Clayton could only shake his head helplessly as he watched Rodent walk away.
What he had long anticipated had finally come to pass. His good intentions had been twisted—as if he were someone to be ordered around at will.
With a heavy sigh, Clayton reflected on the opportunistic nature of people.
Not wanting to dwell on it any longer, he turned to Arthur, eyes filled with gratitude.
"Thanks, Arthur. If you hadn't shown up, things could've gotten a lot more troublesome."
"Don't mention it," Arthur replied. "I was just doing my part as a neighbor. Besides... I get the feeling you could've handled it without me."
Clayton chuckled softly, brushing it off like it was nothing.
Arthur, watching Clayton's calm demeanor, felt his respect grow. At first, he'd come merely to check in, maybe test Clayton a little—but the results had surprised him. Somehow, whenever Clayton got involved, things always seemed to work out. It was no wonder Arthur's curiosity kept growing.
