Chapter 485: The Courtyard Gate Swung Open

As the courtyard gate swung open, Nolan Brooks spotted two shifty-eyed men shoving money into his sister-in-law's hands.

"What the hell are you doing?" he barked.

The men startled, hastily hiding the cash behind their backs. His sister-in-law hurried forward with baby Jinbao in her arms, relief washing over her face. "Brother Nolan, they're here to buy the pigs. Said it's a shame to waste dead livestock—offering twenty per head. Forty pigs would get us eight hundred..."

Nolan sneered. Just like his spineless younger brother, this woman had no backbone.

"What's your game?" His gaze turned razor-sharp.

One man rubbed his hands obsequiously. "No games, sir! We're just helping out. Such a waste otherwise—"

"These are diseased!" Nolan bit out each word.

The men exchanged glances. "Nonsense! Just common cold—"

"Bullshit!" Nolan grabbed a broom from the corner and swung. "You'd profit from poison? Want blood on your hands?"

The broom whooshed through the air, sending the pair scrambling to the gate.

"Let's talk this through! We can raise the price—"

"Out!" Another swing. "The Wallaces would rather starve than deal with vultures like you!"

Dodging frantically, they upped their offer. "Twenty-two! Twenty-two per head!"

Nolan snatched a shovel. "Next swing breaks legs!"

Seeing his determination, the profiteers finally fled, cursing under their breath. The sister-in-law stood frozen, clutching her child.

Nolan planted the shovel firmly and glared. "Next time, chase them off with a stick. Understood?"

She shrank back. "Y-yes, Brother Nolan."

Outside, the merchants' grumbles faded.

"Who does he think he is?"

"Just wait—they'll come begging soon enough!"

Alone in the yard, Nolan stared at the pigpen. Forty carcasses rotted in the summer heat, stench thick enough to taste.

The loss would hurt. But Nolan Brooks would sooner lose everything than sell his soul.

Thunder rumbled as storm clouds gathered overhead.