Chapter 96 Without batting an eye, offending the powerful and influential.
Chapter 96 Without batting an eye, offending the powerful and influential.
Ning Yao's face was cold and emotionless; she showed no sympathy for the man who was being trampled half to death on the ground.
If Robert hadn't stood up for her, she would probably be the one lying on the ground coughing up blood right now.
Even if Bruce is willing to help her, it's only so he can make her his wife. In order to survive, is she really going to force herself to be with a man she doesn't love?
Besides, how long can Bruce hold out? He's Duke Argyll's man.
Who knows, once Bruce's novelty wears off, he might just throw her out to take the bullet without hesitation.
Even though Ning Yao didn't show any emotion on her face, Robert still noticed that something was wrong with her.
At this moment, the leader of another ducal family stepped forward and questioned Robert in a cold voice.
"You're going to take action against Duke Argyll's men just to protect a powerless woman like this?"
He was clearly questioning Robert, thinking that Robert was a reckless and brainless man who was lustful.
Even though Bruce expressed his affection for the woman, he did not openly harm Duke Argyll's men. This is the demeanor of a gentleman. What is needed is to find a balance in the relationship between the two families. Brutal tactics are not the best solution.
Robert gently pulled Ning Yao into his arms and said casually, "Instead of wasting time with me here, let's go home and clean up our own messes."
The leader laughed, dismissing Robert's words as mere alarmism and bluffing.
If something had really happened in their family, someone would have called to inform them long ago.
A minute later, the leader's subordinate quickly approached him and whispered in his ear.
No one could hear what the subordinate was saying, but it was clear that the leader turned pale instantly. When he came to his senses, he was filled with rage and raised his gun to shoot Robert.
Before he could act, the two mercenaries noticed his movements and fired first, knocking the weapon out of his hand.
In an instant, the sound of gunfire echoed through the hall. Everyone was stunned into silence by the gunshot. The only sound was the thud of the leader's gun falling to the ground.
Once the women realized what was happening, they screamed in terror, and the party quickly descended into chaos.
The sound Ning Yao heard wasn't loud; Robert had already covered her ears long before the mercenaries fired.
Compared to the screams and cries of panic and fear all around her, Ning Yao remained calm and composed. She felt that the whole world was dangerous, and only Robert's embrace made her feel safe.
Almost instinctively, she raised her arms and hugged Robert tightly around the waist.
Noticing Ning Yao's movement, Robert glanced down at her, a faint smile curving his lips.
The situation briefly spiraled out of control, putting Bruce, the party organizer, in a difficult position. He quickly approached Robert and said in a conciliatory tone, "Mr. Robert, please don't go too far."
Robert ignored Bruce and instead stared with interest at the leader who had just drawn his gun and opened fire.
Want to see whose gun is faster?
The leader was humiliated; he had lost his weapon and was essentially at the mercy of others. Moreover, something had happened at home, and he had to go back immediately to deal with it. He had no mood to continue entangled with Robert. He glanced at Robert, his eyes filled with resentment and hatred.
But he was also very afraid, and dared not speak rudely or do anything to displease Robert.
After slinking away with his men, the others no longer dared to object to any of Robert's actions.
Bruce arranged for his men to take charge, the musicians started playing, and the party gradually returned to its initial joyful and relaxed atmosphere.
Bruce walked up to Ning Yao, his gaze sweeping over her and Robert with a complex expression.
"Are you really Mr. Robert's woman?"
Ning Yao was about to deny it when Robert beat her to it.
"Otherwise, why do you think I should help you solve your family's troubles?" The other party's voice was deep and forceful, and his words did not allow anyone to refute them.
Bruce looked dejected, his face showing utter defeat.
He was very self-aware. If it were any other man, he might have been able to fight back and compete with him. But his rival was Robert, a man he could never catch up to even if he spent two lifetimes.
After a brief moment of mental adjustment, Bruce realized that there was no longer any possibility between him and Ning Yao.
Unless Robert becomes interested in other women and stops being with Ning Yao, there might still be a possibility for him.
He just didn't dare say these words to Ning Yao in front of Robert.
During this time, just keep in touch with Ning Yao. This woman deserves Bruce's care and attention.
"I regret missing out on such a wonderful woman as Miss Bella. I wish you and Mr. Robert happiness."
After expressing his meaning, Bruce tactfully withdrew.
Seeing Bruce leave in disappointment, Ning Yao felt a little uneasy. She and Bruce still had a cooperation to discuss. If she rejected Bruce's advances, he would get angry and refuse to help her. Wouldn't that delay her revenge plan again?
Ning Yao hesitated for a moment, then prepared to catch up with Bruce to discuss the cooperation.
Seeing this, Robert reached out and wrapped his hand around Ning Yao's head, pressed her down, and twisted her around, pulling her back to his side.
"Where are you going?" Robert lowered his head slightly, raising an eyebrow as he asked the woman in his arms.
"I have some private matters to discuss with Mr. Bruce." Ning Yao raised her hand and pushed the man in front of her, feeling that he was treating her like a pet cat, which made her feel somewhat unhappy.
"What private matters could you possibly have to discuss with him?"
"Little fox, you need to learn to open your eyes wider and see clearly who the most capable man is."
"I can do anything he can do for you, and I can also do things he can't do. You'd be better off asking Bruce to do things for you than asking me."
Many women were secretly watching them, and when they saw Robert getting close to Ning Yao in such an ambiguous manner, they felt very uncomfortable.
Aside from Bruce, the most dazzling man at the entire party was Robert. Yet, these two outstanding men were willingly circling around Ning Yao, while everyone else could only watch enviously from the sidelines. This feeling was incredibly frustrating.
Shanna, in particular, was tearing at her dress with her fingernails, almost ripping it apart.
Shanna did her best to maintain her elegance as a noblewoman of the royal family, and did not allow herself to lose her composure in front of others or do anything that would be undignified or rude.
There's plenty of time in the future. If Shanna sets her sights on a man, she'll do anything to get him!
Bathed in the hostile gazes of the women around her, Ning Yao raised her eyes and gave that handsome face, which was almost devilishly beautiful, annoyed. She complained with some annoyance, "Mr. Robert, you've really made my situation exceptionally difficult..."
"Why do you say that?" Robert asked with a smile, whether he genuinely didn't understand or was pretending not to.
"Didn't you see the way those women looked at me, as if they wanted to tear me apart?"
"Don't worry about what others think. Just do what you want to do. I'll clean up all the messes for you and support you."
Robert's voice was deep and his tone was serious; he didn't seem to be joking with Ning Yao at all.
He didn't just say it; he actually did it.
Only then did Ning Yao begin to believe, even slightly, the nonsense Robert had told her about liking her.
If they didn't like it, who would do something so crazy, offending all the powerful figures in Country Y without even blinking an eye?
“You’ve been frightened tonight, you need to rest right away.” Robert didn’t care whether Ning Yao wanted to or not, he simply picked her up in a princess carry and strode towards the banquet hall entrance, where his luxury car driver was already waiting.
Noticing Ning Yao's slight struggle, Robert lowered his head and kissed her pink lips deeply.
"As for other matters, I will have Bruce come to the manor tomorrow, and we can discuss them then."
"Do you have any objections to this arrangement?"
Upon hearing this, Ning Yao sneered silently to herself.
Does it matter whether she has an opinion or not? Even if she did, Robert wouldn't listen to her, so why bother asking?!
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