Chapter 28
As Lily walked past Dariel and casually took Ethan’s arm, Dariel seemed to plece something together.
“Is it because of him that you’re rejecting the proposal?” he questioned
“What does that have to do with you?” Lily shot back
“How does it not? I’m your fiancé!TM
Their argument quickly drew the attention of other shoppers in the store. Even though the store manager wanted to step in and mediare, seeing Dariel’s rising. anger, she wisely chose to stay back and watch the situation unfold.
“I’ve already said it–there’s nothing between us. Stop pestering me, okay?” Lily said fimly.
She tumed to Ethan and said, “Let’s go, Elly. Don’t bother with him.”
The stark contrast in how she spoke to them was impossible to miss. One moment, she was cold and fiery. The next, she was warm and gentle.
“Stop right there!” Dariel’s shout made them pause mid–step.
“I don’t know where you come from, but I’m warning you stay away from Lily immediately. Otherwise, I’ll show you what happens when someone crosses me in Silverbank City.”
“Don’t you dare threaten Etry! If you’ve got a problem, take it up with me!” Lily said, her voice trembling with urgency. She knew Dariel well enough to understand he wasn’t bluffing
He had a history. There had been people who dared to stand against him, but one ended up with broken limbs and was forced to begin the streets while another disappeared under mysterious clenumstances. Even though someone later came forward to take the blame, the rumors all pointed to Dariel’s involvement.
“What’s the matter, Lily? Dariel sneered. “I haven’t even done anything to him yet, and you’re already panicking? It seems there really is something shady going on between you twn, Now, I’m even more interested in dealing with him.”
Every word hinted at his intent to harm Ethan, leaving no room for doubt.
“Honestly, I was willing to let this slide. I didn’t want to make a scene out of respect for Lily. But since you insist on pushing things, I’d be disappointed if I didn’t respond “Ethan gently pulled Lily back, stepping in front of her as a shield,
“What makes you think you have the qualifications to challenge me?”
With his words, Daniel’s bodyguards instantly got the message and moved closer to Ethan with menacing intent. Their sheer size and demeanor made any bystander teel the pressure.
“You can’t match me in terms of money. You’re still out of your league when it comes to background and status. You’re even further behind in terms of tacties. How dare someone like you dream of taking a woman from me?”
Daniel had been a dominant figure in Silverbank City for many years. Ordinary people wouldn’t dare cross him, even among the upper echelons of society, few would risk provoking him. Who wouldn’t offer him at least a modicum of respect?
“You’re right. I might not have as much money as you, and my background might not be as powerful as yours. But… If it’s tactics we’re talking about, I have at least a hundred ways to make you kneel and beg me for mercy.”
When Ethan spoke the final sentence, his tone was laced with menace, and even the way he looked at Dariel was filled with hostility. This was the first time since coming down from the mountain that he truly wanted to deal with someone
Not even the kidnappers he had encountered before had stirred this level of resolve in him.
