CHAPTER 183: THE FEAR OF THE BLACK REVENGER

The news of the Black Revenger’s reappearance spread like wildfire. With her sudden return, the Whitmore–Clifford scandal was reignited across the country. Several fan pages that had once been created during her earlier appearances... pages that had been slowly dying out were now revitalized. It was proof she had never truly disappeared; she had merely been waiting for the second scumbag to strike.

The webcomic based on her exploits, which had gained moderate popularity back then, was reposted and this time went viral. People began requesting a sequel, and the creator announced that a new instalment would be released within days.

Amidst the chaos stirred by the Black Revenger, Eleanor’s plan worked exactly as intended. The scandal involving James and Jennifer reached new, unprecedented heights. Across every platform, they were labelled the ultimate cheating couple.

Back when Eleanor herself had been kidnapped and raped, social media and online news portals hadn’t yet reached the masses. The story was mostly passed around through gossip in the local community, and appeared buried deep within the inner pages of national newspapers. As the Whitmores were only a second-rate family in Manchester, the headlines had stayed small.

Now, however, things were different. The first-rate Clifford family was involved. A sex tape had been leaked. National media pounced. Social media reached every home, and regardless of who they were in real life, everyone became a self-proclaimed judge and executioner online.

The Black Revenger’s appearance shocked the Whitmore family to the core. They could not comprehend how James had lost his leg so easily, without a sound or warning. They were discussing the matter in the private hospital room where Jennifer was receiving post-operative care. She was mostly healed, but the doctors had recommended she remain under observation for another day or two.

The conversation ceased when they heard a knock at the door. William stood and opened it. Bernie Sanders, the man who had recently bought William’s shares in EverBuild, stood outside with a smile plastered on his face and a fruit basket in hand.

"Ah! Mr Sanders. Come in, come in," William said, ushering him inside.

Jennifer and Jeanne subtly adjusted their clothes as they turned to see who it was. William introduced him, "Mr Sanders, this is my wife, Jeanne. And of course, you know my daughter, Jennifer."

Bernie gave a small nod. "Good morning, Mrs Whitmore. Miss Whitmore. Mr Whitmore and I are old acquaintances. I hope you don’t mind my sudden visit."

Jeanne replied politely, "Not at all. Good morning, Mr Sanders. Please, have a seat." She gestured to a chair nearby.

Bernie sat and let out a soft sigh. "I’m truly sorry for your loss. I was out of town when it happened. I came to see you as soon as I returned."

William’s heart lifted slightly. Among all his business associates, Bernie was the only one who had reached out after the disaster. The others had avoided him like the plague.

"Thank you for your concern. We really appreciate it," William said.

After some small talk about Jennifer’s recovery, carefully skirting around the scandal itself... Bernie finally came to the reason for his visit.

"Mr Whitmore, what’s done is done. Now, we must look to the future. What unsettles me most is the Black Revenger’s return. Mr Clifford has already suffered at her hands. I fear she may target Miss Whitmore next. You must be cautious, at least for a few days."

The thought hadn’t even occurred to the Whitmores. Until now, the Black Revenger had only harmed the men. But Bernie’s words planted a seed... and with it, unease.

Jeanne said hesitantly, "She’s only attacked men so far... not women. And we’re in a hospital. She wouldn’t be so brazen as to strike here, would she?"

"I hope not," Bernie replied. "But Miss Whitmore was directly involved in the scandal. It’s only a possibility... but one worth preparing for."

William frowned. "What should we do? We’ll be leaving the hospital in a day or two. After that... we’ll be exposed."

"In light of our past relationship," Bernie said slowly, "if you don’t mind... I have a suggestion."

All three turned to him expectantly. William nodded. "Please, go ahead. We’d be glad for your advice."

Bernie leaned forward slightly. "You must face reality. The situation has escalated to the point where everyone recognizes Miss Whitmore’s face. People will always look down on her now. And let’s be honest... You have no work here anymore. If you’ve saved anything, this might be the time to start fresh... abroad. Miss Whitmore is still young, and you’ve got experience. You can help her build something new."

William sighed. "To be honest, we haven’t saved much. Nothing significant to begin anew."

Bernie answered quickly, "That’s understandable. But if you’re leaving the country, what use are your properties here? You could sell them. Later, buy new ones wherever you go. I don’t have the cash to buy myself, but I can help you find a buyer."

William exhaled heavily. "All my EverBuild shares are gone. I have some shares in a few international companies, but they aren’t worth much. I can sell them online at any time. Still... your suggestion makes sense. There’s no future for us here. Relocation might be our only peace."

Bernie said, "If you’ve got land, shares, or shops to sell, I can arrange it. But I won’t do it for free. I’ll need a benefit... whatever percentage you think is fair after you receive the funds."

William nodded slowly. "We’ll have to think it through. If I decide to sell, I’ll contact you. But I have one request... please don’t spread the word. I want this to stay as quiet as possible."

"Of course," Bernie replied smoothly.

After some further small talk, Bernie left the cabin. For a long time, all three members of the Whitmore family sat in silence.

The silence was broken by Jennifer.

"Dad, Mum, I think what Mr Sanders said is the reality. I don’t know who holds such hatred toward me... or us... that they’d go to such lengths. But the situation right now isn’t in our favour. EverBuild is gone from our hands. The shares I still hold might allow me to remain as a director, at most. But after those photos leaked... getting support from other shareholders will be an uphill battle. If I can sell those shares for a decent price, it’ll be good for us. We can sell off whatever other properties we still have. Let’s go to the US. We can start fresh."

Jeanne said, "You two didn’t believe me, but I’m sure that bitch Eleanor is the one who did this to us. Who else would have such hatred toward both of you? She wanted to marry James. That’s why she’s done all this."

Jennifer sighed. "Mum, I know where your mind is going. But I think this was done by one of James’s enemies. Just think... since everything happened, has he called me even once? Let alone come to visit? He clearly knows what’s happened. And what about Aunt Phoebe? Has she contacted you a single time? Wasn’t she your sister?"

William spoke calmly. "There’s no point in arguing again. We need to think carefully if we’re really going to relocate. I also believe Mr Sanders made a good point. He gave me a fair price for the shares. If Jennifer can get the same rate for hers, it’s worth considering. I need to make a list of everything we can sell. If we leave now, we won’t be coming back."

Jennifer said, "Okay, Dad. Aside from the shares, I don’t have much saved. You can gather funds by selling the rest. I don’t want to stay in Manchester any longer. I’ve been to Virginia... I know the area a bit. We can rent a house there to start. Then I’ll set up a small business. Leave that to me."

William nodded. "Then I’d better head home and start gathering everything. I’ll call Mr Sanders once I’ve listed what we can sell. You two stay here at the hospital. If you need anything, just call me. No matter what happens, don’t leave the building."

With that, William left the cabin, closing the door behind him.

***

Eleanor paid no attention to what was happening to James or Jennifer. All her chess pieces were already in place. They would finish the job for her.

Her current focus was on Laila and Raphael’s upcoming wedding. Since Laila had no surviving family members, Eleanor had taken it upon herself to act as the bride’s guardian. She couldn’t involve anyone else... especially not any human, as it would be a werewolf-exclusive ceremony.

Eleanor was visiting the Blanc family’s old estate in Knowsley, located in the county of Merseyside. The clan head, Dominic Blanc, along with several other family members, resided here in the countryside.

She had come for two very important reasons: one was to witness Laila’s turning ritual, and the other was to discuss the marriage arrangements between Raphael and Laila.

This would be her first time witnessing a turning ritual, which was set to begin at midnight. She was eager to observe the sacred proceedings.