Chapter 91 Unreasonable
“Proof?” Ryland grinned, a smug look spreading across his face. Pointing at the woman, he said, “You’re the first one with the guts to talk to me like that.”
“Gee, how bold!” she shot back, her tone dripping with disdain. You’re also the first to act so smug in front of my husband. Honey, did you hear him? He bullied Jimmy and now thinks he can talk down to us. Show him where he stands.”
“Of course, darling,” the man said, his voice full of authority.
The woman sneered at Ryland, her voice thick with condescension. “You have no idea who my husband is, do you? He’s Orlando Perez, the Chief Inspector of the Tofral Police Department. A nobody like you doesn’t even deserve to speak to him. How dare you bully our son?”
Orlando puffed out his chest, towering over Ryland with an air of superiority. He raised his voice, making sure everyone could hear, “If you apologize now, I might consider letting you off the hook. Or…”
Ryland scoffed, unfazed. The Chief Inspector? So what? They were the ones in the wrong, and not even a high–ranking officer could distort the truth.
“Uncle Ryland…” Felix tugged at Ryland’s shirt, his small voice filled with worry.
Not wanting Felix to be frightened, Ryland bent down, his tone softening as he reassured him, “Don’t be scared, Felix. Uncle Ryland will make sure these bad people apologize to you.”
After calming Felix, Ryland stood up, locking eyes with Orlando. “You want proof? The staff is right here. Why don’t you ask them?”
Everyone’s gaze shifted to the staff member standing nearby, clearly uncomfortable.
Ryland spoke in a calm but firm tone to the young staff member. “Don’t be afraid. Just tell the truth about what happened.”
The staff member, barely in her twenties and clearly inexperienced with such confrontations, turned pale and stammered.
Jimmy’s mother stepped forward, her tone turning harsh as she grabbed the staff member’s arm. “Speak up. My husband is the Chief Inspector. We’ve got your back.”
“I… I’m not exactly sure… I heard… a child crying. By the time I got there, both kids were crying, and this chubby–uh, I mean, this child was on the ground. I don’t know what happened before that,” the staff member stammered, clearly rattled.
“That’s not what you said earlier!” Ryland shot back, his anger flaring. His eyes narrowed as he pointed accusingly at the staff member, realizing that the young woman was too intimidated by the Orlando’s status to tell the truth.
Ryland’s voice dropped with fury as he snapped, “You’re lying!”
At the sight of his rising anger, Jimmy’s mother stepped forward, jabbing a finger at Ryland. “What the hell do you think you’re doing? Are you threatening the staff now? Is this your idea of proof? Apologize to my boy, now!”
“No way! Damn it! What are you going to do, huh?” Ryland cursed under his breath, frustration bubbling up as he realized there was no reasoning with this absurd family. They were completely impossible to deal with.
“Honey, do something!”
At the sound of his wife’s voice, Orlando surged forward, grabbing Ryland by the collar. His height and muscular build gave him an undeniable advantage, effortlessly lifting Ryland off the ground.
Ryland immediately raised his hands in defense, but he was no match for Orlando’s
strength. With a single hand, Orlando easily pinned Ryland’s arms, keeping him
suspended.
“Apologize!” Orlando growled, his voice laced with menace.
Felix, unable to bear the sight of Ryland being bullied, started to cry. “Bad man! Let go of Uncle Ryland! Let go!”
“Uncle Ryland? So, he’s not your dad? Kiddo, don’t tell me he’s your mommy’s lover.”
“Stop talking nonsense!” Ryland snapped, his voice defiant, even as he dangled in Orlando’s grip.
Despite the situation, his tone softened as he turned to comfort Felix. “Don’t be scared, Felix. Be a good boy. Get your smart watch and call your mommy.”
