An Understated Dominance - Chapter 16

Chris, feeling lightheaded, stared in disbelief. “What the hell? Why did he bring so many people?” They were supposed to fight one-on-one, but Edward had broken the rules by bringing a whole gang. Chris was furious inside but knew he had to stand his ground. He couldn’t let Dahlia see him back down.

“That’s them! Surround them!” Edward shouted, and his bodyguards rushed in, quickly surrounding Chris, Dahlia, and Lyra.

“What are you doing? Don’t you dare touch me! My father is David Nolan, the president of Nolan Pharmaceuticals!” Chris blurted out, trying to use his father’s status to intimidate them.

“So what?” one of the bodyguards shouted back. “Do you know who you’re messing with? He is Sir Spanner’s son, the heir of Drey Group!”

Gasps filled the crowd around them.

“Sir Spanner? Is he talking about Trevor Spanner, the King of the Underworld from East City?” one person whispered.

“It must be him!” another replied.

“Poor guy. I can’t believe he messed with Sir Spanner’s son. Looks like he’s doomed,” someone else said.

The crowd murmured in fear.

“Y-you work for Sir Spanner?” Chris stuttered, his heart racing.

Trevor, known as Sir Spanner, was notorious in East City and feared by many. He was ruthless and didn’t show mercy to anyone who crossed him. He had a large group of followers who specialized in crimes, making him the ultimate villain. Offending him meant facing serious consequences.

“Oh no, I’ve really messed up this time,” Chris thought, feeling a cold sweat break out.

“What’s wrong? I thought you were confident. Are you scared now?” Edward taunted as he stepped closer.

Chris looked at Edward, his eyes filled with anger.

“Um, this is a misunderstanding…” Chris forced a smile, trying to sound submissive.

“Misunderstanding, my ass!” Edward shouted angrily, slapping Chris across the face twice. Red fingerprints marked Chris’s skin. Despite his frustration, Chris took a deep breath and smiled apologetically.

“My father knows Sir Spanner. Can you let this go just this once? I’ll make it up to you,” he pleaded.

“Who do you think you are? You’re not in a position to ask me for anything,” Edward shot back, poking Chris hard in the forehead. With each poke, Chris stumbled backward, feeling small and scared.

Lyra couldn’t stay quiet anymore. “Hey, you bullies! Do you think it’s cool to pick on others?” she yelled.

“Why? Are you mad?” Edward sneered, pushing Chris aside as he walked toward Lyra and Dahlia with a wicked grin.

“This is the Harmon family’s territory. Don’t you dare cross the line!” Lyra warned firmly.

“You think I care about the Harmon family?” Edward laughed. “Besides, you started this fight. I’m just defending myself. What’s the Harmon family going to do about it?”

“What… what nonsense are you talking about?” Lyra felt panic rising in her chest.

“Oh, it seems you don’t get it. Let my men teach you a lesson!” Edward waved his hand, and two of his bodyguards stepped forward, looking threatening.

“Stop right there!” Dahlia interrupted with a cold tone. “This has nothing to do with her. Let her go.”

“Does that mean you’ll take the blame?” Edward laughed cruelly. “Fine, I’ll let her off the hook, but in exchange, you have to sleep with me.”

“Do what I say tonight, and I’ll pretend none of this happened,” Edward said with a smirk.

“You’re unbelievable!” Dahlia shouted, raising her hand to slap him. But Edward quickly grabbed her wrist.

“How dare you try to hit me again? Boys, tie her up!” he ordered.

“Yes, sir!” Several bodyguards rushed in and grabbed Dahlia.

“Let her go, you brutes!” Lyra yelled as she tried to help Dahlia, but Edward kicked her to the ground without mercy.

“Mr. Nolan… please save her!” Lyra cried out in pain, unable to get up. She looked helplessly at Chris, begging for help.

“Edward, let’s talk this over. Why involve the women?” Chris pleaded, trying to reason with him for Dahlia’s sake.

“Shut up! I’m not finished with you yet, and you want to save someone else?” Edward snapped, furious.

“No, that’s not what I meant. We can settle this peacefully,” Chris explained calmly.

“Enough!” Edward’s slap sent Chris crashing to the ground. “Say one more word, and I will kill you.”

Chris fell silent, knowing he had to prioritize his safety over Dahlia’s. It was foolish to challenge someone as dangerous as Edward over a woman.

“Hmph. So you’re just a coward!” Edward mocked. “I don’t get why these women stick with you.”

Chris felt insulted but knew he couldn’t fight back.

“You two, stop struggling. Take them away. I’m going to have some fun tonight,” Edward ordered, gesturing for his men to tie up Dahlia and Lyra and take them away.

“Mr. Nolan! Please, help us!” Lyra screamed at the top of her lungs. But Chris kept his head down, too afraid to respond.

The people around shook their heads, thinking Chris was too timid to act. Just when it looked like Dahlia was in serious trouble, someone stepped in front of Edward, blocking his way.

“You can’t touch her,” the newcomer said firmly.

Edward sneered, “What the hell? Are you trying to play the hero?”

“I suggest you let her go before this gets messy,” Dustin replied coldly.

Edward laughed, clearly uninterested. “What if I don’t?”

“Then, go to hell!” Dustin shot back.