Forrest, showing no interest in pursuing them, laid down his terms.

“Come quietly, and I'll be lenient. But if you resist, you'll regret it."

Joe's mouth dropped open in disbelief. “That's cruel."

"It's necessary," Forrest snapped back, a smirk playing at his Lips.

"Remember, you tried to fool me once." He settled himself on the steps, beckoning Joe. "Come over here."

Joe exchanged a hesitant look with Eagle. "Think we can handle him together?"

Forrest was stunned for a while, not expecting that Joe would get Eagle involved.

Eagle stepped forward, his voice steady. “I'm enough to deal with him.”

Forrest was shocked again.

Joe, bolstered by Eagle's confidence, challenged Forrest who remained silent.

"Why can't you behave? Always ready to fight - I think you're just asking for trouble."

Now standing beside Eagle, Joe found an unexpected sense of safety.

Next to Eagle, he felt as solid and immovable as a mountain.

"You won't lay a hand on me," Joe taunted, sticking out his tongue.

Forrest, struck by the audacity of the boy, questioned his own position. Was he really being outwitted by a child? Was he that powerless?

He shook his head dismissively. “I'm not sinking to your level."

With that, Forrest stood, brushed off his trousers, and strode inside.

Joe nudged Eagle, a grin spreading across his face. “What a coward."

Forrest, overhearing this, nearly stumbled in frustration.

His lips twitched in annoyance as he turned back to Joe. "Remember, revenge is a dish best served cold."