Chapter: 1000

"Who do you deem as qualified?"

“The Boyd family of Silverdale, or the CEO of the Globe Group.”

“How could you possibly know people we've never even met? It's laughable. If you do, I'll gladly relinquish my head for you to kick.”

Barney smirked. "You'd better hope you're familiar with them, or you'll vanish from Silverdale by tomorrow."

When he was done here, he would arrange for someone to escort the woman to his villa. He had never failed to acquire the women he desired.

Norah wasn't pursued further. Their objective tonight wasn't a woman, but securing cooperation — a far more pressing concern.

Barney's abduction plan for Norah would involve a discreet approach later.

Regaining her composure, Norah sank back onto the bench. "Evolution clearly bypassed you lot," she quipped. “Still clinging to single- celled thinking."

A ripple of suppressed laughter ran through those who understood the biting sarcasm.

“Enough with the dramatics," said one of the men remaining standing.

"Do you want us to rough you up or not? Because frankly, lady, I don't believe you alone can overpower us, a dozen of men."

The men still lying on the ground shared the same thought: they were indeed outmatched.

But at their leaders' command, they rose to their feet, wincing from their injuries.

Except for Barney, who observed the scene aside, all men tried to make a move on Norah.

"Hold it."

The shout cut through the tension, drawing everyone's attention.

A young man, barely out of his twenties, jogged towards them, placing himself protectively in front of Norah.

“Shame on all of you, forcing a woman!"

Barney recognized him instantly. "Mr. Lee," he greeted with forced respect. "A pleasure."

"This lady," Barney continued, attempting to downplay the situation, “is simply waiting for someone. We mistook her for. someone more receptive to.. our company."

Norah, arms crossed, scoffed at his blatant distortion of the truth.

How dare he!

Glancing at her unexpected defender, she noticed Barney's respectful address - Mr. Lee. There was no recognition on her part.

What motivated his intervention?