Chapter 16

“What the hell? Why did he bring so many people?” Chris gulped, feeling faint. Weren’t they supposed to fight one-on-one? Edward had broken the rules of a fair fight by bringing a gang. Though Chris cursed inwardly, he had no choice but to confront them. He couldn’t lose face in front of Dahlia.

“That’s them. Surround them!” Edward waved, and his bodyguards surged forward, surrounding Chris, Dahlia, and Lyra.

“What are you doing? I warn you, don’t touch me! My father is David Nolan, president of Nolan Pharmaceuticals!” Sensing his disadvantage, Chris blustered, invoking his father’s status.

“So what?” a bodyguard yelled. “Do you know who you’ve messed with? He’s Sir Spanner’s son, the heir of Drey Group!”

His words caused a stir.

“Sir Spanner? Is he talking about Trevor Spanner, the King of the Underworld from East City?”

“It must be him!”

“Poor guy. He messed with Sir Spanner’s son. He’s doomed.”

Whispers of fear rippled through the crowd.

“You… you work for Sir Spanner?” Chris stammered, intimidated.

Trevor Spanner, the infamous King of the Underworld in East City, was second only to the Mighty Three. Ruthless and merciless, he commanded hundreds of subordinates specializing in blackmail and other crimes. He was, simply put, the most feared villain imaginable. Offending him brought consequences worse than death.

“F***, I’ve made a huge mistake,” Chris thought, breaking into a cold sweat.

“What’s wrong? I thought you were confident. Scared now?” Edward advanced, his eyes vicious.

“Um, this is a misunderstanding…” Chris forced a weak, submissive smile.

“Misunderstanding, my ass!” Edward roared, slapping Chris twice, leaving red fingerprints on his face. Chris bit back his anger and offered another apologetic smile.

“My father knows Sir Spanner. Could you let this go? I’ll make it up to you.”

“Who the f*** do you think you are? You’re not in a position to ask me for anything.” Edward jabbed Chris’s forehead repeatedly, forcing him backward. Chris cowered, silent.

Lyra snapped, “Hey, you thugs! Do you think bullying is cool?”

“Angry, are you?” Pushing Chris aside, Edward smirked, heading toward Dahlia and Lyra.

“This is Harmon family territory. Don’t cross the line!” Lyra warned sternly.

“Afraid of the Harmon family?” Edward scoffed. “You started this fight. I’m acting in self-defense. What’s the Harmon family going to do?”

“What… what bullshit is this?” Lyra grew frantic.

“Hmph, you don’t understand. Let my men teach you a lesson!” Edward gestured, and two bodyguards stepped forward menacingly.

“Stop!” Dahlia interrupted coldly. “This has nothing to do with her. Let her go.”

“So you’ll take responsibility?” Edward chuckled cruelly. “Fine. I’ll let her go. In return, you sleep with me tonight. Satisfy me, and I’ll pretend this never happened.”

“You’re shameless!” Dahlia raised her hand to slap him, but Edward caught her wrist.

“Bitch, how dare you hit me? Boys, tie her up!”

Several bodyguards seized Dahlia.

“Let go of her!” Lyra tried to intervene, but Edward kicked her to the ground.

“Mr. Nolan… Please save her!” Lyra cried out in pain, unable to stand. She begged Chris helplessly.

“Edward, let’s talk. Why involve the women?” Chris pleaded, desperate to protect Dahlia.

“F*** you. I’m not done with you, and you’re trying to save someone else?” Edward cursed.

“No, no! No violence. We can settle this peacefully,” Chris said politely.

Edward’s heavy slap sent Chris sprawling. “Say another word, and I’ll kill you.”

Chris shrank back, silent. He cared about Dahlia, but self-preservation came first. Offending Sir Spanner over a woman was unreasonable.

“Hmph. A coward!” Edward sneered. “I don’t understand why these women are with you.”

Chris felt insulted but could do nothing.

“Tie them up and take them away. I’m going to have some fun tonight.” Edward ordered his men to take Dahlia and Lyra.

“Mr. Nolan! Help us!” Lyra screamed, but Chris remained bowed, his cowardice evident. Just as Dahlia seemed doomed, a figure appeared, blocking Edward’s path.

“You’re not touching her.”

“What the f***? Playing hero?” Edward sneered.

“Let her go before things get out of hand,” Dustin stated coldly.

Edward chuckled indifferently.

“What if I refuse?”

“Then, go to hell!”