Chapter 401: So many children!!
The man suddenly reached inside his jacket.
Miles noticed the movement immediately.
Too quick.
Too nervous.
A second later, a knife appeared in the man’s hand.
Several customers gasped.
The crowd instinctively stepped backward.
The fake inspector raised the knife toward Miles while slowly retreating toward the entrance.
"Stay back!"
His voice had lost all the confidence from before.
"Clear the way!"
The convenience store fell into chaos.
People whispered.
Some immediately moved farther away.
Others raised their phones.
Hope’s face turned pale.
"Brother..."
Miles glanced toward her.
Then smiled.
"It’s fine."
He took one step forward.
The man tightened his grip around the knife.
"I said stay back!"
Miles didn’t stop.
The man raised the weapon higher.
"Look, I will stab you!"
Miles took another step.
The distance between them became smaller.
His expression remained completely calm.
"First..."
Miles looked directly into the man’s eyes.
"You call yourself my employee."
The man’s expression changed.
"Then you use the name of Stella Foods to extort money from businesses."
Miles continued walking.
"Threatening retailers."
"Taking bribes."
"Defaming the company."
The man swallowed.
Miles’ voice became colder.
"And I’m wondering..."
His eyes narrowed.
"Who gave you the courage to specifically target a subsidiary of Sterling Enterprises?"
The knife trembled slightly.
"Step back!"
The man shouted again.
"I said step back!"
His arm moved forward.
That was enough.
Miles’ hand shot out.
Before anyone could understand what happened, he caught the man’s wrist.
The man tried pulling away.
Nothing.
Miles twisted his hand.
The knife immediately fell from his grip.
Miles caught it before it reached the floor.
A few people gasped.
It happened so quickly that most of the crowd didn’t even process the movement.
Miles looked at the knife.
Then casually placed it on a nearby counter.
His other hand never released the man’s wrist.
Miles looked back at him.
"I asked you a question."
The man winced.
"Who told you to do this?"
Behind him, the other three men suddenly realized the situation had completely collapsed.
One of them whispered,
"Run."
All three turned toward the entrance.
They barely made it several steps.
Four men in plain clothes were already standing there.
Sterling Security.
They had arrived quietly after Junes’ call and positioned themselves without drawing attention.
One agent stepped forward.
"Going somewhere?"
The three men froze.
Another agent blocked the opposite side.
The fake inspectors slowly looked around.
No exit.
No escape.
Miles smiled.
The man trapped in his grip was beginning to shake.
Miles studied his face.
"Look at you."
He tightened his fingers slightly.
The man grimaced.
"You don’t look like someone who willingly goes against Sterling Enterprises."
Miles tilted his head.
"Most people in Star Harbor know better."
The man remained silent.
Miles continued.
"So..."
"Who told you?"
He tightened his grip again.
The man immediately cried out.
"Alright!"
Miles stopped.
The man’s breathing became heavy.
"It was..."
He hesitated.
Miles’ eyes hardened.
"The Managing Director."
"Of?"
The man closed his eyes.
"Prime Snacks."
Whispers immediately spread across the store.
"Prime Snacks?"
"The competitor?"
"I’ve seen their products."
"Are they behind this?"
Hope stared at the man in disbelief.
Miles slowly loosened his grip, but didn’t release him completely.
"Continue."
The man swallowed.
"He hired us."
"For what?"
"To create trouble."
Miles waited.
The man’s shoulders dropped.
"He said Stella Foods products were taking too much shelf space in local stores."
Hope’s expression changed.
The man continued hurriedly.
"They wanted retailers to stop buying from Stella Foods."
"So they told us to pretend to be inspectors."
"Threaten contract termination."
"Find faults."
"Ask for money."
"And eventually..."
He lowered his head.
"Make retailers think working with Stella Foods was too troublesome."
The crowd became louder.
Someone cursed.
Another customer muttered,
"Pathetic."
Hope looked furious now.
"That’s why you kept coming?"
The man didn’t answer her.
Miles finally released his wrist.
The man immediately held his hand against his chest.
Miles sighed.
"What a fool."
Everyone looked toward him.
Miles shook his head.
"Instead of making your own products better, you sabotage competitors."
He looked toward the security agents.
"Take them outside."
One agent nodded.
"Yes, Boss."
Miles continued.
"They’re disrupting the store."
"The police are already on the way."
"Hand them over when they arrive."
"Understood."
The agents moved immediately.
The four scammers were escorted outside.
None resisted anymore.
The crowd slowly began dispersing.
Some customers continued talking about what had happened.
Others remained near the windows to watch the men being detained outside.
Within a few minutes, the convenience store slowly returned to normal.
Hope stood near Miles.
For the first time since the confrontation started, she looked genuinely embarrassed.
Miles noticed.
"What?"
Hope hesitated.
"Sorry, sir."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"For what?"
"I didn’t know..."
She looked toward him carefully.
"That you were from Sterling Enterprises."
Miles smiled.
"So?"
Hope rubbed her fingers together awkwardly.
"I even called you brother."
Miles laughed.
"What’s wrong with that?"
Hope looked surprised.
"But..."
She lowered her voice.
"You must be a really important person."
Miles shook his head.
"I’m not."
Hope looked unconvinced.
Miles lifted the bag of candy.
"I’m just a family man..."
He smiled.
"...looking for candies for his family."
Hope covered her mouth while chuckling.
"You’re too modest, Brother."
Miles sighed.
"There you go again."
She smiled.
Then curiosity appeared on her face.
"Can I ask something?"
"Sure."
"How did you know someone else was behind them?"
Miles looked toward the entrance where the scammers had been taken.
"It’s simple."
Hope listened carefully.
"A random street criminal wouldn’t intentionally pick a fight with Sterling Enterprises."
She blinked.
Miles continued.
"Everyone in Star Harbor understands that."
"Sterling Enterprises does business for profit."
"But we also have a reputation for supporting law enforcement and taking violations seriously."
He smiled faintly.
"That reputation scares some people."
Hope nodded slowly.
Miles continued.
"Those four were nervous the moment I challenged them."
"They were ready to threaten you."
"Ready to take money."
"But the moment they heard Sterling Enterprises..."
Miles shrugged.
"They wanted to leave."
Hope’s expression showed understanding.
Miles continued.
"People like them usually don’t act without someone giving them protection."
"Or money."
"And sometimes..."
He glanced toward the door.
"Other people take advantage of the fear surrounding a company’s name."
Hope nodded.
"I agree."
Miles looked toward her.
Hope sighed.
"That was actually one reason my father agreed to pay them."
Miles frowned.
"He thought they really represented Stella Foods?"
"Yes."
Hope looked embarrassed.
"He didn’t want trouble."
"They kept threatening the contract."
"So Father said it was better to give them money than risk becoming the enemies of Sterling Enterprises in the market."
Miles became thoughtful.
"That’s a problem."
Hope looked at him.
Miles slowly nodded to himself.
"We need stronger business to business transparency."
Hope blinked.
Miles continued thinking aloud.
"And better business to customer reachability."
"If retailers can’t easily confirm who represents us..."
He sighed.
"...then people like this will keep exploiting them."
Hope watched him curiously.
Miles pulled out his phone and typed a short note.
"I’ll organize an internal meeting with the subsidiaries."
"Then we’ll make the reporting structure public."
"Authorized representatives."
"Complaint channels."
"Verification contacts."
He put the phone away.
"Maybe a press conference too."
Hope’s eyes brightened.
"You’re going to be on television?"
Miles looked at her.
"Huh?"
She smiled excitedly.
"Tell me when."
"I want to see you."
Miles laughed.
"I’m never on television."
Hope frowned.
"Why?"
"I don’t like cameras."
"Really?"
"Really."
Miles smiled.
Then his tone softened.
"Besides..."
He looked at her.
"You’re young."
"Hardworking."
"You should focus on your studies."
Hope listened.
"Your hobbies."
"Your goals."
"Not corporate drama."
She smiled.
Miles continued.
"Your parents will be proud of you."
Hope nodded.
"I understand."
Miles looked toward the rows of shelves.
Then suddenly remembered something.
"Since we’re talking about goals..."
Hope tilted her head.
"If you don’t mind me asking..."
"What is your dream?"
Hope didn’t need much time to answer.
"I want to become a scientist."
Miles smiled.
"Scientist?"
"Yes."
Her expression immediately became enthusiastic.
"More specifically..."
"A biotechnologist."
Miles’ expression changed almost imperceptibly.
Hope continued.
"I want to study biotechnology."
"Research medicine."
"Genetics."
"Maybe agricultural biotechnology too."
She smiled.
"And someday I want to work for one of the big companies."
Miles nodded.
"Like?"
"Novo."
She counted on her fingers.
"Johnson."
Then,
"Horizon."
Miles became silent.
Only for a second.
But Hope noticed.
"What’s wrong?"
Miles looked toward her.
"Nothing."
His smile returned.
"Study well."
Hope nodded.
"I will."
Miles continued.
"Get into a good university."
"And..."
He thought for a moment.
"If you manage that..."
Hope watched him curiously.
"I promise I’ll give you a present."
Her eyes immediately widened.
"Really?"
That reaction.
That excitement.
Miles froze for half a second.
For some reason...
It reminded him exactly of the little Hope waiting at Pearl Villa.
Same name.
Same excited eyes.
Same way of immediately believing a promise.
Miles smiled warmly.
"Yes."
Without thinking, he gently patted her head.
Hope blinked.
Miles suddenly realized what he had done.
"Oh."
He quickly withdrew his hand.
"Sorry."
Hope looked confused.
Miles smiled awkwardly.
"It’s a habit."
Hope laughed.
"I understand."
Miles glanced toward the candy bag.
"Good."
Hope suddenly remembered something.
"You said your little sister had a fever, right?"
Miles nodded.
"She’s better now."
"Wait."
Before Miles could ask anything, Hope ran away.
He watched her disappear toward the back of the store.
"What now?"
Barely a minute later, she returned.
This time, she held a small bundle of fresh flowers.
Miles looked surprised.
Hope extended them toward him.
"This is for her."
Miles stared at the flowers.
Then at the girl.
"For my sister?"
Hope nodded.
"Yes."
"Tell her..."
She smiled.
"...another Hope wishes her good health."
Miles couldn’t help smiling.
He accepted the flowers carefully.
"Thank you."
"You’re welcome."
Before the conversation could continue...
Police sirens became audible outside.
Hope looked toward the entrance.
The flashing lights reflected against the store windows.
A few officers entered.
The senior officer leading them immediately noticed Miles.
His expression changed.
He walked forward.
Then saluted.
"Sir."
Hope looked toward Miles again.
Miles returned a small nod.
"Officer."
The officer lowered his hand.
"We received the report."
Miles gestured toward the entrance.
"Four men are being held outside."
"They impersonated Stella Foods employees."
"Extorted money from this business."
"And one of them confessed that they were hired by the Managing Director of Prime Snacks."
The officer’s expression became serious.
"We’ll investigate immediately."
Miles nodded.
"Take this matter seriously."
"Mr. Singh from our legal team will contact your department tomorrow."
The officer nodded.
"Understood."
Miles looked around the store.
"There were plenty of witnesses."
He gestured toward several customers.
"The confession happened in front of many people."
"You can collect statements."
"Yes, Mr. Sterling."
The officer turned.
"Thank you."
He walked toward the entrance.
Hope stared at Miles.
"Sterling...?"
Miles turned toward her.
"What?"
Hope smiled strangely.
"Nothing."
Miles narrowed his eyes.
She laughed.
Miles picked up his candy bags.
"Alright."
He looked toward the flowers.
"I should go."
Hope nodded.
Miles smiled.
"I promise I’ll visit the farm next summer."
Hope’s eyes brightened.
"I’ll wait, Brother."
"See you then."
"See you."
Miles walked toward the entrance.
Within a few moments...
He disappeared into the evening.
Hope remained near the aisle.
She stared toward the door for several seconds.
Then sighed.
"Brother is so handsome..."
A staff member passing nearby looked at her.
Hope ignored them.
She continued quietly,
"His wife is definitely beautiful."
Then she smiled.
"And his siblings must be so cute."
"Miss Hope."
She turned.
The same senior police officer had returned.
"Yes?"
"We need your statement."
He took out a notebook.
"And we’ll need your help contacting your father."
Hope immediately nodded.
"Of course."
...
Pearl Villa.
The moment Miles entered the house...
"Big brooo!"
A small figure rushed toward him.
Miles barely had time to put the bags down.
Hope jumped.
Miles caught her with both hands.
"Whoa."
Elena immediately called from behind.
"Slow down!"
Miles laughed.
He lifted his little sister slightly.
"Feeling better?"
Hope nodded rapidly.
"Yes!"
Miles gently patted her head.
"Good."
Then he smiled mysteriously.
"Guess what I brought."
Hope’s eyes widened.
"What?"
"Watermelon flavored candy."
Her face lit up instantly.
"Really?"
She almost bounced in his arms.
"Gimme!"
Miles laughed.
"Wait."
He carefully put her down.
Hope immediately held out both hands.
Miles reached inside one bag.
But instead of candy...
He took out the flowers.
Hope blinked.
"A flower?"
Miles handed them to her.
"The big sister at the store gave them to you."
Hope carefully held the flowers.
"For me?"
"Yes."
She brought them closer and smelled them.
Her expression became delighted.
"Really?"
Miles nodded.
"She heard you had a fever."
Hope smiled brightly.
"It smells so good."
Miles watched her for a moment.
Then finally took out the candy.
"And..."
He held up the packet.
"Here."
Hope gasped.
"My candy!"
She grabbed it.
Then jumped around excitedly.
"Watermelon!"
Miles laughed.
Only then did he notice Asher.
The boy was sitting quietly on the side.
Very quietly.
Miles raised an eyebrow.
"My little brother."
Asher looked toward him.
"You don’t want candy?"
Asher shook his head.
"It’s okay."
Miles became suspicious.
Asher continued calmly,
"I’m happy if Hope is happy."
Miles stared at him.
Something was definitely wrong.
Or perhaps...
Very right.
"What happened?"
Asher looked away.
Miles turned toward Elena.
She smiled.
Then leaned slightly closer.
"Someone in his class gave him a pineapple pie."
Miles blinked.
"What?"
Elena covered her smile.
Miles slowly looked toward Asher.
The little boy was pretending not to listen.
Miles’ lips curved upward.
"So that’s why he looks so happy."
Elena nodded.
"Yes."
Miles lowered his voice dramatically.
"I wonder..."
Asher immediately looked toward him.
"...if this friend is a girl."
Asher’s face changed.
Elena laughed.
"Son."
Miles looked toward her.
"They’re too young."
Miles nodded seriously.
"Yes."
Then he looked toward Asher again.
"Definitely."
Asher immediately complained,
"Big Bro!"
Miles laughed.
He handed the pineapple candies to Elena.
"Here."
Elena accepted them.
"Give these to him when he’s in a bad mood."
Asher protested.
"I’m not in a bad mood!"
Miles ignored him.
"Sure."
A short while later...
The entrance opened again.
Monica and Chloe had returned from the Soul Tower.
Monica immediately noticed the candy packets.
She stopped.
Then looked toward Miles.
"Distributing candies before dinner?"
Miles smiled.
Monica put down her bag.
"Where are ours?"
Hope immediately raised her watermelon packet.
"I can share with you, Big Sisters."
Chloe smiled.
She walked toward Hope.
"You are the best."
Miles crossed his arms.
"So..."
Everyone looked toward him.
"You don’t want the ones I brought specifically for you two?"
Monica froze.
"You brought some for me?"
Miles nodded.
Monica’s eyes narrowed suspiciously.
"Is something wrong?"
Miles looked offended.
"You make it sound like I never bring things for you, Cousin."
Monica smiled.
"Because usually you bring me work."
Miles sighed.
He handed her one packet.
Then another to Chloe.
Monica looked at hers.
Her eyes immediately brightened.
"Strawberry."
Miles smiled.
"Correct?"
"They’re my favorite."
"Good."
Chloe looked at her own packet.
Then toward Miles.
"Thank you for the treat."
Miles nodded proudly.
Then another voice came from nearby.
"Where is mine?"
Miles turned.
Daniel stood there.
Miles blinked.
"You want candy too?"
Daniel frowned.
"Why not?"
Miles stared at him.
"Oops."
He looked genuinely apologetic.
"I didn’t know you liked candy."
Elena sighed.
"Are you a child too, Daniel?"
Daniel remained completely serious.
"Hmm."
Everyone laughed.
Chloe immediately opened her packet.
"Here."
She held some toward him.
"You can have some from mine, Father."
Daniel smiled triumphantly.
"You are the best."
Then another elderly voice came from the couch.
"Are you forgetting me too?"
Miles slowly turned.
Timothy sat there with his walking stick beside him.
He looked almost offended.
Miles stared at him.
Elena placed one hand against her forehead.
"Everyone is a child in this house."
The entire living room burst into laughter.
And somehow...
The exhaustion of the day disappeared.
...
Miles eventually sat on the couch beside Monica.
She was opening her strawberry candy when he called,
"Monica."
She looked toward him.
"Yes, Boss?"
Miles smiled.
"I brought you something else."
Her hand stopped.
"What?"
Miles reached inside his coat.
He pulled out a small envelope.
Then handed it to her.
Monica stared at it suspiciously.
"What is this?"
"Open it."
She slowly opened the envelope.
Something slipped into her hand.
Her eyes moved across it.
Then froze.
"This is..."
Miles leaned back comfortably.
"A front row ticket."
Monica looked at him.
"For the stand up comedy show this weekend."
Her eyes widened.
Miles continued casually,
"I heard you really like that comedian."
Monica looked down at the ticket again.
Miles smiled.
"So..."
"I hope you go."
She remained silent.
Miles added,
"It was very difficult to get, you know."
Monica immediately became suspicious.
"What did you do?"
Miles looked innocent.
"I traded for it."
"With what?"
Miles smiled mysteriously.
"A very high price."
Monica slowly looked up.
Then realization appeared.
Her eyes narrowed.
"What are you?"
Miles blinked.
"A loving brother?"
Monica stared.
"A matchmaker?"
Miles placed one hand against his chest.
"Who knows?"
He looked toward the ceiling dramatically.
"Maybe I’m an angel sent from heaven."
Monica stared at him for two seconds.
Then lightly hit his shoulder.
Miles laughed.
"Ow."
"Angel?"
She shook her head.
"More like a devil from hell."
Miles looked offended.
"That was mean."
Monica looked back at the ticket.
Miles’ smile became slightly dangerous.
"But..."
Monica immediately knew what was coming.
"If he rejects my sister again..."
Miles leaned closer.
"...I’ll definitely become a devil for him."
Monica’s head snapped toward him.
"Boss."
Miles smiled.
"Yes?"
"Please."
Her expression became serious.
"Stay out of this."
Miles raised an eyebrow.
Monica continued.
"He’s very sensitive to violence."
Miles stared at her.
Then slowly smiled.
"We’ll see."
"Boss."
Before Monica could continue...
Elena’s voice came from the dining room.
"Dinner’s ready!"
Miles immediately stood.
"Coming, Mom!"
Then he ran away.
Monica stared after him.
"Hey!"
Miles didn’t turn back.
Monica sighed.
Then she looked down at the ticket again.
The front row.
Her fingers gently moved across the edge of the paper.
A small smile slowly appeared on her face.