Chapter 166

Neo, shorter than Yannis, couldn't straighten his back due to the pain shooting through his body. He had to crane his neck to look up. "Your mouth stinks," Yannis said coldly, a cruel smirk on his lips as he threw a glass of water at Neo.

Neo got soaked, water splashing across his face. "How dare you throw water at me?" he yelled, frantically wiping his face. Bracing himself against the table, he lunged at Yannis, ready for a fight.

Yannis sneered, tightening his grip on Neo's wrist and kicking him. A scream of pain ripped through the air, so loud it sent chills down everyone's spine. Even Zinnia, outside, heard it clearly. At that moment, Neo realized with horror that he'd picked a fight with someone far beyond his capabilities.

Pain shot through Neo's body as he clutched his groin, writhing on the floor. His confidence vanished. "I'm going to regret this forever," he thought, terrified.

He hadn't anticipated that, despite sending invitations to numerous heirs and heiresses, none would attend. Instead, the place was filled with spoiled children from second-rate families. It was frustrating.

When he heard Maisie and Zinnia had arrived, a thrill ran through him. But their disrespect angered him further. "They need a lesson," he thought, unaware that these two were not to be trifled with.

"Don't even think about messing with people you shouldn't," Yannis said coldly, glaring down at Neo. "Otherwise, today's trouble will be the least of your worries."

He walked out and ordered Toby, "Charge him with group assault and keep him locked up for the maximum time allowed by law. No bail, no visitors."

"What just happened?" Zinnia asked, surprised by the loud scream. As a doctor with years of experience, she sensed the victim had endured inhumane pain, far beyond the ordinary.

"No idea," Maisie said, though she knew her cousin's methods.

"Thanks for helping me with the medicine, Charlie," Maisie said, her cheeks pink as she watched him carefully dab the corner of her mouth with a cotton swab. She had been accidentally bumped, leaving a bruise.

Zinnia had come for fun and hadn't brought a first-aid kit. Luckily, Charlie kept one in his car. Hearing about the fight and worried they might be hurt, he grabbed it immediately.

"Don't mention it. I should thank you for protecting Zinnia today," Charlie said softly, his voice warm as he applied the medicine.

Maisie smiled. "Don't mention it. Looking out for Zinnia is what I should do."

"I never thought you'd be so strong, Maisie—fighting so many people alone! But next time, protect yourself first. If you can't win, run. Stay safe."

Charlie smiled gently. "You don't have any serious injuries, Maisie. I checked your shoulder; it's okay. Only the cut on your mouth is noticeable."

A flicker of coldness appeared in Charlie's eyes. "I can protect myself too, you know," Maisie said confidently, grinning. "If they hadn't all attacked me at once, I could have handled them. Next time, I'll protect you, Charlie."

Maisie tucked his concern into her heart, feeling happy. She thought, If I hadn't taken the lead, none of them would have hit me. But if I hadn't taught Neo a lesson, I'd regret it.

Maisie had attended military training camps every school break since age seven, for ten years. With her skills, most couldn't harm her.

"Alright, I'll count on you to protect me from now on," Charlie said, chuckling. He tossed the cotton swab, recapped the medicine, and gently placed it in her hand. "Use the ointment three times a day. I checked your shoulder; it looks fine, but I can't say for sure. When you get home, apply the ointment. If it doesn't improve, come back for a proper check-up, okay?"

"Thank you, Charlie," Maisie said, holding the medicine. She still felt the warmth of his touch; her heart skipped a beat.

Zinnia watched Maisie's reddening cheeks and thought, Is her mouth really hurting that much? Her face is red, her temperature seems off, and her heartbeat is strange.

"Zinnia," Yannis called, emerging. Zinnia, about to check Maisie's pulse, saw him. His strong face and sharp black clothes were impeccable as he approached.

Yannis's face softened. He examined her carefully. "Are you hurt?" He'd been watching her in the lobby but remained worried until seeing her in person.

Zinnia shook her head. "I'm not hurt. Maisie protected me, but she was injured."

Zinnia thought, If I'd known about this, I would have brought stronger powders. All I had were sleep-inducing or rash-causing ones. Neo got off easy.

"Nothing serious?" Yannis asked Maisie, gently touching her mouth and frowning. He felt Neo's punishment insufficient. He wasn't worried about Maisie's fighting skills; after all, he'd trained her himself.

Maisie nodded, unconcerned about her injuries. Secretly, she thought happily, This injury was a good thing. I got to see Charlie, and he even treated my wounds. Totally worth it!

"Let's go. I'll take you girls home," Yannis said, taking Zinnia's hand.

He turned to Charlie. "It's getting late. I'll take them home first."

Charlie nodded. "Aren't you coming with us?" Maisie asked hopefully.

Charlie looked softly at the bruise on Maisie's mouth, smiling warmly. "You guys go ahead. I have something to do."

Maisie thought with disappointment, I really thought we'd go for a walk, but he's not coming.

"Be careful on your way home, and send me a message when you get there," Charlie said.

"Okay, you too," Maisie said, smiling as she joined Yannis.

Watching them leave, Charlie wiped away his smile and turned to Niles, who had just arrived. "Niles, I want to check the injured person as a doctor."

Hearing Charlie's soft words, Niles felt a chill. He'd seen Neo's misery and thought, Yannis was ruthless, and now Charlie's here. Poor Neo. He's really out of luck tonight.

Niles said, "Sure, Charlie. Follow me, please."