Chapter 500
She extended her hand, saying, “Stand up, Mr. Hampton. It was merely a demonstration. Miss Moss doubted I would act, so I showed her.”
Feeling pain and dizziness, Corey glanced at her delicate fingers. Alicia swiftly swung the bat again, connecting with his shoulder. The unexpected blows to vital areas brought him to his knees, nearly causing him to cough up blood. Moments later, two bodyguards rushed in, restraining Corey and preventing further retaliation. Jasmine positioned herself protectively behind Alicia, her stance unwavering.
Alicia turned to Yolanda, who had never seen such coldness in her. Terror flooded Yolanda's eyes; she instinctively stepped back. Alicia’s voice, though soft, was menacing. “If you break one of his limbs, you can leave.”
Yolanda gritted her teeth, refusing the proposition. Noticing her hesitation, Alicia signaled a bodyguard to open the door. Leaning in, she whispered something to Yolanda, whose pupils dilated as she looked down at the street. As expected, she saw a familiar car approaching. Tears welled in her eyes as she turned to Alicia. “Are you really going to do this?”
Alicia didn't answer directly. Instead, she pressed, “So, you expect me to overlook this and wait for Caden to handle you upon his return?”
Regret washed over Yolanda; she’d acted rashly. If Alicia could threaten her, what might Caden do? Alicia urged, “Strike him. You have your father’s support. It’s only Corey; what’s the worst he can do?”
Yolanda trembled, her breath shallow. She glanced at Corey, who met her gaze with fierce intensity. Alicia smirked, arms crossed. “Showing him mercy now won’t save you later. If you strike Corey, he’ll respect your strength and take the blame for the scandal. When Caden returns, he’ll confront Corey, not you.”
Yolanda’s resolve faltered. She picked up the bat and moved toward Corey. Alicia caught the bodyguards’ eyes; they silently acknowledged her signal. As Yolanda approached, the bodyguards loosened their grip. Yolanda raised the bat, but Corey reacted swiftly, seizing her throat and slamming her against the wall.
Yolanda felt powerless, like a trapped bird. Corey’s grip tightened, his face red with fury. Rage and shame from their previous encounter overwhelmed him; his anger boiled over. “Do you think you can ruin my hands?” he snarled.
Blood trickled from Yolanda’s head; her eyes were bloodshot. She struggled for breath, her body shaking. Her eyes fluttered closed, and she began to slump. Suddenly, hurried footsteps approached.
“Yolanda!”
Dorian’s voice snapped Corey back to reality. He released his grip. Yolanda crumpled to the floor just as Dorian burst in, shoving Corey aside. Dorian scooped up Yolanda’s limp form, his body trembling.