A woman's sorrow erupted, her savings eroded in her tears on the ground.

Even as Brent got away with the money, a train of mix-ups occurred as a result of Raegan's decision to rent the house.

As Raegan absorbed the depth of the disaster, she implored the crowd, “How much did Brent take from you?"

This simple question sparked a flicker of hope. Raegan, known for her job at Ardlens and her university education, was assumed to be their beacon of success.

They presented Brent's promissory notes, and Raegan's quick tally estimated a staggering three million dollars lost by over twenty households.

Due to leaving here at a young age to pursue her education, Raegan didn't know many of her rural neighbors.

Yet their simple attire and sincere expressions spoke volumes of their lifelong toil. Years of labor had yielded them a nest egg, now plundered by Brent.

Raegan's lips formed a tight line as she declared, “Listen up, everyone. I'll contribute to settling Brent's debt this time, but should he swindle you again, I'll just stand by since I have no part in his dealings all the time."

The young police officer offered reassurance, "Fear not, Brent's misdeed has been spotlighted and circulated in town. He won't fool anyone again."

The villagers, filled with hope, said in unison, "Fine. Give back our money, then."

Raegan faltered momentarily, confessing, “The funds aren't on hand at this moment. To amass your dues, I must sell my apartment in Ardlens."

Her apartment, burdened by a mortgage, would net her approximately 1.8 million after the sale. The surplus would need to be gradually earned from her earnings over time.

This revelation soured the crowd's mood.

“You vow repayment, yet now speak of asset sales. Is this another ruse?"

The troublemaker chimed in loudly, Family ties run deep. She's likely a con artist, same as Brent."

The crowd's restlessness surged, their advance unchecked by the young police officer.

In the midst of the turmoil, Raegan climbed atop a chair, commanding, “Stop arguing."

Silence fell, all eyes on Raegan.

“Do your arguments solve your money problem?" Raegan continued, firm and clear, "I've given my word to resolve Brent's debt and I intend to keep it."

Raegan's striking presence, at odds with the local rusticity, lent her words a persuasive gravity.