Chapter 349

Bruce remained silent. Shermaine's question was a mere formality; even if he objected, she wouldn't yield. The moment the glass door closed, Karina Carlton, Molly's eldest sister, arrived. Spotting Bruce, she rushed forward, hoping to secure his support. His backing would guarantee her succession as head of the Carlton family. But the door was locked.

Karina mused, "That woman obstructing me isn't from my circle. Some random girl trying to flirt with Bruce?" Her patience snapped. "Open the door. Now."

Shermaine heard but didn't respond. Karina, never one to wait, signaled her bodyguard to ram the door. The glass shuddered from the impact. Shermaine turned, meeting Karina's furious glare.

"Move!" Karina's voice sharpened, laced with anger.

Shermaine refused to allow this confrontation. Molly's request held precedence. "There's an order, Ms. Carlton. First come, first served."

Karina's eyes narrowed. "Who do you work for?" She rattled off names, receiving no reply.

"I don't care whose pawn you are. Block me again, and you won't leave alive," Karina warned, her voice rising. "Open the door now, and I might forget this."

Shermaine, unimpressed, smiled. "Sorry to disappoint."

Karina's silence was menacing. With a flick of her wrist, her guards lunged. Bruce watched as if entertained. A guard grabbed Shermaine, only to have his wrist twisted with a sickening crack before she kicked him away.

"All of you!" Karina barked.

Shermaine swiftly dispatched them, barely moving. She would hold her ground until Molly arrived.

A breeze stirred as Bruce extinguished his cigarette. He hadn't anticipated her skill; her movements were precise and effortless. As he drew closer, a familiar scent reached him. His gaze sharpened, focusing on Shermaine's back, a shadow flickering in his eyes.

The commotion had attracted a crowd. Molly soon emerged from the guests, her voice icy. "Karina, is this how you treat our honored guest?"

Karina's face contorted with disdain. "Honored guest?" she scoffed. "She's just your lackey, and your lackey has angered me." Her tone dripped with lethal intent, as if she would shoot Shermaine then and there.

She might have, but the moment she drew her pistol, a cold voice interrupted. "Karina, stand down!"

Karina froze. Her father, Fred Carlton, the head of the family, had spoken.

Then, Joshua's calm yet commanding voice rang out. "Sheary, come here."

Shermaine smiled and moved to his side, her hand resting lightly on his arm—a silent message to Karina that she wasn't a disposable pawn, but a guest the Carlton family couldn't afford to offend.

All thanks to Joshua. Not that she needed his name to command respect; her own would have sufficed. But she appreciated his protection.

Fred's glare hardened. "Holster your weapon. Now, apologize to Mrs. York."

Karina's jaw clenched. "Dad, I—"

Fred ordered, "Now!"

Grudgingly, Karina mumbled an apology, her humiliation evident. She hadn't expected Fred to fear the man beside Shermaine.

Shermaine accepted the apology gracefully. There was no need to escalate the situation for Molly's sake. Yet, throughout the ordeal, Bruce's gaze remained fixed on her.