Chapter 22 Isaac, You're Crazy!
"Is Isaac that brutal? Do you know him? Are you that familiar with him?" Steve asked, his voice deep and heavy.
Nora's gaze darkened slightly, and she nodded. "I won't lie to you; he's my ex-husband. I was clinging to memories of him when I chose your name. I know him better than anyone; he's far more ruthless than I've described! You need to leave now. She might call Isaac to fight her battles in any minutes. If Isaac gets his hands on you, you're not likely to come out on top."
Steve looked at her, a picture of resignation.
Meanwhile, Kalista, initially shocked by the sudden turn of events, had come to her senses.
Seeing the man standing beside Nora, she felt a rush of anger and jealousy.
This man was tall and powerfully built, bearing an air of aristocratic distinction.
In stature and presence, he matched Isaac.
Despite a somewhat sculpted look to his face, not as classically handsome as Isaac's, he was undeniably striking.
How did Nora always manage to find such exceptional men?
Seeing the man wrap Nora in his arms, shielding her, ignited a fierce pang of jealousy within her.
Why did Nora deserve the protection of not one but two exceptional men?
It was so unjust!
After trying to contain her rage, Kalista said through clenched teeth, "Buddy, I'd mind my own business if I were you. Stick your nose where it doesn't belong, and you might regret it."
Nora and Steve turned their attention to Kalista.
Nora gently pushed against Steve's chest, signaling him to step back, urging him to leave.
But Steve held her close, his gaze frosty as he looked at Kalista.
"Since you're handing out friendly advice, let me return the favor," he said coolly.
"Strutting around town flaunting Isaac's name? Just watch your step. Don't exploit his power for your dirty deeds or ruin his reputation."
Kalista was livid, her voice seething with anger. "How dare you accuse me of tarnishing Isaac's reputation? What gives you the right to judge me like that?"
The darkness in Steve's eyes deepened, his voice icy, "My girlfriend was interested in something first, and you used Isaac's clout to try and snatch it away, even siccing security on her."
Kalista's face turned ashen, her voice raised in rage. "I already spoke with the manager on WhatsApp about buying it. It's Nora who's trying to steal from me; she's the real villain!"
"Oh yeah? Show us the WhatsApp conversation then," Steve challenged, his tone unwavering.
Both the manager and Kalista seemed flustered.
Where was this supposed chat history?
"You really think you're something special, don't you?" shot back Kalista. "I am Isaac's girlfriend. My WhatsApp holds confidential information about Isaac—there's no way I could show you my WhatsApp! I bet you're just trying to snoop through my phone to dig up dirt on Isaac and set him up! Forget it. If you won't heed the warning and insist on causing a scene with Nora, then don't blame me!"
"Security, come over here and kick both of them out. They are never to step foot in Century Square again!"
The guards got to their feet, surrounding Nora and Steve, but they hesitated to make a move.
They had been easily knocked down by this man just moments ago; charging at him now would likely end the same way.
They were waiting for additional armed backup before making a move.
Before their own security reinforcements arrived, a group of suited bodyguards, each wearing sunglasses, marched into the store and arranged themselves in two neat lines.
With ease, they subdued the security team and casually tossed them out of the store.
Only two bodyguards remained, standing with menacing poise behind Steve and Nora.
Moments later, the flustered General Manager of Century Square rushed in, bowing apologetically to Steve.
"Sir, I'm really sorry. The mismanagement on my part led to this unpleasant shopping experience for you and your girlfriend. I offer you both my sincere apologies! However you wish to handle this situation, we'll comply with your request!"
Everyone was stunned.
Wasn't Century Square a property of the Porter Family?
Marco Gray was aware of the relationship between Kalista and Isaac.
Now, with Kalista involved in a conflict, why was Marco, an employee of the Porter Family, apologizing to outsiders and not standing by Kalista?
Nora looked at the ever-courteous Marco, completely bewildered.
Then to Steve, who seemed unfazed.
What on earth was going on?
Who exactly was Steve?
Why was the General Manager of Century Square so deferential to him?
Given that Century Square was part of the Porter Family holdings, and Marco worked for them, why wasn't he siding with Isaac's lady instead of bowing and scraping to Steve, a stranger?
"Marco, have you lost your mind? Why are you apologizing to them? They've offended me; you should be sticking up for me, driving them out of the mall!" Kalista yelled, enraged.
She was more shocked and disbelieving than anyone else.
On Porter Family turf, Marco was siding with strangers over her.
Sweat beaded on Marco's forehead as he displayed a look of helpless frustration.
The last thing he wanted was to cross Kalista.
However, just a moment ago, Wesley, an aide to Isaac, had sought him out, insisting repeatedly that he come to assist these two people.
He was even instructed to treat this man with the same regard as Isaac.
If he failed to comply, he could kiss his future in Aridonia goodbye.