Jade, who had remained silent for a while, suddenly erupted with fury. “What do you mean by it being a joint plan between our families? You portrayed the cocktail party as a chance for the two children to get to know each other, but I never expected you to stoop so low- putting drugs in the drink, involving the paparazzi to take compromising photos, and orchestrating a viral hot search across the Internet. Did you think using such despicable methods would force Nathan to break up with his girlfriend? Who gave you permission for all this?”
Finley frowned. “Mrs. Baker-”
Jade mercilessly interrupted him, “Please address me as Madam Nolan!”
Anger visibly surfaced on Finley’s face. While he hesitated to openly provoke Eugene, he couldn’t bear to tolerate Jade and Ace any longer. A mocking smile curved his lips as he lashed out, “If this is how you both play the game, it’s truly shameless. What’s the matter? Is the Baker Enterprise not thriving anymore? Resorting to such unscrupulous tactics, are you? Don’t you realize that your very husband, Ace Baker, is aware of all this? Do you both plan to make us all suffer through your divorce? Who’s more despicable here?”
Eugene rubbed his temples to ease the throbbing pain. As an outsider, he deeply regretted getting involved in this family drama.
This incessant quarrel is giving me a splitting headache. I should just stay at home and cuddle with my wife. Why did I come here seeking trouble?
He finally couldn’t take it any longer. Raising his voice, he interjected, “Enough! Are you all seriously arguing over such embarrassing matters? Must I call the police to resolve this for you?”
After his stern intervention, the room fell silent once again.
Eugene surveyed the room, finally locking his cold gaze with Finley’s. His words cut through the air like ice. “Not only do I have surveillance footage of Miss Snow drugging the drink, but we also found drug traces in Nathan’s blood sample. The paparazzi who took the photos have confessed to acting under your orders, and the purchase of the viral hot search can be traced back to you. The police won’t concern themselves with perceived injustices; they rely solely on evidence. If Nathan insists on holding you and Miss Snow accountable, both of you will face no less than three years in prison!”
After a brief pause, he continued, “I don’t care whose fault it is, but you’ve disrupted my peaceful life. Nathan and his girlfriend can’t live without worries, and my wife has to bear the burden of their troubles. I can’t stand seeing her that way. You have two choices here-either issue a public apology to Nathan on the Internet, or I hand over this evidence to the police. If I don’t see the public apology before 10.00AM tomorrow, the evidence will undoubtedly be in the hands of the police!”
After making his point, Eugene picked up his phone from the table and prepared to leave.
Finley’s legs weakened, and he collapsed onto the couch. His wife hurriedly rushed to his side and comforted him, “Finley, please calm down. Please…”
Without concerning herself about her own image, Lexie anxiously stood up and hastily chased after Eugene. “President Nolan!”
Tears streamed down her face as she barely managed to utter his name. The disastrous turn of events with Eugene had caught her completely off guard. It began with hope and aspiration but now seemed to have led to utter despair. He’s always been so kind and caring toward his wife. Why is he being so cruel to us?
Struggling to contain her emotions, Lexie sobbed and pleaded, “President Nolan, we are truly innocent in this matter. The union between our families and the events of last night were all discussed and agreed upon by my father and Mr. Baker. No one coerced anyone. It was intended for the sake of better cooperation. You can’t treat us like this. If we’re forced to issue a public apology, how can we ever face anyone in the future?!”
Eugene halted his footsteps and looked at her tear-stained face with irritation. “This is your problem. You need to understand one thing-it was Ace who led you to this point. Whether you were manipulated by him or colluded with him, it’s your misfortune. If you feel wronged, settle the score with Ace. It has nothing to do with Nathan. Do you understand?” he asserted firmly.
As he concluded his statement, the members of the Snow Family directed their hostile gazes toward Ace. Their eyes bore such intensity that it seemed like they would devour him alive.
Terrified, Ace stumbled backward and quickly intercepted Eugene. “E-Eugene, you can’t treat me like this! After all, I’ve been your brother-in- law for over twenty years!” he stammered.
Eugene’s face hardened with ruthlessness as he gripped Ace’s collar. “If it hadn’t been for the sake of my sister, I would have torn you apart long ago!”
