Chapter 37 William Protects
After a moment's thought, she decided to let it go. She really didn't want to see William right now.
"What's up? Not flirting anymore?" Nicholas raised an eyebrow when he saw Thalia stop in her tracks.
"Do you know any good lawyers?" Thalia asked.
Nicholas pointed at William. "World-renowned."
Thalia held back her frustration. "Anyone but him."
"Well, then no."
Nicholas suddenly remembered something. "Wait, there is one, just as good as William."
Thalia's heart tightened. "Contact info."
As Nicholas fished out his phone to find the contact, he asked, "Really not going after William anymore?"
"Nope."
"William's a bit reserved, but he'd never cheat. You have to believe that."
Thalia shot him a cold look, and Nicholas wisely shut up. This was a sore spot for Thalia. Her fiancé had cheated just a month ago.
"Thalia's quite something, all dressed up while her dad's still in a coma?"
"Who knows? Can we even gossip about the princess of Emerald City?"
"Princess of Emerald City? Once her dad's gone, what is she?"
"Well, she's got William! The rising star in law. Even without her dad, she's got Mr. Brown. She'll still live in luxury."
"Isn't she lucky?"
"Lucky? Look at Mr. Lewis. He's been eyeing William for ages. The Lewis family is thriving, while the Smith family is declining since Thalia's dad fell ill. The choice is obvious, isn't it?"
"And Scarlett is known as a proper lady in our circle, unlike the spoiled Thalia."
"And Thalia's so carefree. Her ex made her dad sick, and she just moved on to another guy."
Thalia listened to the harsh words around her. A bunch of trash. Had they forgotten how they used to pursue her?
She turned slowly, a slight smile on her lips, and walked towards the group talking about her.
The crowd's faces changed when they saw her approach. They wanted to scatter, but Thalia's long-standing reputation still held.
"Did I say you could leave?" Thalia's lazy voice carried an oppressive tone.
The room fell silent as Thalia spoke.
Thalia smiled and dusted off her nails. "Quiet is good. Let's hear what you were talking about."
The guests around widened their eyes, ready for the show. Thalia's reputation for revenge was well-known.
The gossipers blushed under the scrutiny. Someone spoke up, "Thalia, isn't this too much? We have freedom of speech. What we say is our business. What's it to you?"
Thalia's lazy gaze lifted, and she chuckled. "What you say isn't my business, but talking about me is."
"Do you have proof?" the person retorted.
Before the words were fully out, a voice behind them said, "I'm the proof."
The speaker turned to see Evelyn standing a few meters away, close enough to hear everything.
Their faces changed. "You—"
"Are you gonna say I'm Thalia's friend and naturally have her back? Everyone here can vouch for me. I've been standing here for a while. If I didn't hear it, I'd need my ears checked."
Thalia grabbed a wine glass from a passing waiter and threw the drink in the woman's face.
"Thalia, you bitch. You think we're scared of you? Without your dad, you're nothing. Now that he's gone, do you still think you're the princess of Emerald City? No wonder Walter cheated. We thought you were reserved! Engaged for a year and wouldn't let him touch you, and right after he cheats, you jump into William's bed. You're nothing but a whore. Do you really think you're something special?"
The woman was abruptly kicked away by someone.
The crowd erupted in whispers.
"William, what are you doing?"
"Just that," William retracted his long leg and dusted off his pants, acting as if he hadn't just kicked someone.
"Why are you getting involved in women's affairs?"
William, hands in his pockets, replied, "Exactly. Why drag my name into women's affairs? Is my name that easy to throw around?"
The man who spoke couldn't argue, left staring at William.
In business, who doesn't have a few lawsuits? Going against William meant certain doom.
Besides, they were in the wrong.
William never involved himself in high society drama. He was a rising star in Emerald City, with many big shots waiting for his services.
Offending him was a death sentence.
William had taken down many rivals to become the new star of Emerald City. It wasn't without skill.
"But Mr. Brown shouldn't hit a woman."
William raised an eyebrow. "Hypocritical much?"
Implying they could insult a woman, but he couldn't hit one?
Seeing the tension, Nicholas quickly intervened. "Everyone, it's my birthday today. I invited you all to have fun. Why cause trouble?"
"Let's be honest, the speed at which high society changes in Emerald City is beyond words. Why laugh at each other? Nothing lasts forever. Leave some room for future encounters!"
William looked down on these spoiled brats. Watching their disdain for him, he chuckled and headed to the second floor.
The first floor was for the high society kids to play.
The second floor was for the capitalists' networking.
"Are you protecting Thalia?" Daniel walked beside him, startled by his actions.
William remained silent.
"Mr. Brown, you've stepped in for Thalia multiple times. Do you still have feelings for her?"
William paused. "Feelings?"
"You two were a couple for a day, after all."
William: "…If you can't say anything useful, shut up."