Is this destiny?

Colin, Marshall, and Jason stood in silence while they processed the information Ron dumped on them.

Ron escaping because his stepmother molested him, makes sense. Why else would a young heir who has good grades and excellent life leave all that behind?

The three boys remembered the rumors about Julia Heine which exploded online not so long ago. Their names were not mentioned, but the other details were clear enough for people to guess that they might be the victims of her heinous acts.

"It was you…" Colin said angrily. Only he knows how many questions his parents had for him.

"Yes. I want you to listen carefully." Ron responded while gesturing for them to calm down. "I found a new life. I have a new family and a loving girlfriend." Ron said while looking at Zula who smiled at him.

Jason sneered at Ron. "Did you get us here to gloat?"

"No. I wanted to say that I escaped Julia\'s grasp, and that you can do the same. Only I know what I went through to reach here, and you have no right to judge me, just how I will not judge you. I\'m not here to talk about what Julia did to me or to any of you. I brought you here because I want to ask you, if you get a chance to get back at her, will you take it, or will you walk away?"

Marshall narrowed his eyes. "What are you saying?"

Ron gestured with his hand toward the door behind the three boys. "Look for yourself…"

Colin was the first one to move. This situation made him uncomfortable and he wanted to be done and go home.

Colin opened the door and paused when he saw Julia Heine, tied up on the floor of a small room, completely devoid of furniture.

Julia was staring at three boys who stood at the door, looking at her with a mix of fear and hatred. She was trying to say something, but she was gagged and only muffled unintelligible sounds were heard.

Zula took Ron\'s hand in hers and gestured to him that they should enter the room as well.

"Here she is, guys…" Ron said while standing with Zula behind Marshall, Colin, and Jason. "I\'m giving you a chance to get back at the woman who did despicable things to you. Take back the control she has over you. No one will ever find out what happened here. Think about it… Do you want to punish her, or will you walk away?"

"What happens if we walk away?" Jason asked.

"This is a one-time offer. If you pass on it, don\'t come back and don\'t think about finding her again." Ron gestured toward the exit of the warehouse. "It\'s that simple. Walk away and don\'t mention this to anyone. But, even if you mention it, I will get this place cleaned of all the evidence and no one will believe you."

"You are confident that we will not rat on you." Colin voiced his thoughts.

Ron confirmed. "The three of you can go to the sheriff and repeat my words and tell him what you saw in order to bring him here. Without evidence, you are slandering me, and I will sue you. On top of that, you should be aware of how things are done in OUR little town."

Marshall, Colin, and Jason exchanged glances. They know that in their town, people don\'t want disturbances to the point of ignoring a crime. And since a few weeks ago, the pastor started telling everyone how young Mr. Heine is a good person who will take their town to the next level. The school principal and the sheriff changed as well. People are whispering that all the injuries on the old sheriff are done by Ron personally, but those are wild stories and they are not sure how exaggerated they are. However, it\'s undeniable that Ron made an appearance as a young professional with the backing of the White corp. and that since then, things in their town are changing.

"If we want to punish her, we can do anything?" Marshall asked while madness flashed in his eyes. The sight of Julia being helpless and at his mercy, evoked unknown feelings inside him.

Ron confirmed. "Anything. I said that I will not judge you. Look at her, talk with each other if needed, and let me know your decision. You can do this together, or individually. Whatever works for you. I am confident that you thought of many things you would do to her if you could. This is your chance."

"One day is not enough." Colin said icily while his gaze didn\'t leave Julia.

"You can take as long as you want. I will arrange for her to get food and medical treatment when needed, so that you are not in a rush…" Ron started explaining and Colin, Marshall, and Jason looked at Ron with amazement in their eyes.

"You don\'t want to punish her?" Colin asked Ron suspiciously when he noticed that Ron is talking only about the three of them hurting Julia.

"Because of me, her marriage fell apart and the society shunned her. I managed to get my father to see what monster he married, and he is paying the price for not believing me when I told him that Julia is a snake. I am outside of her reach and she can\'t touch me. I am giving you a chance to defeat your demons and get in charge of your life. Only like that, you will end your nightmares."

All three boys nodded in understanding. This response from Ron confirmed that he knows exactly what they are going through.

Julia listened to all this in disbelief. Why are they talking about her like she is a thing? Like she is not there... Did Ron compare her to a demon? And did Ron say that all the mess in the last few weeks was something he orchestrated? How is that possible? He is just a child!

Julia\'s crazed eyes moved on Zula who was silently standing by Ron\'s side, holding his hand, and looking at Ron with admiration obvious in her eyes. Julia was confident that all this is Zula\'s fault.

Ron noticed that Julia is glaring at Zula. In two swift steps, he was next to Julia and he kicked her in the stomach.

"How dare you look at Zula like that?" Ron squeezed between his teeth. "You are not worthy to look at her."

Colin, Marshall, and Jason were not sure what was more surprising: Ron\'s fast movements, his vicious kick, or Zula\'s gaze full of adoration directed at Ron. In any case, they silently agreed not to look at Zula carelessly. She is quiet, but her presence makes them feel uneasy like there is a danger lurking behind that smile.

"When we finish with Julia… then what?" Jason asked.

"Go to school, study hard, and get good grades. No one will mention this again. After you graduate, if you are interested, I can give you a job at Heinelurgy. I will take over officially in three years, and I will need capable people by my side." Ron said smugly.

Based on the way Colin, Marshall, and Jason looked at him, Ron had a feeling that they like the idea. Who knows? Maybe Aiden was right, and Ron managed to make friends who will be loyal to him.

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