Chapter 6: Seducing Shier's Uncle
Nicole's POV
Was Hodgson standing up for me?
This realization shocked me.
Of course I wished that Shier and Wendy would kneel on the ground and receive the harshest punishment.
But I couldn't allow that.
The mere thought of my mother's cold face and the riding crop in her hand sent a chill up my spine.
I couldn't gamble with my foster mother's life.
In the oppressive silence, I took a deep breath and stood up.
All eyes immediately focused on me.
I forced a smile toward Mr. Barry, who sat in the center.
"Grandfather, please don't blame Shier anymore. On the wedding day, Wendy suddenly fainted, and my parents and Shier were all very worried about her."
"I didn't feel wronged at all. Besides, Shier has already apologized to me. He said he'll make up for it with another wedding ceremony in a while."
Surprise flashed across Shier's face. He probably hadn't expected that I would actually speak up for him.
As for Hodgson, he leaned lazily against the back of his chair, giving a scornful smile.
He looked at me with eyes that seemed to regard me as a hopeless fool.
Barry's expression softened somewhat, revealing a pleased smile.
He was the one in power in the Hall family, and what he cared about most was the Hall family's reputation. How could he possibly punish his own grandson for my sake?
So I had to make concessions.
"Since Nicole has said so, let's put this matter to rest."
Barry cleared his throat and reprimanded Shier: "Shier, remember this well. You are a grandson of the Hall family. Don't let such disgraceful incidents happen a second time!"
"Yes, Grandfather, I'll remember." Shier nodded hastily.
"All right, everyone get up." Barry waved his hand. "Let the banquet continue."
After the earlier spectacle, everyone only dared to hold their breath and eat silently.
When the family banquet ended, I didn't want to stay a moment longer.
Just as I reached the corner of the corridor, someone grabbed my arm.
"Shier? What are you doing?！" I cried out in alarm.
He dragged me forcefully behind a massive pillar and glared at me fiercely.
"Nicole, don't get cocky. You must be very happy to see me punished, aren't you?"
I was almost amused by his anger: "Shier, you should go to the hospital and get your brain checked. I just saved you, and you should be thanking me!"
I shook off his hand and rubbed my somewhat swollen wrist.
Shier's eyes were full of suspicion: "Nicole, tell me the truth. Why did my uncle, Hodgson, stand up for you today?"
"You bitch! He's only been back in the country for a few days, and you couldn't restrain yourself?!"
"You think Hodgson is better than me, so you deliberately disappeared at the wedding, ruined it, and want to break off our engagement so you can seduce Hodgson, don't you?!"
I used all my strength and slapped him hard across the face.
Shier's face swelled up quickly, showing a bright red palm print.
He looked at me in disbelief: "You dare to hit me?!"
"Because you deserve it!" The fury in my chest finally erupted completely at this moment, my voice trembling slightly with anger.
"Shier, you're the most shameless, most disgusting man I've ever met!"
"It was you who fooled around with my sister in a room at the wedding, leaving me alone to face everyone's mockery!"
"And now, you actually have the nerve to question me? What right do you have?!"
Shier's expression was extremely ugly, as if he wanted to kill me the next second.
Looking at him like this, I felt no pleasure in my heart, nor any fear, only endless exhaustion.
I forcefully shook off his hand and said coldly: "Keep your filthy speculations to yourself. I have no interest in you or your uncle. I just want to stay as far away as possible from all the men in the Hall family!"
After saying this, I didn't look at him again and turned to stride away.
It wasn't until I had walked far away that I realized my back was already soaked with cold sweat. I leaned against the wall, gasping for breath.
My mind uncontrollably recalled the scene in the living room earlier.
Hodgson.
This man was too dangerous.
In the Hall family, everyone treated Mr. Barry with great respect, afraid of angering him.
Only Hodgson dared to directly challenge his father's authority in front of everyone.
The innate ruthlessness and sense of control emanating from him was chilling.I had to stay away from him.
Just then, a servant approached me.
"Miss Nicole, your room has been arranged. Mr. Barry has instructed that you and Mr. Shier will stay at the manor tonight."
I followed the servant to a guest room on the second floor.
Shier was also in the room. He took off his jacket and casually threw it on the bed.
My god, the thought of sleeping with Shier tonight made me feel sick.
I was contemplating what excuse to use to get rid of Shier when there was a knock at the door.
Then I heard Wendy's voice.
"Shier, are you in there?"
The door was pushed open a crack, and Wendy poked her head in.
She had already changed into a white silk nightgown, her hair wet and draped over her shoulders, her eyes red like a rabbit's.
She saw me, froze for a moment, and said in alarm: "Sister, I'm sorry, I didn't mean to disturb you."
Before I could speak, Shier walked out from behind me.
When he saw Wendy looking so pitiful, the last trace of anger on his face disappeared, replaced by heartache and concern.
"What's wrong, Wendy? Who bullied you?" He walked over and pulled Wendy into his arms.
Wendy buried her face in his chest, her shoulders trembling as if she had suffered endless grievances.
I silently rolled my eyes.
"I'm just scared. I'm afraid Mr. Barry will blame me, and Mr. Hodgson too. In the living room earlier, he really frightened me."
Shier comforted her: "Don't be afraid, I'm here."
He held Wendy and walked out of the room.
After they left, I felt the air in the room was much fresher.
I collapsed exhausted onto the soft bed.
I don't know how much time passed, but just as I was drowsing off, there was a sound at the door.
I woke with a start, sat up, and looked warily toward the door: "Who's out there?!"
The door was pushed open, and a tall figure staggered in.
I covered my mouth in horror, eyes wide: "Oh my God, Hodgson, what happened to you?"
His clothes were soaked with a large patch of dark red blood.
His handsome face was devoid of color, terrifyingly pale, his forehead covered with cold sweat.
Hodgson looked at me, his lips moving, voice terribly hoarse.
"Nicole, come here, help me."