged on him.

"What's wrong, Bella?"

"Daddy, our home isn't here." Bella's soft voice stunned Bryson.

"Mommy and I live in that house behind." Bella pointed toward a dilapidated building at the back of the villa.

"What?" Bryson frowned, realizing that the house Bella indicated had once been where the Russell family housed their servants.

Now, it looked even more rundown than before.

Bryson glanced at Audrey, his disbelief evident.

Audrey explained, "After you left, I became pregnant with Bella. The family wanted me to get an abortion, but I refused. My cousin Linda changed Grandpa's will, inheriting the Russell family's estate, and forced Bella and me to live here."

Hearing this made Bryson's anger boil over like an erupting volcano.

Seeing his reaction, Audrey quickly reassured him, "But I don't care. Now that I have you and Bella, that's enough for me, really..."

Bryson took both of their hands. "You can choose to leave Russell Villa, but not because they force you to do so! Let's go inside!"

At that moment, the Russell family villa was brightly lit and bustling with activity, a stark contrast to the dark, rundown house behind.

The current head of the Russell family, Linda, was hosting a charity gala, inviting children from an orphanage for an auction and adoption event.

While it was called a charity gala, it was just a way for her wealthy patrons to choose children for organ matching.

If a child caught a patron's eye, they would face organ harvesting, leading to their tragic end.

As they were about to enter, a drunken man in a suit stumbled out.

It was none other than Audrey's cousin, Mason.

Mason looked at the three of them and, at first taken aback, then broke into a wide smile.

"Hey, aren't you my cousin's husband? You're finally back! You vanished without a trace for three years. Why did you suddenly come back ?"

Before Audrey could respond, Mason continued cheerfully, "Oh, we're family. Come on, let's go inside and have a drink."

He pulled Bryson toward the hall.

Audrey looked anxious, keeping Bella close.

She understood her cousin was very much a scheming man, and his eager invitation for Bryson inside couldn't be a good sign.

Bryson followed Mason into the hall.

Everyone was dressed to the nines, sporting elegant suits and glimmering jewelry, showcasing a life of upper-class luxury.

Bryson spotted a woman on stage, clad in jewels with delicate features. She was Linda, the one who had forced Audrey and Bella to live in that shabby little house.

Mason approached the stage and whispered something to Linda, who then glanced at Bryson with a look that felt off.

Mason showed Bryson onto the stage and clapped his hands to signal for silence.

At that moment, Linda smiled slightly, speaking into the microphone. "Ladies and gentlemen, please allow me a moment of your time to introduce the man who has just come up on stage."

Everyone in the hall turned their attention to the stage, noise fading as they did.

Linda said with a smirk, "He is the former disgrace of the Russell family, my cousin Audrey's husband, the man who lived off the Russell family. He was useless, and he returned shamefully after disappearing for three years. His name is Bryson Reed."

In an instant, everyone in the hall looked at Bryson with mocking expressions.

Mason was extremely delighted. He clapped his hands with a sinister smile.