The disparity in strength between the two sides was evident, and the outcome was naturally in Lance's favor. At that moment, the police cars arrived. It turned out that a concerned citizen had called the police during the brawl.
The officer in charge of the case looked at the people sprawled on the ground and the intimidating bodyguards nearby, his face darkening. "Causing a disturbance and fighting in public, all of you come with me to the police station."
Meanwhile, the incident quickly spread online.
"Never thought I'd see news like this in my lifetime."
"Two CEOs fighting over a woman. If I were that woman, I'd faint from happiness."
"Hey, read the news carefully. Mr. Sherman was standing up for his friend and went to confront Mr. Mercer. I was wondering why Mr. Mercer suddenly broke up with Miss Deanna. Turns out he has a new lover. The richer they are, the worse they get. Abandoning his wife and kids-I'm officially a lifelong anti-fan of Mercer Group!"
As these comments circulated, more netizens expressed their disdain for Lance's actions, causing the company's recently stabilized stock to plummet once again.
The situation became so heated that even Deanna found out about it online. Only then did she learn that Landon had actually gone to confront Lance.
She wanted to message Lance to ask about it but hesitated, worried Eula might notice something. Instead, she sent a message to Landon's phone.
"Why did you go and fight him?"
"Lance deserved it. I was standing up for you. Don't worry, after today, Lance's reputation is ruined!"
Landon proudly reported his actions to Deanna.
Seeing the message, Deanna guessed that Landon was behind the news online.
On the other side, Xavier received word from his subordinates about the online uproar and quickly informed Lance. "Mr. Mercer, there's news online about your fight with Landon. They're calling you a heartless man who abandoned his wife and kids for a mistress."
He hesitated towards the end, fearing their CEO's wrath. After all, while others might not know the truth about Mr. Mercer and Missus, he was well aware.
Unsurprisingly, Lance's handsome features contorted with anger. He glanced sharply at Landon in the distance, knowing without a doubt that this man was behind it.
Sensing a murderous aura, Landon instinctively looked up and met Lance's cold gaze. After a brief pause, he smugly waved his phone and grinned. "Deanna messaged me. She's very concerned about me."
"Is that so?" Lance replied nonchalantly, though he felt a pang of jealousy. He discreetly checked his phone but found no messages.
At that moment, a police officer's voice rang out above them. "Explain why you two were fighting. Do you know how much trouble you've caused in Cloudmere?"
"Officer, I know fighting is wrong, but I couldn't stand it. This man abandoned my friend for a new lover. My friend has given him two children and is pregnant with another!"
Landon seized every opportunity to tarnish Lance's reputation.
Hearing this, both Lance and Xavier glared at Landon with increasing hostility.
Especially Lance, whose eyes were filled with icy shards. "My matters with Deanna are none of your concern."
Landon sneered, "I am just telling the truth. Did it hit your sore spot?"
Lance's gaze darkened as he coldly replied, "Instead of talking tough, you should think about your own consequences."
Almost as soon as he finished speaking, the office door swung open and Landon's father stormed in, his face livid.
He scanned the room before his fiery gaze landed on Landon. "You brat! How dare you take the family's bodyguards to fight on the streets!"
He strode over to Landon and twisted his ear.
Landon yelped in pain, "Dad, it hurts! Let go! There are people watching; give your son some dignity!"
"You still care about dignity? You've nearly ruined mine!"
Landon's father twisted his ear even harder.
Landon grimaced in pain.
Xavier watched from the side, struggling to hold back laughter.
Even Lance's lips curled into a smile.
After a while, Landon's father finished reprimanding him and turned apologetically to Lance. "Mr. Mercer, I apologize for my son's behavior today. I'll host a proper apology dinner another day."
"It's not necessary. What's important is that your son needs proper discipline. Today he encountered me, and out of respect for Deanna, I let it slide. But others might not be so forgiving."
Lance subtly stirred up trouble for Landon.
Landon fumed at Lance's words.