Chapter 376

Preston stumbled back, coughing hard.

Winter, alarmed, rushed to his side. "Armando, what the heck are you doing?"

Armando sneered, "You think I was kidding about breaking his legs?"

"Armando, you can't go around doing that."

"Winter, this guy is a snake, a smooth-talking player with a long list of exes. I don't think you should be with someone so slick and charming."

Preston approached, clutching his chest, his expression unusually serious. "Armando, I'm dead serious about Winter. My past relationships were all a facade. I'll take care of Winter, I'll marry her."

The entertainment industry was a mixed bag, and mingling was part of the game. Preston had never even taken a role with a kissing scene. He prided himself on being as pure as they come.

Armando scoffed, "My sister, Armando, could find a husband in a heartbeat. What does your promise mean?"

Preston replied earnestly, "Then I'll marry into the family."

A crowd had gathered, including celebrities from Starry Capital who knew Preston well. Nearby, many heirs were mocking him, but Preston remained composed, showing unwavering determination.

Armando's expression softened slightly, but he stood his ground. "How did you two end up together? You know you used your tricks to deceive Winter. I won't let you off easy. If you can take three punches from me today, I'll let things slide."

Preston agreed swiftly, "Sure."

Concerned, Winter said, "Armando knows martial arts. Can you handle this?"

Preston reassured her, "For you, I can take more than three punches, I can take thirty."

"If I didn't know it was Mr. Gomez's birthday, I'd think we stumbled into a boxing match," a teasing voice chimed in.

James, with a gentle tone, put his arm around Emily. "Mr. Gomez, on your birthday, let's not fight. What do you say?"

Armando's face turned colder at James's interference. "This isn't your business."

"I don't want to intrude, but my wife chose Milo and Azalea as godparents. If Preston gets hurt in her presence, how will she handle it, how will she face the godparents?"

As James repeatedly referred to Emily as his wife, Armando's gaze intensified. Emily added, "Armando, Preston said he'd marry into the family if they tie the knot. I believe he's serious about Winter."

Emily, caught up in the drama, momentarily forgot Preston was her brother. But due to their bond, she felt compelled to speak up.

Armando's expression softened a bit after Emily's words. Finally, he warned Preston, "If you ever hurt Winter, I'll break all three of your legs."

Winter, relieved to see Armando back down, chimed in, "If he messes up, I'll handle him myself."

Preston maintained his calm exterior. "Thanks, Armando. I'll take good care of Winter."

But inside, he was rattled. The kick Armando landed on his chest still throbbed painfully, making him feel like his ribs were cracked.

Enduring three more punches would likely land him in the hospital for months.

At that moment, Preston looked at James and Emily gratefully.

The crowd finally dispersed, and Winter and Preston hit the dance floor.

James complimented Emily, "You look stunning today."

Emily playfully flipped her hair, "When am I not stunning?"

James smiled, noticing two pairs of eyes on them—Armando and another figure lurking in the shadows. His brow furrowed slightly.

He suggested, "Why not invite Armando to dance for his birthday?"

Emily chuckled, "Armando is more into fighting than dancing."

But she sensed James had a plan in mind. "I'll ask him, see if he'll turn me down."

As Emily left, James headed towards the other observer—Luna, the youngest shareholder of the Smith Group from Zephyria State. Luna sat quietly, watching the crowd.

When James approached her, Luna coolly remarked, "Aren't you supposed to be watching your wife? Why come to me?"

"I didn't expect to see you here!" James's eyes held a hint of tension.

Luna calmly replied, "Mr. Smith, I'm here to distract you. Shouldn't you be with Ms. Johnson?"

James glanced at Emily, a massive crystal chandelier hanging above her.

Suddenly, the chandelier crashed down towards Emily...

Without hesitation, James ran towards her.

But before he could reach her, the venue plunged into darkness, followed by a deafening crash.

The chaos erupted as people screamed and questioned the sudden blackout and crashing sound.

James's heart raced as he scanned the room in darkness, feeling the tension rise.

After a few endless seconds, the power was restored, flooding the hall with light.

The fallen crystal chandelier and shattered champagne tower littered the floor with glass shards.

"Someone hashurt!"

"Blood, there's blood!"

The spilled champagne created a chilling scene, resembling a river of blood.

But it wasn't Emily injured; it was Armando.

He lay on broken glass, shielding Emily in his arms.

Witnessing the scene, James felt a whirlwind of emotions, piecing together what had transpired.

As the chandelier fell, Armando shielded Emily, causing them both to tumble, with Armando taking the brunt of the glass shards.

Emily, still in shock from the sudden incident, felt a strong pull as Armando shielded her with his body.