Alyssa and Jasper grew solemn in front of the serious-looking Cyrus. "Cyrus, go ahead."


    "You''re well known as a couple who seek justice and fight for what''s right." Cyrus sounded sarcastic.


    His remark prompted Jasper to nce at Alyssa. Jasper caressed her nape while replying, "Well, I''m


    not that great. I''m only assisting Lyse. She''s the one who''s outstanding, smart, and kind."


    "Cyrus was just teasing us! How could you make me shoulder his taunts while you act like the humble


    one?" Squinting, she yfully elbowed Jasper.


    "I didn''t tease you. I meant it." Growing serious, Cyrus exined, "The two victims killed today by the


    man who held Lauren hostage were members of a school bullying group."


    Jasper''s eyes darkened, and his face paled. Simrly, despair shed across Alyssa''s eyes. The fated


    couple had both experienced bullying before. Therefore, they hated bullying behavior more than


    anyone else.


    Content (C) N?v/elDra/ma.Org.


    "The murderer had a daughter who had been severely bullied by the five students in her two years at


    the school. She even got her nude photos taken. The five students made her their ve, and if she


    refused toply, they threatened to spread her nude photos on the school forum.


    "She and her father repeatedly lodged police reports, but they were being dismissed as there was


    insufficient evidence against the five, all because two of them came from wealthy and powerful families.


    "The father and daughter endured abuse because no one would help them. In the end, the poor girl


    chose to jump off a building because she couldn''t stand the humiliation."


    "Wealthy and powerful?" An intimidating gleam appeared in Jasper''s eyes. "Tell me their names. I''d like


    to see how wealthy and powerful they are."


    Equally indignant, Alyssa asked, "How''s that girl doing?"


    "She''s in the ER, but she''s still unconscious." Cyrus let out a frustrated sigh and curled his fist. "I read


    the reports she had filed and her medical inspection. There was sufficient evidence to sue the bullies.


    Since they are legal adults, if we follow the legal proceedings..."


    "You wouldn''t havee to me and Jasper if you were thinking of settling it legally," Alyssa pointed out


    Cyrus'' thoughts.


    Cyrus swallowed hard. He said in a hoarse voice, "One needs to pay for his crimes. I sympathize with


    that father, but I disagree with his way of taking revenge. He needs to be punished byw, but his


    daughter is innocent. Her bullies need to pay a huge price for her sufferings."


    "That was probably the only way the father could avenge his daughter, I guess," Jasper mumbled.


    "Cyrus, the police station must have received many of these reports in a year. Right?" Alyssa


    questioned curiously. "Why are you showing more interest in this case? Do you know the victim


    personally?"


    Cyrus recalled how Lauren curled up in his arms, hershes and nose wet from the tears. She looked


    disheveled but still adorable. He was attracted to her looks.


    He went on, "I had to speak up because this was a tragic case of long-term bullying. Besides, Lauren


    told me to seek justice for that girl."


    The sudden mention of Lauren caught Alyssa and Jasper off guard.


    "The hostage situation was really bad. Lauren only managed to save herself by convincing the


    murderer. She promised to stay by the girl''s side throughout this ordeal and to avenge both father and


    daughter. I don''t want to let Lauren down."


    However, Cyrus realized that his remark came out wrong, so he casually added, "Lauren is innocent


    and pure. I wish to see her stay the same and be a person who keeps her word. I want her world to be


    free of lies."


    Alyssa met Cyrus'' avoidant gaze with mixed emotions in her eyes.


    Jasper agreed, "Since that''s Lauren''s wish, that gives me more reason to make ite true."