Chapter 28

At that moment, Kelly stood proudly in front of Steven Harper Insurance’s main entrance. He knew today was his chance to impress Margaret. Winning her favor could bring him closer to Clara Johnson, the most beautiful woman in Beverly Hills. The thought made him excited.

Kelly announced confidently, “Don’t worry, everyone. The boss will refund you all!” His words brought cheers and smiles to the crowd, except for Andrew, who watched with a sneer, thinking Kelly was overly confident.

As Kelly basked in the attention, the doors of the insurance company opened. Steven Harper and a distinguished middle-aged man in a sharp suit emerged. This man, Nicholas Smith, had an intimidating presence, accompanied by his formidable bodyguards. Despite his notorious reputation, few had actually seen Nicholas before.

The crowd gasped in astonishment. “Wow! Kelly actually got Mr. Harper! He’s amazing!” they exclaimed. “Yes! Thanks to Margaret, we can get our money back!” Margaret reveled in the compliments, proud of Kelly for enhancing her reputation.

Kelly, walking forward arrogantly, didn’t recognize Steven or Nicholas. Mistaking Nicholas for the boss due to Steven’s deference, Kelly asked, “Are you the boss here?”

Nicholas, with an amused smile, replied, “No, I’m just helping out. But you can talk to me.”

Kelly, dismissive, sneered, “So you’re just an assistant. You’re not worth my time. Get your boss out here!”

Andrew shook his head, seeing Kelly as a fool for disrespecting such an obviously important man.

Margaret added, “Kelly, don’t bother with the assistant. The real boss is right there!”

Steven was shocked by their boldness. They had no idea they were insulting Nicholas Smith, someone no one in Beverly Hills would dare to offend. If they knew, they’d realize they were risking their lives.

Just as Kelly finished his so-called intimidating threat, a burly man behind Nicholas Smith suddenly stepped forward, grabbed Kelly by his collar, and spoke harshly to him.

“How dare you raise your voice at Nicholas Smith! Do you have a death wish?!”

He then turned to Margaret and spoke to her in a stern tone, “How dare you insult Nicholas Smith! You should watch your words!”

It felt as if Kelly and Margaret were struck by lightning.

What? The man in the suit in front of them was the fearsome Nicholas Smith of Beverly Hills? They had ignorantly ridiculed him just moments ago.

Their faces turned as pale as sheets of paper, and cold sweat covered their foreheads as they shook uncontrollably in fear. Kelly reacted quickly, throwing himself on the floor and kneeling before Nicholas Smith.

“I’m sorry, it’s my fault! Sorry for not recognizing you, sorry for insulting you! I have nothing to do with these old folks and their money! Please, spare my life!”

He knelt on the floor, slapping himself and knocking his head to the floor, wailing and pleading loudly. He never expected that the person supporting Steven Harper Insurance was actually the infamous Nicholas Smith. Not even his family dared to go up against such a prominent figure, let alone him. He regretted his actions deeply. His intention was simply to impress Clara’s mother so that he would have a chance to be with Clara. Who would have thought he’d offend Nicholas Smith before he could even make his wish come true? If his father knew about this, he would beat him to death.

The elderly crowd was shocked as the unbelievable scene unfolded before their eyes. They had put high expectations on Kelly to get their money back, but no one expected to see him kneel and plead like a desperate beggar.

Margaret, who was extremely cocky earlier, stood like a statue after being slapped multiple times on her face.

Nicholas snorted in dismay and said to his men, “Since their mouths are so filthy, take turns slapping them ten thousand times. Don’t stop until you’ve reached ten thousand slaps!”

Kelly was terrified by the command. The slaps would definitely kill him!

Nicholas’s man pointed at the miserable Margaret and asked, “Boss, what about her?”

Nicholas looked at her in disgust and said flatly, “Same.”

Margaret’s legs gave out, and she collapsed on the floor, her body shaking violently. Would she survive after offending Nicholas Smith?

The burly men stood up. Some grabbed Kelly while others grabbed Margaret, ready to begin the slapping punishment.

Andrew, watching the scene coldly among the frightened crowd, had no intention of intervening initially. His mother-in-law had always been so snobbish and stubborn, so a lesson or two might knock some sense into her. However, if he let Nicholas Smith’s men slap her ten thousand times, she would be seriously injured or even killed. How would Clara feel then? If Margaret was in danger, Clara would be devastated.

He realized he couldn’t just stay put. Just when a strong man raised his arm and was about to strike Margaret’s wrinkled face, Andrew quickly marched forward and grabbed his wrist.

Margaret was on the ground, shaking uncontrollably. She braced herself for a hit from the muscular man, but it never came. Confused, she opened her eyes and was stunned by what she saw. Andrew, her supposedly useless son-in-law, had intervened and stopped the man’s hand.

Her mind was reeling. How was Andrew, usually so timid, suddenly so courageous? Nicholas Smith, known for his intimidating presence, couldn’t believe someone dared to challenge him in defense of Margaret. He growled, “Who are you? Are you looking for trouble?”

Andrew responded calmly, “You’re Nicholas Smith, right? You can deal with Kelly as you see fit, but please, leave my mother-in-law alone.”

Nicholas’s face darkened with anger. “This woman is your mother-in-law? Who do you think you are to make demands of me?” His fury was evident. He was a man of significant influence in Beverly Hills, yet he was being openly challenged. First, Kelly Kane had arrogantly confronted him, then Margaret joined in, and now Andrew was making demands. Did they think Nicholas could be pushed around so easily?

His face red with anger, he barked at his men, “Teach this insolent fool a lesson!”

Andrew, maintaining his calm demeanor, said, “Hold on, let me make a call.” He pulled out his phone and called Alessandro, the general manager of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

When Alessandro answered, he said respectfully, “Young Master, how can I assist you?”

Andrew, in a relaxed tone, asked, “Do you know a man named Nicholas Smith?”

Alessandro chuckled and replied, “Yes, I’m aware of him. People say he’s a big shot in the underworld, but to me, he’s just a minor player.”

Alessandro continued, “He’s tried to win my favor since he found out I work for the Blackwood family, but I’ve ignored his advances. Why do you ask?”

Andrew replied casually, “Well, he’s threatening me right now.”

Nicholas’s men paused, unsure of how to proceed as Andrew made his call. The tension in the air was palpable. Nicholas, not used to being defied, was visibly fuming.

Margaret, still in shock, watched as Andrew, her seemingly worthless son-in-law, stood his ground against one of the most feared men in Beverly Hills. She couldn’t comprehend the change in him. He had always been the one to avoid conflict, yet here he was, facing Nicholas Smith without a hint of fear.

Alessandro, realizing the gravity of the situation, said, “I’ll handle it, Young Master. Give me a moment.” He hung up and quickly made a series of calls.

Nicholas, growing impatient, shouted, “What’s taking so long? Do you think you can stall me with a phone call?”

Andrew smiled and replied, “Just wait a moment. You’ll understand soon enough.”

A few minutes later, Nicholas’s phone rang.