When Brock saw that Vanessa was about to be carted off by the Martial Alliance members, he moved to block their path. He was like a lion who had woken from its slumber, his submissive attitude vanishing and replaced with an imposing demeanor.

"Let go of her!" he barked.

Amaya sneered disdainfully at him. "What, are you going to get physical with us? You'd better think things through, Mr. Meyer. Once you make a move against us, your entire family will be implicated."

She patted Vanessa's face. "If you follow along obediently, I can plead your case with Mr. Tate later in order to allow your family a grace period of one year. How's that for a deal?"

Angry, Vanessa asked in a low voice, "Will you keep your word?"

"Of course!" Amary replied.

Vanessa immediately turned to look at Brock.

"Please make way, Dad," she said, attempting to reason with him. "Our family can't afford the consequences of acting against Martial Alliance! After I'm gone, get Jack to contact Felix Zeller. He'll be