The Unshackled King (by David Wu) novel Chapter 51

Before them stood a woman who was none other than Nina, the unquestionable heiress of the prominent Reed family of Mound City.

Compared to the Reed family, established names like the Lewises and the Winslows were mere minnows, entirely out of their league.

"Bullshit!" Ethan snapped, surging to his feet and lashing out with a kick at Barry. "I told you to explain exactly what happened!" he roared.

Barry didn't dare hesitate again. He hurriedly spilled the entire story, leaving nothing out.

"You snobbish bastard, you don't deserve to stay at Drizzlewood Retreat! And these security guards, daring to disrespect Ms. Reed—get them all out of here!" Ethan thundered, his face pale with fury.

He was seething, trembling with anger.

The very thought of Nina herself coming to the retreat for dinner and being subjected to such insults made his blood run cold. One wrong move in handling this, and he'd be facing consequences himself.

"You useless disgrace! I should beat you senseless!" Logan bellowed, his rage now directed at his son, Aaron.

Upon hearing the full account and realizing Aaron had provoked the entire incident—and worse, offended the Reed heiress—he unleashed a flurry of kicks and punches.

Is this idiot trying to drag the entire Lewis family down into the mud?

"Mr. Logan Lewis, that's enough. No need for the performance," Nina stated calmly, her voice cutting through the commotion.

Logan froze, his act exposed.

His desperate display had been precisely for her benefit, a clumsy attempt at damage control.

At her words, he stopped the assault and immediately shuffled forward, bowing his head in a gesture of deep contrition. "Ms. Reed, please forgive my ignorance and the offense caused," he stammered, his voice thick with fear.

He then yanked a bruised and teary-eyed Aaron forward. The young man, already sporting a face swollen from Janet's slap, now bore fresh marks from his father's fists. "Apologize!" Logan hissed.

"I... I'm sorry, Ms. Reed!" Aaron wailed, his words slurred, "I was arrogant, I spoke out of line. Please, forgive me!"

Nick joined in, pleading with equal desperation, tears streaming down his face.

Much of his family's business depended on the Reeds. If Nina's displeasure harmed the Winslow interests, he dreaded the punishment awaiting him at home.

"Offending me is one thing," Nina said, her tone still detached.

She paused, letting the weight of her next words settle in the tense air. "However, today I intended to host a distinguished guest. The person you insulted also happens to be that guest—Mr. Bryant."

Her statement landed like a thunderclap.

All eyes swiveled to Stefan, wide with shock and disbelief.

Him? Nina's guest of honor? But he is... just a recently released ex-convict!

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify