Chapter 17 Sweet Revenge
A surge of inexplicable rage mixed with irritation instantly flooded his mind.
Almost grinding his teeth, he dialed Charlie's number again, his voice low and cold, "Find her. Now! Immediately! Bring her to me!"
After hanging up, Nicholas suppressed his frustration and turned to walk back toward the crowd.
However, after taking only two steps, he sensed something was wrong with the atmosphere on deck.
The guests who had been scattered around enjoying the fireworks were now all clustering toward one direction, buzzing with conversation as if witnessing some major incident.
"What's happening?"
"Looks like Ms. Jackson and Zoe are having a fight!"
"Really? At an event like this?"
Nicholas's heart tensed as he quickened his pace, pushing through the crowd.
In the center of the gathering, Evelyn stood facing off against Zoe with fury written across her face.
The atmosphere was explosive, tension crackling in the air.
A sharp sound cut through the noise.
Later, Evelyn raised her hand and pointed dramatically as dozens of photographs were flung into the air, fluttering down like confetti.
In the photos, Zoe and Henry were captured in intimate poses—standing close together, with Zoe practically pressed against Henry's body.
Though anyone with eyes could see that many of the photos were taken from deceptive angles and involved obvious optical illusions, in this chaotic scene, they were enough to ignite everyone's curiosity.
"Isn't Zoe supposed to be marrying Mr. Harrison? How is she mixed up with Henry?"
"This is the Harrison family's anniversary gala, and Zoe's being this bold?"
The crowd erupted in whispered discussions.
Evelyn's voice was shrill and cutting, filled with undisguised anger and contempt.
"Zoe, have you no shame? Do you even realize where you are? This is the Harrison Group's anniversary gala! Who do you think you are to make a move on my man?"
Zoe was clearly flustered, scrambling to defend herself, "Ms. Jackson, you've misunderstood. Mr. Garcia and I were only discussing brand endorsement deals. It's not what those photos suggest."
Evelyn sneered and stepped forward, delivering another resounding slap that left Zoe stunned.
Five clear finger marks immediately appeared on her pale cheek.
"Everyone in Emerald City knows Henry is my fiancé, and you dare to openly seduce him in front of all these people? Do you think the Jackson family is easy to bully? That you can just ignore me?"
Zoe was terrified, tears immediately welling up as she covered her face, shaking her head desperately.
"That's not true! Ms. Jackson, please let me explain! I have no interest in Mr. Garcia!"
She looked around frantically, seeking help, but met only curious, disdainful, or gleefully malicious stares.
"We were... we were just discussing work! Really!"
She was so panicked she could barely speak coherently, her voice trembling.
At this moment, she was at a loss for words; those photos were like evidence, solidifying her guilt.
Suddenly, she rushed toward Henry, grabbing his arm like it was her last lifeline.
"Mr. Garcia, please explain to Ms. Jackson! There's nothing between us! We were just discussing business, right? Please tell her!"
Henry's expression was equally grim. He frowned and shook off Zoe's grip, his tone carrying a hint of coldness.
"Evelyn, stop making a scene. Everyone's watching."
Evelyn approached him, raising those blazing eyes with a cold smile, "Henry! Even now, you're still protecting her?"
Henry remained silent.
"I never imagined that you celebrities would stoop so low for a simple endorsement deal—throwing yourselves at brand executives without shame. Where are your professional ethics? Where's your dignity?"
Each of Evelyn's words was like a knife, cutting deep into Zoe's heart and piercing the ears of every onlooker.
Zoe completely broke down—hair disheveled, both cheeks swollen and red, tears mixed with humiliation streaming down her face.
She had become the target of everyone's scorn, with no agent present and no powerful family backing. She was now the most explosive news of this luxury party.
The murmuring around them grew louder.
"Who would have thought Zoe would resort to sleeping her way to the top?"
"You never really know people, do you? She's really desperate for opportunities."
"Evelyn's got quite a temper—she went straight for the physical confrontation!"
"This should be interesting. Wonder how Mr. Harrison will handle this."
"Enough!" A cold voice rang out, carrying a powerful presence that instantly overwhelmed the scene's chaos.
It was Nicholas.
Nicholas's expression was so dark.
He looked at the chaotic scene before him, at Zoe crying pitifully in complete dishevelment, his inner fury unmistakable.
However, before he could take any action, an even more authoritative voice spoke up.
"Everyone, stop!"
Robert had appeared seemingly from nowhere, his face serious, his steady gaze sweeping across the entire scene.
The surrounding guests immediately fell silent, not daring to breathe heavily.
He first nodded slightly to the guests around them, his tone calm yet carrying undeniable authority.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for this spectacle. A small misunderstanding has disrupted everyone's enjoyment, and I'm truly sorry."
After speaking, he didn't even spare Zoe a glance, simply gesturing to the bodyguards behind him with a stern command, "Escort Ms. Perez ashore."
"Yes, Mr. Robert Harrison!"
Two black-suited bodyguards immediately stepped forward, ignoring Zoe's struggles and cries as they half-forced her away from the scene.
"I'm not leaving! Let me go! Nicholas! Help me! I didn't..."
Zoe's voice grew fainter and fainter until it disappeared from the crowd's sight entirely.
Robert faced the crowd again, his face restored to its calm smile, as if nothing had happened.
"Just a minor interruption, everyone. Please continue—the fireworks aren't finished yet."
Though Robert handled the situation swiftly and decisively, this storm clearly wouldn't die down so easily.
Everyone continued whispering about the explosive scene they'd just witnessed, speculating about the inside story and what might come next.
"Nicholas, help me back to the lounge."
Robert's statement was clearly designed to prevent Nicholas from having any chance to chase after Zoe.
Nicholas clenched his fists, veins visible on his hands.
But he still stepped forward to support his grandfather as they headed toward the cabin.
Suddenly, he stumbled, feeling dizzy and somewhat weak, as if intoxicated.
"What's wrong?"
Robert noticed something was off!
It seemed he'd been drugged by that woman. Fortunately, Robert had been prepared for this.
"I'm fine, Grandfather." Nicholas managed to force out the words.
Just then, Charlie approached, quickly reaching out to support his boss.
Robert glanced at him and said authoritatively, "Take Nicholas to cabin V8 to rest. Have Emma take care of him."
"Yes, sir."