The Healing Avenger novel Chapter 368

A portly middle-aged man, balding at the crown, strutted into the room with four bodyguards dressed in black.

Cindy, who was initially wallowing in embarrassment, swung her gaze over. At once, her expression changed subtly, and she stood up. “Mr. Royle, you've come to Jadeborough?”

At the same time, she prompted Finnegan softly, “That's Beckett Royle, Porsche's dealership in Nuthana and the second son of the Royle family in Bellridge.”

Finnegan raised an eyebrow and looked at Beckett, who had clearly one too many drinks.

The second son of the Royle family in Bellridge? Isn't he the uncle of the unlucky Vilmar, then?

Beckett Royle, reeking of alcohol, stepped forward and reached out to drape his arm over Cindy's shoulder. “It was worth searching through several private rooms to find you. You're even more beautiful and mature than at the Economic Forum at the beginning of the year, Ms. Zalder. It's fortuitous that we met tonight, so we must have a drink together!”

A flash of disgust flickered in Cindy's eyes, and she wanted to dodge.

But considering Beckett's identity, she had no choice but to suppress her disgust and remain standing still.

Meanwhile, Beckett's eyes were firmly fixed on Cindy's assets, planning an “accidental” brush against them after draping his arm around her shoulder.

But at that precise moment, Finnegan grabbed Cindy's hand, swiftly yanking her down on his lap.

His right hand naturally wrapped around her slender and firm waist.

Immediately, Cindy was taken aback. What on earth is he doing? Is he trying to take advantage of me?

Beckett was also taken aback when he reached out but grasped nothing.

When he realized what had happened, his expression darkened. After all, he already had his sights set on Cindy for several months since laying eyes on her at the beginning of the year.

Other than making the trip to Jadeborough this time for business, he also intended to seize the opportunity to bag her.

Otherwise, he would never have visited such a fondue restaurant when he was the esteemed second son of the Royle family and Porsche's dealership in Nuthana.

He only came because he had known in advance that Cindy was going to dine there.

But right then, the woman he considered his prize had been pulled onto the lap of a young man, who also had his arm around her waist.

He was very much displeased. “Who is this, Ms. Zalder?”

With a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes, Finnegan interjected, “You're from the Royle family in Bellridge? Don't you think you're being a bit too arrogant that you wanted to get handsy as soon as you came in here?”

He knew that Beckett had taken a fancy to Cindy, well aware of the immense allure that a mature and stunningly attractive woman like Cindy held to middle-aged men.

But presently, it was just him and Cindy in the private room. Upon entering, Beckett had ignored him and wanted to embrace Cindy.

It was clear that he had no regard for Finnegan's male pride to treat the latter like thin air.

If he truly got to hug Cindy, Finnegan would feel utterly insulted.

Moreover, Cindy was Bernice's best friend and could also be considered his friend.

But his words had Cindy's eyes widen in surprise.

What a jerk! You're playing double standards? It's indeed true that he wanted to get hands. But aren't you doing the same thing now?

Beckett snickered. “You must be Ms. Zalder's boyfriend, huh? Young people do have a knack for getting jealous over nothing. I was just—”

However, Finnegan cut him off impatiently. “Get lost and stop yakking here instead of ruining my appetite while I'm in a good mood right now with a top-notch beauty in my arms!”

There wasn't a woman who didn't appreciate a man's compliments, much less being said to be a top-notch beauty.

Consequently, Cindy, who was about to get up, inexplicably stilled, seemingly rewarding Finnegan for the praise of a top-notch beauty.

However, Finnegan's words had infuriated Beckett.

A sinister grin spread across Beckett's face.

“You're the first to dare speak to me like this. Verily, the young are fearless, surpassing the older generation. But I am not someone you can treat with contempt. If you kneel and apologize to me now, then have Ms. Zalder accompany me for a couple of drinks, I can forgive you!”

But deep down, a hint of devilry brewed within him.

If I put this man in his place before Cindy and showcase my strength, then threaten her before him, the feeling must be incredibly satisfying.

Finnegan slowly raised his head, stopping Cindy from speaking. “Scram!”

Cindy's expression changed drastically.

Has he always been so reckless?

He lifted his hand and waved it in front of her eyes. “Am I so handsome that you're stunned?”

Blinking, Cindy snapped back to reality, her cheeks flushing a deep red. “Don't flatter yourself. You're far from being truly handsome,” she retorted. Then, she asked, “But what just happened? Why did Beckett look like he'd seen a ghost after hearing your name clearly?”

Naturally, Finnegan wouldn't admit that he had killed Vilmar with some petty trick and even used the Wright family to deal a silent blow to the Royle family.

“I saved the life of the patriarch of the Langdon family, the richest family in the city. You've heard about it, right?”

Cindy nodded. “Bernie mentioned that even the patriarch of the Wahlstrom family, Theoden Wahlstrom, owes you his life.”

Aren't the Langdon and Wahlstrom families both stronger than the Royle family? As such, isn't it perfectly normal for Beckett to be scared once he learned my identity?” Finnegan fibbed.

Upon hearing that, Cindy frowned slightly, sensing that something was not quite right.

However, she couldn't pinpoint exactly what was off.

Dismissing her doubts, she lowered his head and asked, “Have you had enough of hugging me?”

“Haha, I forgot.”

Finnegan let out a couple of dry chuckles before dropping his hold on Cindy.

The latter snorted. “I don't think you forgot. You were just too comfortable, huh?”

Finnegan nodded with a smile. “It's actually quite comfortable. You're neither too fat nor too thin. During winter, you would definitely be a natural heating pad.”

“Why on earth did Bernie choose to be with a scoundrel like you?” Cindy glared at him before returning to her seat.

She filled her wine glass to the brim and held it up. “Anyway, I still have to thank you for what happened earlier. Otherwise, Beckett would never have let me go tonight.”

Ever since they met at the Economic Forum in Nuthana at the beginning of the year, Beckett had been harassing her incessantly with phone calls and messages.

Therefore, if it hadn't been for Finnegan that night, Beckett might have very well forced himself on her.

Lifting his wine glass, Finnegan teased, “How about offering yourself to me in return? Otherwise, mere verbal gratitude seems too insincere for the favor I did you this time, coupled with the help I lent you the previous time with Solomon, and me curing your illness.”

“Buzz off!”