Chapter 4 A Brother Suddenly Appeared

"Elin, we've tried every position, haven't we?" Richard clenched his teeth and trailed his warm lips along my pulsing veins. "You think you can feign innocence with me?"

His sneer was cutting. "How much does it cost to restore a hymen? I've taken your virginity. I should at least cover your losses, right?"

I had been so close to him many times. When I heard his insulting words, my heart felt numb.

I had genuinely seen him as my sex partner, the only one I had been with. Yet, he viewed me as someone any man could be with. My heart felt as chilly as ice.

Suppressing my resentment, I retorted with equal sarcasm, "Don't overthink it. It's just a hymen. I had the choice of giving it to you or a cucumber. I chose you because you're skilled."

"Elin Lloyd!" Richard's lips quivered, and he couldn't continue with his action. He locked his gaze on me with those deep-set, dark eyes and demanded, "Would you dare to repeat it?"

"What should I repeat?" I challenged, mocking his threats. "Are you worried you don't measure up to a cucumber?"

"Elin Lloyd!" Richard pushed me against the wall, his red eyes fixed on me, concealing his thoughts from everyone.

"Richard Harvey, let me go!" His intense gaze frightened me, and I struggled to break free.

Then, a man's voice from outside said, "Richard, come out first. You can have a talk later."

"Elin, you are so heartless!" Richard appeared wary of the man outside. Upon hearing the man's persuasive words, he eased his grip on my shoulders. He clenched his teeth and bore a piercing gaze into me. "I've never encountered a woman as ruthless as you!"

I couldn't bear to stay there a second longer and hurried to the door, unlocking it.

The first thing I saw was a crisp white shirt, the top button undone, revealing a glimpse of the chest and distinct collarbones. The sight was an enigmatic blend of abstention and allure.

Bella grasped my hand and inquired, "What's with the blood? Are you alright, Elin?"

Only then did I snap back to reality. "I'm alright. It's not mine."

The man in the white shirt let out a chuckle.

I looked up and met his eyes.

His eyes shone brilliantly, casting a warm glow in the bright light reminiscent of a star-filled lake.

He retrieved a handkerchief from his pocket and dabbed it against my lips. "My little brother can be quite impolite. I apologize on his behalf."

I didn't possess much knowledge about Richard's family. No news or information mentioned him having an older brother, leaving me quite surprised.

The man grinned at me and remarked, "Even though the wound isn't substantial, you should still put some ointment on it. If it's inconvenient for you right now, please wait a moment. I can take you to the hospital."

His accent and speech were awkward, like a foreigner who hadn't mastered the native language. However, his appearance was indistinguishable from a local.

His demeanor was a stark contrast to Richard's pretentious display. His features were softer, his downcast eyes and smile giving him a gentle, approachable air.

Perhaps my stare was too intense. He raised an eyebrow and extended his hand. "I'm Christopher Brooks."

Before I could fully register the situation, my hand moved of its own accord, and I instinctively shook his hand. "I'm Elin Lloyd."

"That's a nice name," he responded with a smile.

Then he addressed Richard, "That's enough for today. Thanks. It was quite an experience."

Richard ignored Christopher, his gaze fixed on me with an intensity that felt piercing.

Christopher subtly positioned himself to shield me from Richard's stare. "You're drunk. Aydan is on his way to pick you up."

"Humph!" Richard scoffed and pushed through the crowd, with Caroline quickly following.

The tension between the brothers was evident, leaving Bella and me feeling awkward.

However, Christopher appeared oblivious to any unusual circumstances. He offered a warm smile and gestured to Bella and me. "Allow me to give you both a ride home."

Bella stepped in front of me protectively. "No, thank you. We've called a ride."

Faced with our cautious demeanor, Christopher returned his hand to his pocket and began to explain, "Today's mishap was Richard's doing. As his sibling, please allow me to make amends for his mistake."

With his words, we found ourselves without much to say and climbed into his car reluctantly.

With Cory in a coma and Zenith Group on shaky ground, the sudden emergence of an unknown son raised suspicions about his intentions.

I expected Christopher to speak once we were inside his car. Instead, he remained focused on driving the entire journey, only pausing briefly when he spotted a pharmacy along the road.

Upon reaching my apartment, he handed me a medicine bag, saying, "Please overlook today's incident. I hope we'll meet again soon."

Then he drove off, leaving Bella and me somewhat perplexed.

The following morning, I arrived at the law firm punctually.

The colleagues in the office appeared less occupied than their typical selves. They huddled in small clusters, but as soon as they saw me, they dispersed, retreating to their desks while casting intrigued glances in my direction.

"Elin," the director called out with a friendly gesture. "Come to my office."

The director prepared two cups of coffee, one for each of us, and then inquired deliberately, "I heard you had a run-in with Zenith Group's boss last night, and it got physical."

Given the number of witnesses, it wasn't surprising the news had reached him. I met his gaze calmly. "Is Zenith Group withdrawing their partnership?"

"No."

The director was well aware that Richard intended to replace me with someone else, and it appeared he did it deliberately to retain the big client.

Frustration bubbling, I retorted sharply, "As long as it doesn't impact the company, it's my matter. I don't owe you an explanation, do I?"

"Of course." The director, an experienced lawyer with a stoic expression, didn't reveal any emotion. "Elin, you've been in the legal field for many years, and you must grasp that some matters are best left unspoken. Occasionally, one's family background carries more weight than diligent work.

Ultimately, being a lawyer meant being part of the service industry. When clients select a lawyer, it hinges on the lawyer's image. As your senior, I must advise you not to let private issues interfere with your professional life. It's in your best interest."

While the director's initial motivation for speaking with me was to retain a crucial client, his words held undeniable truth. If my issues with Richard became public, I would bear the brunt of the impact.

I collected my thoughts and adopted a more vigilant stance. Sitting up straight, I responded earnestly, "I appreciate your advice. I'll address the situation accordingly."

Following the discussion with the director, Caroline intercepted me and said, "Elin, I went over the materials you provided yesterday. There's something I find perplexing. Could you clarify it for me at some point?"