Chapter 17: Paul Russo

"Melodious music played in the hall as elegantly dressed people walked by toasting; their gazes couldn't help but fall upon a certain corner of the hall.

There, Laura stood, wearing a black evening gown, exuding a stunning and extraordinary charm. Many young heirs from lesser families felt unworthy before her and didn't dare to approach, while others crowded around her, trying to vie for her attention.

"Laura, long time no see," said Steven Harris, the young heir of the Harris family, one of the four major families of Freton province, in a polite tone.

Beside him stood Enrico and the young heir of the White family, Andrew White, along with two unfamiliar youths.

Yet, from the subtle gesture of giving way to the two young men in their interactions with Steven, everyone felt a sense of awe. After all, Steven Harris was the son of the current head of the provincial government in Freton. Who could hope to rise higher than him in Freton?

Laura didn't know these two individuals, so she casually glanced at them and nodded toward Steven without giving it much thought.

Steven maintained a smile on his face but his heart was angered.

Steven was so angry that he gritted his teeth.

Over the years, Steven had pursued Laura relentlessly, captivated by her beauty and hoping to use her to gain control over the Costa family through the Harris family. He believed that with Laura's help, the Harris family would become a dominant force not only in the provincial government of Freton but also outside.

Unfortunately, Laura couldn't forget Henry and showed no interest in Steven's advances.

‘Just a slut! She used to offer herself to Henry, but he didn't want her. After running away for seven years, she suddenly acts all high and mighty, not even willing to talk to me when I greet her. I wonder if you dare to disrespect the two gentlemen beside you!’ Steven thought passionately.

"Laura, let me introduce the two gentlemen beside you. This is Paul Russo, the young master of the Russo family, and this is Matthew Greco from the Greco family in Ravinia," Steven warmly said.

The Russo family? They had an influence that spanned five provincial governments. In the entire Diony Country, they were a powerful family. Compared to the Russo family, the four local prominent families in Freton were insignificant.

As for the Greco family from Ravinia, Laura didn't know who they were specifically, but being introduced alongside the Russo family meant they were also a significant family.

Laura knew she couldn't afford to offend them.

A lascivious expression appeared on Paul's face. "Miss, it feels like we've known each other for ages. Let me toast to you."

As he spoke, he raised his wine glass.

Laura felt his gaze on her, scorching and unabashed. It felt like he wanted to see through her dress and into her body. Disgust surged inside her, and she refused to raise her glass.

"Mr. Russo, I apologize. I can't handle alcohol well and I'm already a little drunk," Laura politely declined.

Paul paused for a moment, then became ecstatic, "Getting drunk already? Then you should drink a few more glasses. That's how you have real fun. Keep drinking."

"I really can’t drink anymore," Laura waved her hand to decline, but Paul grabbed her fair wrist and grinned, "Miss, are you not drinking because you look down on our Russo family?"

As he spoke, Paul's fingers brushed against the soft skin on Laura's wrist, relishing its smoothness and murmuring, "So soft and smooth."

"Let go!" Laura struggled hard but couldn't retrieve her wrist. She felt Paul's grip tightening even further as he took a few steps closer, trying to get close to her body. She quickly stepped back.

"Mr. Russo, have some self-respect!" Laura exclaimed.

Paul burst into laughter, and then his expression turned cold as he advanced toward her. "You have no shame at all! Just a small figure in Freton and the Costa family, and you dare to be so arrogant?"

"For your family, it is your honor that I have taken a liking to you. You must drink this wine, even if you don't want to! After drinking, we should have a good time together, so I can see how attractive your body is under that elegant dress."

Beside them, Steven looked on coldly, his eyes filled with intense hatred.

Laura had always been icy toward him, rejecting his advances multiple times without giving him any face. If he couldn't have her, he would ruin her! Paul, known for his debauchery, was brought here specifically for this scene.

Once Paul had finished playing with Laura, that promiscuous woman would no longer be able to pretend anymore. It wouldn't be bad to pick up the pieces afterward, and Steven didn't mind if she was considered second-hand goods.

The main reason was that Laura was truly beautiful. Her delicate features, slender waistline, and that cold and alluring temperament...

Steven's eyes revealed a hunger like that of a wolf.

Although this was the Costa family's banquet hall, the elders were all upstairs chatting and catching up, leaving this area exclusively for the young people.

Everyone present came from influential families and knew how formidable the Russo family was. At this moment, not a single person was willing to step forward to help Laura. Some even showed eager expressions.

Paul tightly pulled Laura's hand, leering at her, and tried to pull her into his embrace. His other hand was already targeting her chest.

"Let me feel and see if they're real!"

"Get lost!" Laura's face paled, gritting her teeth, and she stomped away, her sharp high heels landing on Paul's shoes.

Paul winced in pain, then revealed a fierce expression. "Bitch, if you won't drink the toast, you'll bear the consequences!"

He then grabbed a glass of wine and splashed it all over Laura, drenching her entire body.

"Where do you think you can run? Right here, I dare to do whatever I want to you, do you believe it?!"

Paul laughed, still intending to chase after Laura. Even if he was kicked, he was still faster than Laura in high-heeled shoes.

Laura felt completely soaked in alcohol, filled with despair. How could she have imagined encountering such a debauched person in her own house? She stumbled as she ran, but had already been driven toward a corner.

"I'm going to catch you!" Paul excitedly shouted, reaching out his hands to grab her.

"Even if I die, I won't let you have your way!" Laura saw that there was no way to dodge, so she turned and threw herself toward the wall.

At this moment, sounds of tables and chairs being overturned and numerous people crying out and cursing could be heard.

She didn't know what was happening, nor did she have the chance to think about it. She resolutely crashed into the wall.

"Henry, we were destined to never be together. See you in the next life." A figure flashed through her mind, and Laura closed her eyes.

Under the impact, the sound was muffled, but it was not the sound of hitting a hard wall.

Laura felt as if she had crashed into a broad and solid chest, surrounded by the scorching breath of a man.

Someone had stood in front of the wall and even held her in their arms!

This familiar sensation...

"Ah..."

Laura's heart trembled as she slowly looked up and made eye contact with the newcomer.

"Henry?!"

"It's me, Laura. I'm sorry I'm late!" Henry embraced her graceful figure and smiled.

Laura tried to struggle free, but Henry's arms held her firmly, refusing to let go.

Finally, she stopped moving and leaned against Henry's chest, Listening to his heartbeat as she buried her head.

No words were spoken, but in her heart, she silently said, "It's not too late... You're here."

Henry raised his head, his eyes filled with anger as he looked toward Paul, not too far away.

"Do you want to die?!"