He moved toward Mr. Wright with the slow, deliberate grace of a panther.
"I'm genuinely curious. How exactly did my wife become a 'lunatic' in your eyes?"
As Liam Williams casually wrapped his arm around Emma Johnson's waist, Mr. Wright, Mayor Reed, and the cluster of officials and entrepreneurs standing nearby were all struck dumb.
Among them, the one who had spotted Emma on television earlier hadn't gotten a clear view due to the angle. He'd simply assumed she was just another beautiful woman who had caught Mr. Wright's eye.
But now, looking closely, wasn't this Mrs. Williams herself?
The situation had just become infinitely more complicated.
"I have no idea how I earned the title of 'lunatic' from him. All I know is that I came here to have dinner with you, and a certain pervert asked for my number. When I refused, I taught him a small lesson. And now, this coyote is slandering me as a madman. Darling, are you sure this man is a director? I never imagined Silverdale would choose someone like him for such a position. The higher-ups must be blind."
Leaning on Liam's presence, Emma finally let out the breath she'd been holding. She knew that even if she said these words, those people wouldn't think less of her in Liam's eyes. Just by looking at Mr. Wright's pained expression, it was clear he was still terrified in front of Liam.
After all, Liam had a military background in the past, and now he maintained strong connections within the military, with direct ties to the central government. He wasn't someone local city officials could afford to offend.
Emma was well aware of this.
Mayor Reed's face darkened, but since she was Liam's wife, he had to step forward and smooth things over.
"Mr. Williams, I'm terribly sorry. Director Wright has had too much to drink. When he sobers up tomorrow, how about I ask him to personally apologize to Mrs. Williams?"
With that, Mayor Reed signaled a waiter to help Mr. Wright away. The director played along, pretending to be heavily intoxicated.
"No apology is necessary. But I believe this cooperation is over. As my wife said, letting someone like this be a leader makes me doubt whether this project can proceed smoothly. Mayor Reed, thank you for your hospitality."
With that, Liam wrapped his arm around Emma and walked away without looking back. Christopher Martin, however, didn't follow. He had just received a message from Liam. Unnoticed by the others, he quietly slipped out of the corridor.
Only Mayor Reed, a few officials, and local entrepreneurs remained, all at a loss. Though no one said it aloud, who among them didn't resent that lecherous director for ruining such a massive deal?
"It's a Disney-level entertainment project. How can you just give it up like that?"
Back at the hotel, Emma stared at Liam. He was currently loosening his tie and tossing it aside. This was the very project Emma had seen a few days ago, the one she thought was going to be abandoned. At the time, she'd assumed Liam was taking revenge on her, but she never expected he actually had such plans.
Now, however, she wasn't so sure.
"Of course not. But the person in charge needs to be replaced. Otherwise, there's no way I'll negotiate with them."
A cold glint flashed in Liam's eyes. Emma knew he was furious. No one could remain calm when their wife was targeted and harassed. Even if he didn't love her, that didn't mean he would tolerate such behavior.
"Do you want Director Wright to step down? That's impossible, isn't it?"
When Emma heard what Liam said, she thought it was too simple. No matter how capable he was, it didn't mean he could casually force an official to resign.
"That depends on whether Mayor Reed has the sincerity to see this project through. You know, once this project launches, it can alleviate Silverdale's employment burden and help the city develop from a third-tier city to a second-tier one in the future. It's more than just a simple scenic tourist destination. Such a great opportunity can boost his political achievements. As long as he has ambition, he won't give up easily."
Liam pulled Emma closer, his hand beginning to explore down her chest. His thin lips captured her earlobe, gently biting as he spoke slowly.
Emma felt a shiver run through her as he bit her. Her entire body began to tingle. The sensitivity within her was awakened by Liam. She thought it was still daylight, not even afternoon yet. Couldn't he wait?
"No, Liam."
Emma's voice sounded like a clear spring. She tried to push Liam's hand away, but her efforts were futile. Liam smiled and kissed her cheek.
"Don't you remember the terms you promised me on the plane? What, are you backing out now?"
His low, alcohol-tinged voice was magnetic and seductive. Emma's mind went blank, instantly exploding. She hadn't thought that was what Liam meant.
"By the French window, in the bathtub filled with water, on the chair... which one do you think we should do first?" Liam's simple words fell into Emma's ears. At that moment, she felt her cheeks were hot enough to cook an egg, and her chest was about to burst.
This bastard was going to kill her!
"Mr. Martin, it's done. I'm afraid he won't be able to get out of bed for two weeks."
In a small alley not far from Silverdale's five-star hotel, a thin man walked out. He approached Christopher Martin and spoke respectfully.
"This is for you and your brothers. Well done this time."
Christopher shoved a check into the man's hand. The man smiled and nodded to Christopher before turning to greet his brothers and leaving.
Looking at the fat man tied up in the alley with a sack over his head, Christopher's eyes were cold.
Director Wright was truly a fool. This was just a small lesson from the president. The real regret was still to come. If you hadn't harassed the president's wife, maybe the president would have given you a way out. But since you stepped on the president's scale, the death sentence isn't far away.
You're responsible for all of this.
...
"Liam, you're insane."
Emma lay weakly in the bathtub, wave after wave of impact behind her leaving her unable to even cry out.