Chapter 23
In a relationship, questions like this were unavoidable hurdles.
Watching Jack's persistent expression, I looked at him seriously and gave him my answer. "Because he's Michael, that's why I'd choose him. In this lifetime, he's the only one I'll ever marry."
After getting my answer, Jack still seemed unwilling to accept it. "Why, Nancy? Do you love him that much?"
I smiled and spoke again, "Love doesn't need a reason."
Having said this much, Jack should understand.
Just then, Ryan, emboldened by alcohol, chased after us. "Nancy, you only got this position because of your connections, didn't you? I'm doing you a favor by asking you to drink with me. Don't get too full of yourself."
Seeing Ryan reeking of alcohol, I felt disgusted and instinctively stepped back several paces to keep my distance.
Seeing my reaction, Ryan became even more upset and reached out to grab me. "Whether this deal goes through or not, you're drinking today."
But before he could touch me, Jack blocked his hand.
Jack stopped Ryan and instinctively moved me behind him, warning fiercely, "Get lost, or I'll beat you up."
Being blocked made Ryan even angrier, and he still tried to grab me. "Nancy, I'm giving you a chance here. Stop acting all high and mighty."
At those words, Jack didn't hesitate and kicked Ryan.
Ryan didn't see it coming, and with the alcohol in his system, he was easily knocked to the ground.
Ryan got angry too, struggling to get up from the ground and threatening Jack. "I'm the general manager of Apex Holdings Group. Are you looking for trouble?"
With that, Ryan was about to attack.
Jack didn't take him seriously at all, saying dismissively, "Just a general manager. Stop being so arrogant. Today I'll show you who's really looking for trouble."
With that, Jack kicked him several more times, followed by a series of punches and kicks.
Ryan was no match for Jack. After taking a few hits, he started begging for mercy.
But Jack had no intention of letting him go, his movements quick and brutal.
Seeing Ryan beaten black and blue, I thought he'd learned his lesson. Worried things would get out of hand, I quickly called out to stop it.
"That's enough, Jack. Stop hitting him, or something bad will happen." As I spoke, I went forward to pull Jack back.
Jack looked like he wasn't done yet, but since I spoke up, he had to stop.
He spat and said with disgust, "Get lost. If I see you again, I'll bash your head in."
Ryan knew he couldn't beat Jack. He scrambled up from the ground and fled in terror.
After he left, I thanked Jack. "Jack, thanks for today. I'll treat you to dinner when I get a chance."
Hearing this, Jack took the opportunity to confess his feelings again. "Nancy, you know what I want. I'm no worse than Michael. Won't you consider me?"
Even though Jack had just helped me, I didn't budge at all. "Jack, we're not right for each other. I'm grateful for what you did, but beyond that, let's just be friends from now on."
Rejected by me again, Jack still wasn't willing to give up. He grabbed my hand and kept expressing his feelings. "Nancy, I can give you everything Michael can. My feelings for you are real. Can't you just give me a chance?"
"Let go."
Before I could say the words of rejection, someone grabbed my hand.
Then a tall, upright figure appeared in my line of sight.
Michael suddenly arrived, moving me behind him and using his body to form a barrier between Jack and me.
I was somewhat surprised by Michael's sudden appearance.
After seeing Michael, Jack's attitude instantly turned hostile, mocking him. "Mr. Johnson, what brings you here at this time? Where were you when Nancy was being mistreated just now?"
Michael, hearing his words, was puzzled. "What do you mean?"
Jack gave a cold laugh and continued mocking, "Just now, Nancy was bullied by a business partner, and you were nowhere to be found. Now you show up playing the hero. Isn't it a bit too late?"
I didn't want things to get complicated. Hearing Jack's mockery, I quickly spoke up to stop him. "That's enough, Jack. That matter has nothing to do with him. Don't talk nonsense."
After I scolded him, Jack's face still showed unwillingness, but because of me, he didn't continue mocking. "Nancy, my offer stands forever. About you two, I still hope you'll think it over carefully. Choosing me might not be a bad thing."
Jack completely disregarded Michael in front of him, even confessing his feelings to Nancy right in front of him.
After saying this, Jack glared at Michael before leaving reluctantly.
After he left, Michael looked at me with concern, asking, "Nancy, were you mistreated? What did he mean? What business partner?"
Michael's tone was full of concern, but his eyes showed anger.
Jack had already taught Ryan a lesson for me. I didn't want things to escalate further, so I deliberately kept quiet.
But the more I acted this way, the more anxious Michael became, pressing me with questions. "Nancy, I'm really worried about you. Tell me, what happened?"
Though I hesitated a bit, I still kept my mouth shut.
My attitude somewhat hurt Michael, but he still held back his temper and turned his attention to Tom nearby. "You're Nancy's assistant? You tell me what happened."
Michael's voice carried an invisible sense of pressure.
Tom couldn't help but feel intimidated, instinctively glancing at me, somewhat conflicted.
Seeing Tom's difficulty, I spoke up, "Tom, you can go back now. I'm fine."
With that, I quickly sent Tom away.
"Nancy, will you answer me?"
After Tom left, Michael softened his tone, coaxing me to speak.
Seeing his persistence, I had to compromise and tell him what had just happened, including how Jack had helped me.
After hearing the whole story, Michael's face turned cold. "Apex Holdings Group must have a death wish. A general manager dares to covet my fiancée. Where is he? I'm going to find him."
Michael unconsciously clenched his fists, unable to suppress the anger radiating from him.
I had deliberately hidden it because I was worried Michael would be too impulsive, but the result was exactly as I'd feared. "Michael, I'm fine. Ryan didn't even touch me and got beaten up for nothing. You don't need to be angry with him."
I held Michael back, persuading him gently until I barely managed to stop him.
Michael's emotions improved somewhat.
"Nancy, Michael."
Just then, a male voice broke the atmosphere between us.
The man speaking wore gold-rimmed glasses, his whole demeanor refined and scholarly.
At this, Michael took my hand and introduced him to me.
"Nancy, this is Jeffrey. He's a childhood friend of mine."
I nodded politely, also noticing the woman beside Jeffrey Adams.