"Grace, Grace..."
Caleb Forrest had a panicked look on his face. Unwilling to leave, he chased after Grace Winslow and Lily Callahan.
Grace Winslow's family lived in town. Lily Callahan was accompanying her home this time, and they hadn't told her family they were coming.
When her family learned she was sick and that Caleb Forrest had brought another woman home, they immediately realized something was seriously wrong.
Just then, Grace's oldest brother, Nolan Winslow, was riding over on his bike to find them, with their second brother, Brandon Winslow, following behind.
The two of them were pedaling so fast their bikes were practically flaming wheels. As they sped along, they spotted a familiar figure in the distance.
It was only when they got closer that they saw Caleb Forrest chasing after her.
The two brothers rode over.
When Lily Callahan saw her husband arrive, she immediately shouted, "Honey, get over here! That shameless Caleb Forrest has a mistress on the side, and they've even had a kid! Now he wants to trick our sister into taking care of his homewrecker and illegitimate child! Pah! What a piece of trash!"
Nolan Winslow, who had just gotten close, heard this and immediately abandoned his bike, throwing it to the ground. He rolled up his sleeves and charged forward.
Grace Winslow wanted to stop him but couldn't even get a word out before Nolan Winslow's fist smashed into Caleb Forrest's face.
But Caleb Forrest was no pushover.
He was a veteran, after all. Back in the service, he had been one of the best. If it weren't for the injury that led to his discharge, he'd probably be a company commander by now.
He was caught off guard by Nolan Winslow's first punch, but he quickly recovered and started grappling with him.
"Nolan, stop fighting!" Grace Winslow cried out, afraid her brother would get hurt.
When Caleb Forrest heard this, he was instantly pleased. 'She can't bear to see me get hurt,' he thought. 'She still cares about me.'
Seeing his older brother taking hits, Brandon Winslow quickly ditched his own bike and rushed over to help.
The three men became a tangled mess, scuffling on the ground.
Grace Winslow was frantic with worry.
Lily Callahan, ever the chaos-lover, was cheering them on from the sidelines.
"Lily, make them stop! The patrol will be here soon, and public brawling is a serious offense," Grace Winslow said anxiously, grabbing Lily Callahan's arm.
Only then did Lily Callahan snap back to reality.
Seeing that Caleb Forrest was getting the worst of the fight, she quickly called out to Nolan Winslow, "Sutherlyn, your sister says her head is killing her! Quick, she has pneumonia and a high fever! The cold wind seems to be making it worse."
As soon as she said that, Nolan Winslow could no longer be bothered with beating him up.
He pulled back, but Caleb Forrest, seeing red, took advantage of the opening and threw a punch straight at Nolan's temple.
Grace Winslow's heart leaped into her throat. "Nolan, watch out! Brandon!"
Brandon Winslow reacted instantly, kicking Caleb Forrest's arm. A sharp pain shot through Caleb's arm, and the punch never landed on Nolan Winslow.
Nolan Winslow turned, ready to go back and give Caleb Forrest another beating.
Lily Callahan quickly shouted, "Stop fighting, stop fighting! Your sister fainted!"
As she spoke, she shot Grace Winslow a meaningful look.
Grace Winslow took the cue and collapsed into Lily Callahan's arms.
Nolan and Brandon Winslow were suddenly frantic, no longer caring about dealing with Caleb Forrest as they both rushed over.
Seeing that Grace Winslow really did have a high fever, her face flushed red, Nolan Winslow instantly felt that the beating he'd given Caleb Forrest had been far too light.
However, this wasn't the time to dwell on that; the priority was getting Grace Winslow to the hospital as quickly as possible.
"Quick, get her on the bike. I'll take her to the hospital."
Caleb Forrest had scrambled back to his feet by now. Hearing that Grace Winslow had fainted, he rushed forward, wanting to check on her.
But Brandon Winslow blocked his path. "I don't think my sister wants to see you right now, Caleb Forrest. Do you remember what you promised when you asked for her hand in marriage?"
"The Winslow family may not have powerful connections, but we absolutely will not take this lying down. Everything you've done to my sister... we will not let this go!"