Chapter 6
So when Ophelia saw Felix being bullied at Oak Haven Retreat, also wrongfully committed there like herself, she intervened.
She beat the ringleader until his face was swollen and bloody, leaving him sprawled on the ground, unable to get up.
After that, everyone's perception of her changed.
From being "a girl anyone could push around" to "a queen no one dared cross" took just ten minutes.
The man she'd floored was a notorious former soldier at Oak Haven Retreat, rumored to have participated in several international conflicts with countless deaths to his name.
Yet Ophelia defeated him in just a few moves—something no one could comprehend.
After she rescued Felix, he began following her everywhere, seeking her protection.
Wherever she went, Felix followed. Sometimes when she grew annoyed, she simply announced to everyone that Felix was under her protection—anyone who messed with him was challenging her directly.
No one dared trouble Felix after that, but he continued shadowing her.
Until one day, Felix stood before her with a guilty expression and said, "I'm sorry, Ms. Hayes, but I must leave Oak Haven now. Once I arrange everything outside, I'll come back for you."
She hadn't said much then, nor had she held much hope.
After all, Oak Haven Retreat was difficult to enter and even harder to leave.
Most patients there would consider themselves fortunate if they ever saw sunlight outside those walls again.
No one truly dreamed of permanently escaping Oak Haven.
Of course, Felix eventually returned for her as promised, offering to help her leave.
Unfortunately, she declined. By then, she could move freely in and out of Oak Haven Retreat through her own efforts—not just through that hole in the fence.
Reflecting on those memories, Ophelia felt a wave of nostalgia.
The two walked along the corridor until they reached Felix's office. He gestured for her to enter, then gently closed the doors behind them.
Bracing his hands on the desk, he stood behind it and slowly raised his head. "Ms. Hayes, I never imagined I'd see you outside Oak Haven Retreat."
Ophelia glanced around, updating her assessment of Felix's status. This man wasn't merely wealthy—his fortune might rival that of some small nation presidents.
Many items here she'd only seen in books, including the eagle figurine on his desk.
If she recalled correctly, that was a gift from the royal family to a mysterious honorary family years ago—reportedly for helping them through a major crisis.
Ophelia didn't dwell on this, simply acknowledging that Felix came from extraordinary circumstances.
She sat in the chair opposite Felix, who promptly poured her tea and placed it before her.
"I've been out for a while. Mainly seeking revenge," She said plainly.
"Revenge? Do you need my assistance?" Felix asked.
Ophelia shook her head, taking a sip of tea.
This was something she intended to handle personally, without borrowing anyone's strength.
However, there were certain matters she needed someone else to arrange.
"I heard one of your subsidiaries provides security services for foreign dignitaries?"
Felix nodded solemnly. "Correct. Falcon Security's employees are mostly veterans from internationally renowned mercenary organizations. For them, standard assignments pose no challenge."
"Do you have any... less capable ones?"
Felix looked confused. Wouldn't clients typically want the strongest security possible?
Ophelia didn't explain her reasoning in detail, but Felix understood she must have her reasons. He promptly arranged for a group of mercenaries who could be considered somewhat "weaker" by their standards.
"Good. Shortly, a man named Richard will contact you for security services. When that happens, assign these men to him. Also, make sure they memorize my phone number—I have tasks for them." Ophelia took out her phone and recited a number.
The phone had been given to her by Blake after she moved into Pine Ridge Estate, supposedly to prevent her from getting lost.
It had a tracking system installed, which she had modified as soon as she received it. Now it functioned like any normal phone.
Felix seemed frozen after hearing Ophelia's instructions. Thinking she hadn't been clear enough, she repeated herself.
Felix quickly snapped out of it and hastily agreed. "Yes, I understand, Ms. Hayes. Rest assured, they will complete whatever tasks you assign."
Ophelia's cool gaze swept across the group of muscular men, her expression remaining impassive as she nodded slightly before leaving Harold Plaza.
Outside, the sky was nearly dark.
The horizon had turned a deep blue-black, with a small crescent moon hanging in the sky.
Ophelia checked the time—already 8:00 PM. She needed to return quickly.
She hailed a taxi, telling the driver to get her to her destination before 9:00 PM by any means necessary.
The driver glanced at the time, then without hesitation floored the accelerator, darting into a narrow alley to their left.
Small shops lined both sides, some with long queues of customers waiting outside.
The food aromas and bustling scenes flashed past her window as Ophelia turned away.
Suddenly, the driver slammed on the brakes, nearly hitting a bulky man in a hoodie who had appeared in front of the car.
The driver sat pale-faced, frozen in his seat, who was clearly shaken by the near-accident.
The man who'd been almost hit remained in front of the car. Ophelia frowned at the time, realizing she was running late. She got out of the taxi, ignoring the driver's protests, and approached the man. "Sir, are you alright?"
The man looked up, fixing her with large, fierce eyes.
He pointed to his oddly-positioned leg. "This is all your fault! My leg is ruined—you need to compensate me!"
As the man raised his head, his legs became visible to Ophelia.
She could see that despite his claims, his legs responded normally to his movements. They weren't injured at all—this man was clearly trying to scam them.
Ophelia's lips curved into a cold smile. "Is that so? How much do you want?"
The man hesitated briefly, surprised by her cooperative response. Greed immediately flashed in his eyes.
He held up five fingers. "This much."
Ophelia's smile turned mocking. "Five cents?"
Humiliated and angry, the man pushed himself up from the ground, towering over Ophelia by a full head.
"What did you say? Want me to call my friends to deal with you?"
Seeing this, Ophelia stepped forward, delivering a swift sweeping kick that knocked the man to the ground. With her other hand, she pulled out her phone and dialed 911.