Didn't she accuse you of bullying her? So do it. And finally, we drive her out of the city. She wanted to stay here, right? Didn't want her parents to yank her out of school? Well, she gave up that right when she messed with you. Ask nicely, and I'll ship her out of the country.

To the deserted area of Deplua, perhaps." ‘She can join Lenora. An appropriate punishment, ‘ he thought.

“The deserted area? Won't they starve to death?" Erica asked.

"Not really. There's grasshoppers, crickets, ants, termites, stinkbugs.

Even scorpions. Those guys might be a pain, but if you remove the stinger they roast nicely. Why are you so shocked? Didn't you want that?"

Erica shivered at his suggestion. She mentioned making Lenora eat worms earlier. But she was so angry she just blurted it out.

“I didn't really mean it."

But he was right about one thing. She never wanted to see Tessie again.

So exile was just the ticket.

“You could send her to the slum in Deplua,“ he said.

“What? Isn't that too cruel?" There was an infamous slum located where the borders of three different countries converged. It was a Lawless place, and the stink of garbage and offal was overwhelming.

It was a place that decent folk avoided. So did the police. Any money to be found there was stolen.

“We've been over this, Rika-the weaker branch breaks first. If you don't drive her away, she'll only hurt you again! I'm sure of it. If you really can't do it yourself, then leave her to me. I've been pretty busy Lately. I might have to Leave her with some thugs, so they can do the job for me. I can't be held responsible for what happens after that."

Matthew thought he had been kind enough. He told Erica what he did to force her to come to a decision.

If Erica didn't handle Tessie herself, then Matthew would deal with it.

Tessie might end up hurt or worse. If that happened, exile would Look like a walk in the park by comparison.

‘Thugs? Can't be held responsible?’ Images flashed through Erica's mind, making her shudder again. She said, "No, no. Let me think about it! I need some time." Matthew's way was too cruel for her.

Now, Erica came back to her senses and sobbed.

‘He is such a jerk. I'm crying because I'm sad. Why can't I cry a bit?"

Tessie’s face turned pale when she heard that they were going to send her to the slum. She grabbed Erica's clothes tightly and begged sadly,

“Erica, I was wrong. Really, really wrong. Don't send me to the slum!

Please! Please! For the love of god!"

Erica took a deep breath and forced back her tears. Tessie wasn't worth crying over.

"I need you to tell the reporters who Ethan is. And anyone who asks you."

There was obvious hesitation in Tessie's eyes, but only for a moment, and she quickly agreed, "Okay, I'll do it. I'll say whatever you want.