Chapter 125
Nora's back stiffened. She turned to look at Michael.
Hearing Michael insult someone without using a single curse word was truly shocking.
And this was the first time she'd seen Michael lose his temper. He looked so handsome she couldn't look away.
Michael's usual image was that of a domineering CEO—cold, mature, steady, and untouchable, like someone you could see but never reach.
But now, for the first time, Nora felt like someone had her back.
It felt like her guardian angel was standing right behind her.
James clenched his fists and said in a low voice, "Michael, this is my family business."
"What a coincidence—it's also my family business." Michael straightened up and glanced at Evelyn. "Twenty years of missing education doesn't matter—conscience comes from within. Any normal person should know that this is a company, a workplace, not your home, where you can throw tantrums."
Michael's presence was so overwhelming that Evelyn immediately stopped crying and stood there in panic.
James walked over to protect Evelyn. "Michael, she's my fiancée. You have no idea what she's been through, so you have no right to criticize her."
"My people aren't yours to criticize either." Michael stepped in front of James. "Control your woman. Missing a kidney isn't fatal, but having no brain and being used by others—that will end badly."
Michael didn't need to guess—someone must have deliberately provoked Evelyn.
This woman had no brain and was too easily manipulated.
"Mr. James Smith, Ms. Evelyn Thomas, this is a company. You've really crossed the line. Even if this gets to Mr. Michael Smith, it won't look good." David stepped forward, signaling for Evelyn and James to leave.
Evelyn hid behind James, looking at Nora with resentment.
Why was Michael protecting her like this?
"Michael said Nora is his person? Have you two slept together? She's James's fiancée—don't you think that's inappropriate? It won't sound good if word gets out, right?" Evelyn calmed down, her words dripping with sarcasm, deliberately speaking loud enough for everyone in the company to hear. "Besides, Terry is your cousin, right? Several of Terry's friends have had their way with Nora—doesn't that disgust you?"
Nora's breathing quickened as she looked at Michael, her eyes reddening. She wanted to explain.
For the first time, she desperately wanted to explain.
Before meeting Michael, no matter how Evelyn and the others slandered her, she didn't care and couldn't be bothered to explain. Let them say whatever they wanted.
But in front of Michael, she panicked. She wanted to explain. She didn't want Michael to find her disgusting or dirty.
But no matter how desperately she tried to speak, she couldn't get a single word out.
James clenched his fists, looking at Nora with disgust.
He must have been possessed to rush back to the Smith Group out of concern for her.
Apparently, she and Michael had been involved for a while—otherwise, why would Michael protect her like this?
"When did this happen? Seems like Ms. Evelyn Thomas is an eyewitness." Michael glanced at David. "Call the police immediately. Tell them Evelyn is a witness to Nora's assault, and she knows who the perpetrators are."
"Also, report everyone Evelyn mentioned—Terry and whoever else—to the police. Have them investigate." Michael spoke calmly.
"Evelyn." Aiden took a deep breath and grabbed Evelyn's arm, trying to take her away.
With Evelyn's brain, she really couldn't match wits with Michael.
The three of them—he, his sister, and James—were no match for Michael.
"Let's go."
"Can't leave now." Michael raised his hand. "So many people in the company heard it. Evelyn is an eyewitness. Did you all hear that?"
Michael looked at the company employees.
Everyone tensed up and quickly nodded. "Mr. Smith, we all heard it. She said it was Terry and several others."
"Good. Call the police." Michael checked the time. "I still have time to get justice for my assistant."
David took out his phone to call the police.
"Michael." Evelyn panicked and rushed forward to stop David.
"What's wrong, Ms. Thomas?" David stepped back. "Didn't you see it with your own eyes?"
"I just heard about it—Nora was willing!" Evelyn bit her lip, looking at Nora with hatred.
Nora stood numbly behind Michael, head down, tears falling to the ground.
Her reputation was already ruined—she didn't care if it got worse.
But Michael was trying to help her.
As the CEO of the Smith Group, he did not need to get involved in this kind of trouble, to deal with such pointless drama, yet he chose to intervene.
What she owed him—she might never be able to repay it.
"Were you willing?" Michael turned around. Seeing Nora crying, his heart inexplicably ached.
His expression darkened, and Michael frowned, veins visible on the back of his hand.
How had she survived all these years?
Nora couldn't make a sound—she could only shake her head.
No, she wasn't.
"You see, Ms. Nora Adams wasn't willing, so you're an eyewitness. This is crucial for the police investigation. I've already contacted Terry and the others you mentioned, telling them to turn themselves in and wait for the police." David made a phone call to the side, then returned to look at Evelyn. "Ms. Evelyn Thomas is so kind-hearted. With so many people watching, you were brave to expose those scumbags."
"David!" James pointed at David in warning.
David shrugged. "Everyone, stay—it's lunch break anyway. Let's all stay and witness this."
David called the company employees over to watch the show.
Evelyn looked anxiously at Aiden, pleading to leave.
"Mr. Smith, Evelyn's health isn't good." Aiden wanted Michael to let Evelyn go.
"Health isn't good? She seemed pretty energetic when she was making a scene outside just now." Michael coldly refused. "Cooperating with an investigation is a law-abiding citizen's duty. Spreading rumors is also illegal. If what Evelyn said is false, there's audio from the surveillance. Terry and the others can sue Evelyn. After all, rape is a very serious crime."
In less than half an hour, Terry and his group of friends rushed upstairs in a panic, their hearts nearly jumping out of their chests.
"James." Evelyn sobbed, clutching James's arm tightly.
James frowned and quietly comforted her. "It's okay, I'm here."
"Evelyn, what are you talking about? What are you making up?" Terry had a handprint on his face. "Look! My mom hit me!"
Michael didn't smile.
But everyone watching laughed, and David laughed too.
"What are you laughing at? This is all your fault—what did you tell my mom?" Terry pointed at David and cursed, then turned to look at Michael, trembling. "Michael! I'm innocent! I've never even touched Nora's hand!"
The guys following Terry looked even paler. "Michael, we don't know Nora well, really don't."
"So you're saying Evelyn made it all up?" Michael raised an eyebrow.
"Yes, yes, yes! She made it up. How could anyone make up such rumors? We're absolutely innocent." They all nodded quickly.
"This has already reached your parents' ears. It probably won't be easy to handle. If you want to clear your names, report her to the police for spreading false rumors." David looked apologetic.
He had just notified all their families.
As soon as David finished speaking, Terry and the others' phones started ringing one after another.
These people had, to varying degrees, bullied Nora and spread rumors about her.
This time, Michael was teaching them a lesson.
"James, your woman came to the company to spread rumors, seriously damaging the image of the CEO's assistant and causing immeasurable losses to the company. How are you going to handle this?" Michael looked at James, making him personally provide an explanation.
"Michael." James had a headache, but it was obvious Evelyn was in the wrong.
"Apologize." Michael looked at James with overwhelming pressure.
If Evelyn didn't publicly apologize to Nora today, she would face the consequences.