Chapter 57: Ms. Taylor Truly Excels in Both Literary and Martial Arts

"N-no, it's not difficult!" Nolan quickly denied.

But he clearly lacked confidence, and his words carried no conviction.

"Mr. Mitchell, we'll find a way to resolve this, but since it involves our elders and some old matters between our families, we need some time to communicate..." Ethan also tried to smooth things over.

"Now I get it."

Arthur raised his hand directly, cutting off Ethan's words.

"So Mr. Chase is unwilling to pay that outrageous one billion, while Mr. Martinez can't bear to give up the potential benefits of his sister possibly marrying into the Chase family."

He leaned back lazily and let out a light snort.

"One playing the devoted husband who can't let go, the other playing the caring brother who's looking out for his sister while seeking cooperation... Where did you get this script from, some hack writer?"

"Arthur! You!" Nolan completely lost it at Arthur's provocation.

He shot to his feet, pointing angrily at Arthur.

"Stop acting so high and mighty! You think I don't know what you're up to? You've got your eye on Sophia, don't you? Are you two having an affair?! That's why you're going all out to stand up for her, blocking our loans, forcing us to comply! Don't think just because the Mitchells are rich and powerful you can do whatever you want in City A! Don't forget, Sophia is still legally MY wife!"

Arthur didn't even frown. Instead, he smiled slightly at Nolan.

"Even if I really do like Sophia, so what? Standing up for someone I like and admire, seeking justice for them—isn't that what a man should do? This doesn't involve cheating, adultery, or any legal issues, does it?"

He tilted his head slightly, fanning the flames smoothly.

"If Mr. Chase has what it takes, feel free to produce solid evidence that I interfered in your marriage, just like Ms. Taylor did to you back then. When that happens, no matter what public opinion says, even if Mr. Chase wants to sue me, I'll accept it."

"You..." Nolan was left speechless, nearly coughing up blood.

Despite Arthur's harmless smile just now, Nolan clearly saw the provocation in it.

He finally understood—Arthur hadn't been sitting here waiting for them to discuss the loan at all. From the start, he'd been here to mock them!

Unable to contain his rage, Nolan rushed forward and grabbed Arthur's collar.

"So you DO like my wife, you bastard?! You're nothing but a hypocrite! A homewrecker!"

Arthur snorted lightly, lazily raising his eyes to look at him.

"Mr. Chase, I said 'even if' and 'suppose.' That was hypothetical. I didn't admit anything."

With that, Arthur casually waved his hand, pushing Nolan away, and calmly straightened his wrinkled collar.

"But Mr. Chase's imagination is quite vivid."

"I'll kill you!" Nolan completely lost his mind and lunged forward again.

"Nolan! Calm down!" Ethan was startled and quickly moved to restrain Nolan.

If they actually fought in Arthur's office, everything would be truly ruined!

Little did they know, Sophia was standing right outside the door.

She'd come to deliver documents for signing, but ended up overhearing this whole scene.

She'd initially just wanted to watch Nolan make a fool of himself, but then she heard Arthur say: "Even if I really do like her..."

Sophia's mind went blank, her heart racing out of control.

He... liked her?

Arthur... liked her?

How was that possible?!

Their boss was clearly a workaholic! How could he consider romantic matters!

And even if he did, he wouldn't consider her...

Arthur must just be upset that his secretary was being bullied like this—after all, it reflected poorly on the company.

Besides, Nolan's project really was too risky now, so Arthur was saying these things to make him back off.

Yes, that must be it!

More importantly, now wasn't the time for her to overthink things.

Seeing Nolan looking ready to fight Arthur to the death, and though Arthur seemed composed, with Nolan in this rabid state, Arthur would inevitably get hurt if things turned physical.

She couldn't let her boss get beaten because of her!

Sophia pushed the door open and walked in, stepping in front of Arthur with her arms spread wide to face Nolan.

"Nolan! What are you freaking out about? This is Mitchell Group, this is Mr. Mitchell's office! What do you think you're doing?!"

Arthur, now protected behind Sophia, raised an eyebrow.

He actually wouldn't have minded fighting with Nolan—he'd found him annoying for a while now, and it would be a good test of his recent gym results.

But he hadn't expected Sophia to suddenly burst in, looking like a mother hen protecting her chick as she stood in front.

Arthur suddenly found this interesting and leaned back leisurely in his chair, quietly watching Sophia perform.

"Sophia?!" Nolan froze when he saw Sophia suddenly appear.

But then, realizing she was there to protect Arthur, jealousy consumed him, his heart twisting in pain.

He pointed at Arthur behind Sophia, his eyes so red they looked ready to spill tears.

"You heard? You heard what he just said?! He admitted it! He likes you! He has designs on you! You two... have you already..."

"Shut up!" Sophia cut him off sharply. "Nolan, besides this filthy garbage, is there anything else in your brain?! Mr. Mitchell and I are completely innocent—we only have a working relationship! You're the one with a dirty mind, seeing filth in everything! I'm telling you, if you dare make a move here, I'll call the police immediately! Let everyone see what kind of person the Chase family heir really is!"

"Sophia, you're yelling at me... you're actually yelling at me?"

Nolan clutched his chest, looking utterly heartbroken.

Setting aside his character, Nolan was indeed handsome and distinguished-looking.

Such a man with reddened eyes would certainly evoke sympathy on the big screen.

Unfortunately, Sophia only found this display disgusting.

After wallowing in sorrow for a moment, Nolan suddenly erupted again, pointing at Arthur and cursing.

"Arthur! You're nothing but a trust fund baby who got lucky being born! What can you do besides being born into the right family?! You think using these dirty tricks to force me will make Sophia like you?! Dream on! She's MY wife! Always will be!"

"Nolan! That's enough!"

Sophia trembled with rage. Seeing Nolan's words getting more vicious as he tried to charge forward, she acted on impulse. Without thinking, she raised the hardcover folder in her hands and brought it down on Nolan's head without mercy.

"Get out! All of you get out!"

Nolan was completely dazed by Sophia's barrage of blows, and even Ethan, who'd been trying to break things up, caught several hits.

The hardcover folder hurt when it hit, and the edges were especially sharp. The two men could only scramble toward the door, protecting their faces while tumbling over each other.

As soon as they crossed the threshold, Sophia slammed the door shut with a bang and locked it.

"Phew..." Sophia let out a long breath.

Hitting people was really hard work.

Before she could catch her breath, she heard loud applause from behind her.

Sophia turned around in surprise to see Arthur leaning back in his chair, a smile playing at his lips as he clapped for her.

"Ms. Taylor, I didn't know you were so well-rounded. Looks like the money I'm paying you is well spent."