Chapter 100 Diana in Peril
Seeing that number displayed on my screen invoked a sense of irony that cut deep. Despite the laughter and toasts echoing around me, an inexplicable heaviness settled in my chest. A mix of emotions swirled inside me—joy from success and a deep, endless sadness.
"Mom, I finally made the money," I whispered, my voice trembling. "Mom, can you see? I earned it. This should've been a moment we both looked forward to. But you left too soon and missed this day."
My heart ached like a knife twisting inside. I glanced around the table; the dim lights and clinking glasses felt harsh to my ears.
Even though this was supposed to be my celebration party, I wasn't really happy. The sight of my colleagues engaging in animated conversations only heightened my sense of solitude.
Luckily, that loneliness didn't last long. My enthusiastic colleagues came over to chat and drink with me, giving me a temporary escape.
The drinks were almost gone, and someone suggested hitting a nightclub. These usually reserved lawyers seemed like completely different people once they started to loosen up.
Their enthusiasm was contagious, and I started to feel a bit happier. About a dozen of us left the restaurant, some still talking loudly. I was a bit tipsy, letting Lila support me as we walked to the parking lot.
Out of nowhere, a group of young people rushed out, disrupting our cohesive group. I felt a sudden bump from behind, causing me to stumble forward, and in the chaos, Lila, who was supporting me, got pushed away.
Suddenly, I was surrounded by strangers. I called out for Lila and Nolan, but no one answered.
There were too many people; my voice got drowned out by the crowd. I could see Lila and Nolan being surrounded from a distance, each of us scattered.
"Found this bitch!" a delinquent girl shouted, yanking my hair.
Her sharp voice pierced the air, her finger almost poking my face. "Why are you defending Alice? How much did she pay you?" she demanded.
"Aren't you from a well-off family? Why take on such an unethical case?" Another girl pointed her phone at my face, and I instinctively blocked the camera with my hand.
"Why don't you dare to speak to the camera?" she pressed.
"I know you all have strong opinions about Alice's divorce case, but as her lawyer, I have to defend her," I said, taking a deep breath and trying to sound firm. "Besides, the case was tried today, and the judge already granted Alice and Eric a divorce."
A guy in a baseball cap rushed up and slapped me, snapping me out of my daze. Looking at this arrogant guy, I thought he seemed familiar, but I couldn't place him.
I glared at him, raising my hand to slap him back, but someone held me back. Seeing I couldn't hit him, the guy got even more arrogant, shouting, "You're a murderer! You've destroyed someone's happiness, and every penny you earn is filthy!"
It was only when he shouted that I remembered who he was and why we were surrounded.
"It's you?" I said, incredulous.
This guy was completely different from the timid person I saw last time. In just a few months, he had turned so rude and savage. Seeing that I recognized him, the guy froze for a second, then sneered, "So what if it's me? Now that you know, there's no need to hold back. You bitch, just disappear!"
His voice, dripping with hatred, cut through me like a knife. As he yelled, my eyes widened in horror. Before I could react, I felt something cold splashing towards my face.
Instinctively, I tensed up, my brain racing. In that critical moment, I raised my bag as fast as I could, using it to shield myself. Despite my efforts, some of the unknown liquid still splashed through the gaps.
I felt it hit my clothes and hair, the sticky sensation making my stomach churn.
"Why are you dodging? Ashamed to face people?" the guy screamed, lunging at me again.
Just then, the chaotic street was pierced by the sharp sound of police sirens. The sirens cut through the noise, grabbing everyone's attention.
A row of police cars roared past, their wheels screeching, making a terrifying noise. Following the police cars was Edward's car.
The troublemakers, who had been so arrogant, instantly turned fearful and scattered. But the police acted quickly. Those who were too slow to flee quickly found themselves encircled, resembling trapped animals with no escape.
The police shouted, "Squat down! Everyone, squat down!"
The troublemakers didn't dare disobey, squatting with their hands on their heads. The tension was thick, like the chaos had hit pause.
Lila hurried over, her eyes full of concern, and hugged me tightly. Seeing I was a mess, she took out a tissue to wipe me down.
At the same time, Edward, looking sharp in his suit, walked up to me. I looked up at him and said, "Honey!"
Feeling scared and upset, I hugged Edward's arm and started crying.
Edward carefully supported me, whispering in my ear, "Diana, it's okay, I'll take you home."
Lila whispered, "Diana got splashed with some dirty stuff."
Edward's voice turned icy. "Who did it?"
The surroundings fell silent; no one dared to speak. My gaze fell on the young man squatting with his hands on his head. Edward followed my gaze, grabbed the guy's hair, and lifted his face. His mouth twitched. "It's you!" Edward recognized him too.
I was puzzled. "Honey, you know him?"
Edward sneered. "It's more than just knowing."
He suddenly let go, and the guy fell heavily to the ground.
Then he said to the police chief, "Officer, I'll leave these people to you. Make sure to investigate them thoroughly. I demand severe punishment."
With that, he picked me up and walked away. The police chief inclined his head in agreement, understanding the gravity of Edward's words.
I saw Lila and the others still at the scene and called out to Edward, "Honey, what about Lila and the others?"
Edward interrupted, "They're fine; you need to take care of yourself first."
I leaned against Edward's chest, hearing his heartbeat. The steady rhythm made me feel a bit reassured.
The driver opened the car door, and Edward gently placed me on the seat, handling me like a precious treasure.
The driver was ready, and as the door closed, he smoothly started the car.
Log in with Google Account
Chapters
Favorite
Settings
