Chapter 3 You Brought This On Yourself

The Barton family, with their history as intricate and sprawling as a banyan tree, held a position of undeniable prominence in Bridta, standing tall among the four leading families.

Lanny Barton, the leader, had experienced his share of sorrow. His first wife's early demise left him with two sons, one of whom tragically passed away, leaving only Kieran Barton, his surviving child from that marriage, under his care until he remarried. Kieran was Collin's half-brother.

"Are you seriously using Kieran to blackmail me?" Collin's tone was still devoid of emotion, yet the atmosphere grew noticeably tense.

When he saw an opportunity, Josh's features twisted into a smirk. He reached out, aiming to casually pat Collin's shoulder.

His hand was almost upon Collin's dark grey coat.

In a swift, almost imperceptible movement, Collin's reaction sent Josh hurtling through the air, crashing into a marble table adorned with liquor bottles.

The sound of shattering glass filled the room, and the sharp scent of spilled alcohol permeated the air.

Everyone in the room was taken aback by Collin's sudden and forceful action. By the time the guests had regained their composure, Collin was already standing, no longer obscured by shadows, and his striking features were now fully visible.

Groaning in pain, Josh struggled on the floor, trying to get up. But as he looked up, Collin loomed larger in his vision.

A sharp cry of agony echoed through the room, the air tinged with the smell of burnt flesh.

It was unclear what Collin had done, but it was evident that the cigarette he had been smoking was now pressed against Josh's eyelid.

"It's been a while since I've personally handled someone," Collin remarked casually.

He flicked the cigarette away and slipped his hand into his suit pants pocket. "This is your fault for bringing up my brother's name. You brought this on yourself. Does this satisfy you, Mr. Wallace?"

Overwhelmed with pain and fear, Josh remained silent, unable to respond.

Only then did Josh realize the severity of his mistake. The rumors of Collin's return had caused Kieran to become alert. Kieran had quickly arranged his only child's marriage to the heiress of the Hewitt family. This move was a strategy to secure his standing within the family.

However, Josh was still puzzled by one aspect. He couldn't understand why his pursuit of a woman had provoked Collin.

He wondered if it was because Lena was the ex-girlfriend of Collin's nephew.

----

Lena understood the situation much better than Josh did.

She left the private room with Collin and they walked through the quiet corridor. A staff member had already called the elevator for them.

Thereafter, Collin entered the elevator with a purposeful stride.

Lena paused at the elevator door, hesitating to move forward.

Collin, inside the elevator, turned to face her. Their eyes met briefly. Lena quickly averted her eyes when Collin invited her in. "Come in," he said.

After briefly hesitating, she stepped into the elevator.

Soon, the doors closed, and the elevator started its descent.

"Mr. Barton," Lena began, her voice slightly shaky.

For her, the room with Josh had been a nightmarish experience. Being in the elevator with Collin was not much of a relief. She found neither good.

Lena tried to steady her voice and pinched her palm. "Thank you for your help tonight," she said.

"There's no need for thanks," Collin replied succinctly.

Lena managed a forced smile. She thought the conversation was over, but then Collin spoke again. "A bottle of liquor for ten million. What would be your price for a night?"

The elevator reached the ground floor. The doors opened with a chime. Lena, startled by his question, turned to face him. Her face lost color rapidly as she looked into his eyes.