Chapter 6 Thank You For Stepping In Earlier

In Bridta, the Bartons were a formidable force, ranking as the most influential among the top four families. Their status was undisputed. Lanny Barton, the family leader, had been widowed early, leaving him with two sons from his previous marriage-now only one surviving, Kieran Barton, Collin's half-brother from a different mother.

"Using him to threaten me?" The air was tense as Collin spoke in a detached, yet challenging tone, seemingly unfazed.

Josh believed what he thought was Collin's vulnerability, his face breaking into a triumphant grin as he reached out to pat Collin on the shoulder. His hand was mere inches from the dark gray fabric when a violent crash reverberated through the room.

Josh's hefty body was hurled backward, slamming into a marble coffee table cluttered with wine bottles. Glass shattered, scattering among the puddles of spilled wine.

The swift action took everyone by surprise. Before the onlookers could grasp what had happened, Collin was already standing, the shadowy aura around him dissipating to reveal his sharply defined, commanding features.

Groaning, Josh struggled to rise, only to be met by the terrifying sight of an orange glow zooming towards his face.

A piercing scream cut through the room, followed by the distinct smell of burning flesh mingling with the scent of alcohol.

The sequence of events was so rapid that no one saw exactly how Collin moved, but the burning cigarette was now pressed against Josh's eyelid.

"It's been years since I've personally dealt with someone." Collin coolly flicked the cigarette away and slid his hand into his trouser pocket. "Since you brought up my brother, Mr. Wallace, is this enough respect for you?"

Josh was left speechless, only now grasping the full gravity of his error. The news of Collin's return had been enough for Kieran to hurriedly secure a marital alliance between his son Roderick and the daughter of the Hewitt family, aiming to bolster his standing within the Barton family.

Yet, Josh was puzzled as to why his pursuit of a woman had enraged Collin. Could it be because Lena was the ex-girlfriend of his nephew?

While Josh was lost in confusion, Lena understood the dynamics clearly. She followed Collin out of the room and down a silent corridor, where a service attendant had just called the elevator for them.

Collin marched straight into the elevator without a pause. Lena stopped at the threshold, torn.

Inside, Collin turned around to face her. Their eyes met briefly before Lena diverted hers, overwhelmed by indecision. His firm voice resolved it. "Get in."

With slight reluctance, Lena stepped inside. The doors shut, and the elevator began its descent.

"Mr. Barton..." Lena started, her voice shaky.

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

She steadied her voice by pinching her palm. "Thank you for stepping in earlier."

"No need," came Collin's terse reply, his tone detached.

Lena forced a smile, thinking the conversation had ended. But then, Collin's voice cut through the silence once more. "Ten million for a bottle of wine. What would be your price for a night?"

The elevator dinged upon reaching the first floor, and as the doors slid open, Lena lifted her eyes in shock, meeting his gaze. Her complexion drained of color instantly.