Chapter 29 You Aren't Worth It
"Isn't that Ms. Smith? I heard Mr. Smith's not doing well. She doesn't look bothered at all."
"Check her out, mingling and laughing like everything's fine. That's Ms. Smith for ya!" William's eyes followed the crowd's gaze.
Thalia stood next to Evelyn, seemingly deep in conversation. She looked a bit surprised but absolutely radiant.
In the crowd, a guy pulled out his phone, aiming to snap a picture of Thalia. "If Mr. Smith's out of the picture, let's see how high and mighty Ms. Smith can still act..."
The guy, with his piggish features and smug grin, seemed eager to see Thalia's downfall so he could revel in it.
Everyone knew this guy was notorious for his sleaziness. He once got drunk at a party and harassed Thalia, only to get beaten up by Hayden and thrown out. Now, he was looking for payback.
Just as he was about to take a photo, a hand shot out from behind and grabbed his phone. "Mr. Moore."
"What's the meaning of this, Mr. Brown?" Matthew Moore glared at William, his expression full of malice.
"We all know the unspoken rules here. No need to stoop this low," William's voice was low and menacing as he locked eyes with Matthew.
Matthew had heard about William Brown, the rising star in Emerald City's elite circles. Known for his adherence to the law and his ruthless methods, William was both feared and respected.
Matthew might dare to offend Thalia now, but he wouldn't risk crossing William.
Still, he couldn't let this slide without losing face. "Mr. Brown, are the rumors true? Are you involved with Thalia?"
William released his grip and smirked nonchalantly. "What does that have to do with you?"
"It does," Matthew's voice rose. "If Thalia is with you, I'll back off. But if not, once Hayden is dead, the first thing I'll do is take her for myself..."
Upstairs in the bar.
The pig-faced man tumbled down the wooden stairs, his 220-pound frame nearly crashing through the floor.
Thalia, at the bar, was startled.
"What happened? Did William hit someone?"
"Who is it?" Evelyn stepped closer for a look.
She chuckled. "Isn't that Mr. Moore? What happened? Too much to drink?"
"Seriously, of all places to roll, you had to roll to Thalia's feet? It's been two years, and you're still hung up on her?"
Thalia's eyes darted from Matthew to William, who stood impeccably dressed on the second floor.
As she was pondering, Matthew jumped up, pointing and cursing at William. "William, did you dare kick me?"
"Do you know who I am in Emerald City? I was running this place before you were even born."
"Thalia, he just said that once your father dies, the first thing he'll do is take you..." William leaned casually on the railing, watching Thalia with a hint of amusement.
Thalia: ... What the hell? How did this involve me?
Matthew, shocked, turned to Thalia, his face contorted with rage.
Thalia dropped a bottle next to his head and crouched down. "You really think just because you're fat, you can have a big heart? Or did all that fat squeeze your brain? I once asked my dad to let you go. Was that so you could come after me when he's gone?"
"Sleep with me? You think you can?" Thalia stood up and kicked Matthew in the groin.
"You bitch, what are you doing?"
"Trying to break your genitals..."
Thalia wasn't one to be bullied. She had dealt with Hayden's illegitimate children; Matthew was no challenge.
Screams echoed through the bar.
Matthew clutched his groin, trembling with fear.
Thalia slapped him across the face.
Then kicked him again.
"Think you can rape me? Haven't you ever looked at yourself in a mirror? Or at least take a piss and see your reflection?"
Thalia raised her hand again...
Upstairs, William clicked his tongue. "Thalia, any more and you'll have to pay for damages."
Thalia: ...
"Why am I finding this ruthless lawyer William kind of attractive all of a sudden?" Evelyn, inexplicably charmed by William's earlier move, mused.
In a romance novel, this guy would be the perfect catch!
You fight, I'll cover for you...
Isn't this the classic tale of a domineering CEO and a wealthy heiress?
"You and William should star in a TV drama," Evelyn said as they left the bar, holding Thalia's hand.
"What drama?"
"The Domineering CEO and the Bankrupt Heiress..."
Thalia: ... "Can we change 'bankrupt' to something else?"
Evelyn sighed. "One of the best qualities in a person is the ability to face reality."
Thalia: "Reality is too harsh. I don't want to face it. You go ahead..."
Evelyn, already in her car with the driver, was stunned by Thalia's words. "You're not leaving?"
"I have important business to attend to."
"Just say you're going after a man. I get it."
Thalia batted her eyelashes. "You're the best."
"Good luck. Though I have a feeling you'll come back empty-handed again... But it's good to have dreams."
Thalia: ... Can you say something nice?
William finished his business and opened his car door, only to find Thalia sitting in the backseat, greeting him with a sweet smile. "Mr. Brown, done with work?"
"Why are you in my car?" William frowned.
"Waiting for you."
"Why?"
Thalia played with her hair. "Well, it depends. Will you give me the chance?"
Finn: Thalia's direct approach is impressive.
Anyone else would have been won over by now.
William has resolve!
He won't bend.
William's mouth twitched as he noticed Finn's curious expression in the rearview mirror. He shot Finn a cold glare, prompting him to quickly raise the partition.
"Mr. Brown, did you hit someone tonight because of me?" Thalia sidled closer as soon as William got in the car.