Chapter 29 Can't Hide Anymore

"The innocent will eventually prove their innocence. I will certainly clear my name and reclaim my justice. Just you wait!" Emily said.

Emily seemed to have the winning hand.

It was unclear whether she genuinely had confidence or if she was holding some cards.

Bethany couldn't be bothered.

She gave a cold smirk, "It's better that way. Otherwise, if it gets out, people will say your mother is a home-wrecker and you've stolen my honor. You're used to being shameless, but I won't let you drag me down with you."

Emily clenched her fists, almost grinding her teeth. "Succeed in career, fail in love. You better worry about your illness. If the Riddle family cancels the marriage, let's see if you can still laugh!"

At this, Emily smirked with schadenfreude, "No one will have thought that a beautiful artist is frigid!"

Bethany laughed along, "No worries. If my marriage falls apart, the Campbell family will go bankrupt. I'd like to see how well you fare then."

Emily's smile froze on her face.

Indeed, having been accustomed to a life of luxury, Emily couldn't even bear to think about living as a poor person.

But in front of Bethany, she couldn't afford to lose her composure.

"Then your mother's medical expenses will also be gone. I'd like to see who'll have it worse by then!"

Faced with the provocation, Bethany chuckled, "Looks like you want to try me. If I don't oblige, wouldn't that be a disappointment?"

Emily narrowed her eyes in suspicion. "What do you mean?"

"You'll find out soon enough." Bethany deliberately teased and left.

A black business car drove past Bethany, and Emily heard Jacob and Bethany's conversation from the open car window.

"Bethany, it's good that you retrieve your honor. Don't be angry with her."

"I'm fine. She's just the child of a mistress, not worth the trouble."

Emily stamped her foot in frustration.

In this contest, whether in terms of reputation, benefit, or dignity, Emily was losing on all fronts.

...

Jacob dropped Bethany off at the hotel and waited for her in the parking lot, fearing Bethany might get into trouble if she drank too much.

All the people dining with her were men, so precautions were necessary.

In the spacious private room, Bethany and several organizers drank and discussed matters.

After a few rounds of drinks, Bethany's ears were flushed with alcohol, and she exuded an indescribable charm.

Several older men stared at her, and Bobby Gordon, the highest-ranking among them, couldn't resist moving closer to Bethany. "Bethany, do you know why I can nurture so many famous female artists?"

His sudden approach made Bethany wary.

She shifted subtly, saying, "Of course, it's because of your discerning eye and willingness to nurture talent."

"Smart!" Bobby leaned in closer to Bethany, even placing his hand on her thigh.

He stared straight at Bethany, his words laden with innuendo. "It's rare to meet someone who understands me so well, and you're so beautiful. You should follow me in the future. I guarantee you a bright future!"

It was an implied transaction!

This was the first time Bethany encountered such a situation since graduating.

She forced herself to remain calm and removed Bobby's hand from her thigh. "Mr. Gordon, you've had too much to drink. We're just business partners. Let's stick to the plan. We've pretty much finished dinner tonight. It's late, so I'll take my leave."

She was about to get up when Bobby firmly grabbed her shoulder, preventing her from moving. "What's the rush? Let's talk privately for a while longer."

Hearing this, the others tactfully left the private room.

As the door closed, Bethany had a sense of danger.

Bethany tried to struggle, but she was too weak from drinking, and Bobby pressed her down, leaving her with no room for resistance.

Her expression turned extremely grim. "Mr. Gordon, don't let alcohol cloud your judgment and make you forget about consequences. This is a public place. If you dare to touch me, I'm afraid you will ruin your reputation."

Bobby came up behind Bethany, his hand reaching for her shoulders. He laughed arrogantly, "Everyone here is on my side. They can testify that you seduced me after drinking too much, and I couldn't resist the temptation."

"But I'm Clinton's fiancée. You know about the Riddle Group, right? He won't let you off." In desperation, Bethany had to bring up Clinton.

Bobby, whom she thought would be wary, laughed even more brazenly. "Just a mere Riddle Group. Do you think I'd be afraid? I can't wait to make a move on you!"

With that said, he lowered his head to kiss Bethany.

Bethany struggled with all her might, preventing the man's alcohol-laden lips from touching her. She cried out in despair, "Help! Is anyone out there? Please help me!"

"Cry louder. I'd like to see who'll be ruined if someone sees us like this!" Bobby's actions became even more audacious.

Just as he was about to reach for Bethany's chest, she gritted her teeth and picked up a bottle of alcohol, smashing it over Bobby's head.

Bobby let out a gruesome howl. "You bitch! How dare you hit me? You won't leave this place alive today!"

Bethany stared at the enraged older man, her face turning pale with fear.

The danger was imminent.

Outside the private room, Stanley and Vincent strode through the corridor. Upon hearing that Bethany was dining with some of the event organizers, they decided to join.

Vincent wasn't here for dinner. He was worried about Bethany drinking too much, so he deliberately arranged a chance encounter.

"Vincent, why didn't you tell Bethany about you finding journalists to expose the bribery among the judges? It would've been a perfect chance to gain her favor," Stanley questioned, puzzled.

If it were him, Stanley would have definitely taken credit right away.

Vincent casually replied, "It's just a minor matter. No need to bother her with it. Otherwise, she might think she owes me a favor, and winning the award wouldn't feel genuine."

Bethany was a proud person who valued her independence. If she found out it was him helping her, she would feel unsatisfied with her victory.

Besides, as long as the problem was resolved, it didn't matter if she didn't know about Vincent's efforts.

He only hoped that she wasn't wronged.

Stanley nodded in agreement. "You're considerate."

Then, suddenly, he felt a sharp pain in his stomach. With a pained expression, Stanley said, "My stomach hurts. I need to use the restroom. I'll find you later."

Vincent nodded, and Stanley hurried away.

As Vincent continued walking, he suddenly heard a vicious voice emanating from one of the private rooms.

"You bitch! How dare you hit me? You won't leave this place alive today!"

Vincent followed the sound and found the room, guarded by two men. Seeing him, they looked flustered.

"Step aside," Vincent commanded, his voice deep and intimidating.

The two men exchanged glances, realizing the newcomer meant business. One of them signaled to the people inside the room, while the other spoke aggressively, "Who are you? We're discussing business inside. Get lost..."

Before he could finish, Vincent knocked him down with a punch. The other man attempted to intervene but was swiftly kicked away.

With one move, he knocked down the two overweight men.

Vincent pushed open the door to the private room, his sharp gaze sweeping the scene. He saw Bethany pinned down on the table by a bloodied old man, who was trying to force her to have sex with him.

Vincent's eyes reddened with fury as he strode forward, grabbing Bobby by his collar and slamming him onto the ground. With fierce blows, he mercilessly struck Bobby again and again.

He looked so ferocious that Bethany trembled in fear.

She shivered, clutching her disheveled clothes, tears welling in her eyes. Despite her fear, she felt an overwhelming sense of security.

Vincent was skilled in combat, and faced with his wrath, Bobby was utterly defenseless, quickly rendered unconscious.

But Vincent showed no signs of stopping.

Bethany, fearing Bobby might get killed, said, "Stop, please! He'll die if you keep hitting him!"

"If he dares to touch you, he deserves to die," Vincent replied coldly, his eyes filled with murderous intent.

Bethany desperately hugged him and said, "But I don't want you to get into trouble over this."

Her tears fell onto Vincent's shirt, instantly bringing him back to his senses. He stopped beating Bobby.

Meanwhile, Stanley rushed over and said, "I was gone for a moment, and you're already brawling. Vincent..."

Vincent?

Bethany's gaze, filled with confusion and shock, turned towards him. He was Vincent?

Vincent's body was stiff.

Was his identity going to be revealed?