The strangest part was that such mud shouldn't have existed in their pristine residential area at all, yet there it was, smeared across their faces and clothes.
The moment they stood up, humiliation and rage twisting their expressions, a chilling thought surfaced in unison.
Someone had cursed them. Seething, they returned inside and collapsed onto the living room sofa, changing clothes in tense silence.
Their eyes met, fury mirrored in both gazes, before Mr. Almond finally broke the silence.
"It must be Lana. That girl was a jinx from the very beginning."
Hearing this, Mrs. Almond paused for a brief moment before nodding along, irritation sharpening her tone.
"Indeed. Ever since she appeared, nothing good has happened. She's pure bad luck."
Mr. Almond's fists tightened as his voice dropped lower.
"The orders from above are increasing. If we don't deal with Lana soon, the higher-ups might take back everything they've given us."
