Chapter 44 Steven Deals with Terry
Nora sneered, "Oh, found someone better, huh? So now you're done with me."
She didn't realize how jealous she sounded.
But Steven did.
Vivian's face flashed in his mind, and he smirked, "Jealous much?"
Though his words were sharp, he wasn't really mad.
"Jealous? Me? No way!" she shot back, "I mean, she's gorgeous, and her family's loaded. If I were you, I'd be tempted too..."
She didn't get to finish before he grabbed her arm.
Nora winced and turned to look at him.
Steven leaned in, staring at her intensely, "You dare?"
What was he talking about?
Did he really think she had a thing for Vivian?
Was he nuts?
She meant that losing to Vivian wasn't shameful. Vivian was beautiful and came from a wealthy family; not many men could resist someone like that.
Just as she was about to explain, Steven's phone rang.
He glanced at it, released her, and walked out.
Nora let out a sigh of relief.
Steven answered the call.
Chris said, "Come to the Sunset Hotel."
Steven had an idea what it was about and responded coolly before heading out.
Nora heard the door close and found herself wide awake. Would he ever come back?
Maybe the next time they'd meet would be in court.
Once the divorce was finalized, they'd be strangers.
The room at the Sunset Hotel was spacious.
Steven walked in to find Chris alone, the food already ordered. Chris, unusually serious, gestured for him to sit. "Have a seat."
"How's the investigation going?" Steven asked as he sat.
Chris wasn't just a good friend; he was also his business partner. They had started a private equity firm together, which was now at the top of the industry.
Chris handed him a file, his voice somber, "Your mom didn't die of natural causes."
Steven's eyes turned icy.
He had known from a young age that he was sent abroad on purpose.
His stepmother, Electra Ross, wanted him out of the picture for good.
But he had proven himself, earning Doyle's respect and being brought back as the heir.
A month ago, he learned his mom hadn't died naturally and had set out to uncover the truth. Today, he had his answer.
Steven read the report.
It was a forensic analysis.
It detailed that on the day his mom gave birth to Andrew, she was injected with a drug that caused severe bleeding, leading to her death.
Yes, Andrew was his biological brother. After their mom's death, Steven was sent abroad while Andrew stayed, raised by Electra. She had split the brothers, keeping one and exiling the other.
Andrew, having grown up with Electra, was very close to her and saw Steven as an enemy.
Steven had returned three years ago to get his revenge.
Electra was despicable, but Doyle was the mastermind. His inaction led to this situation, and Steven intended to bring down the entire York family, making them live in regret.
But before he could dismantle the York family, he needed control of York Development Group.
Doyle was a seasoned player, suspicious and cunning. Bringing him down wouldn't be easy.
Steven's mission was fraught with danger.
As they discussed serious matters, there was a commotion outside. Soon, Terry barged in.
"I heard Mr. York was here, just wanted to say hello." Terry shuffled in, bowing and scraping, not daring to look up.
He had never met Mr. York before!
Recently, York Development Group had extended an olive branch to Apex Technologies Corporation, and Terry thought he was about to hit it big, bragging to everyone.
Hearing that the head of York Development Group was dining in this room, he insisted on coming in to toast.
Chris frowned, about to have him thrown out, but Steven stopped him.
"Sit," Steven said with a smile, gesturing for him to sit. "This is Mr. York."
Steven pointed to Chris.
Chris raised an eyebrow. Was he Mr. York?
"Mr. York, nice to meet you..." Terry moved to shake hands with Chris.
Steven smiled coolly, "But you know, Mr. York has a rule. Before shaking hands, you have to drink three glasses of wine."
Steven rarely smiled, but when he did, it usually meant trouble.
Clarence understood Steven's intent, bringing three large glasses and filling them with strong liquor.
Terry froze, sobering up fast.
He wanted to leave, but as he turned, a group of bodyguards filed in, blocking the door. Each was a towering figure.
Having barged in, Terry knew he wouldn't leave without drinking those three glasses.
His face turned ashen, and he quickly apologized, "I'm sorry, Mr. York, I didn't know you were discussing business."
Chris, seeing the setup, smiled slightly, "Please."
Steven intended to teach this man a lesson.
His lessons were often subtle but deadly.
Those three glasses would surely land Terry in the hospital tonight.
Terrified, Terry was about to kneel. He had already been drinking heavily and had only wanted to cozy up to Mr. York, not realizing he'd walked into a trap.
"What's wrong? Not drinking?" Steven's smile was chilling. "Do you look down on Mr. York?"
"Of course not," Terry stammered, terrified. Who would dare disrespect the second son of the York family, known for his ruthless methods?
Chris gestured for Terry to proceed.
The bodyguards stepped forward.
Surrounded, Terry's face turned a sickly shade. Trembling, he picked up one of the large glasses.
Downing the first glass, his stomach churned violently, and his face went pale.
But he didn't dare vomit, forcing down the urge and moving on to the second glass.
By the time he finished the second, he was seeing stars, his stomach roiling like a washing machine. He couldn't hold it in any longer and vomited on the spot.
Steven's eyes filled with disgust. "You threw up. You'll have to start over."
Clarence refilled the glasses.
Terry, shaking and pale, knelt, "Mr. York, please have mercy."
He bowed deeply, banging his head on the floor.
Steven chuckled, "Weren't you the one who insisted on meeting Mr. York? Now it seems like we're the ones being difficult."
"No, no," Terry shook his head. He wouldn't dare offend this notorious figure.
"Drink," Steven ordered flatly.
A bodyguard grabbed Terry's jaw, forcing the three glasses down his throat.
Terry passed out, foaming at the mouth.
Nora was half-asleep when she heard the doorbell.
She turned over, thinking it was a prank, and ignored it.
The doorbell kept ringing.
Then there was knocking.
"Nora, open up!" someone called from outside.
Nora frowned.
It sounded like Steven.