Chapter 293 This Is Gasoline!
Anne's face turned bright red as she tried to come up with a response to Alaric.
But before she could say anything, Alaric pulled out a badge from his pocket, his voice steady but authoritative. "Let me introduce myself. I'm not just the head of a tech company; I'm also a special investigator for the National Cybersecurity Department. I've been keeping tabs on you for a while now."
Anne's anger disappeared in an instant, replaced by pure shock. Her hands clenched into fists, nails digging into her palms, and her lips trembled as she struggled to speak.
"You're with the Cybersecurity Department?" she asked, eyes wide with disbelief. "You've been watching me all this time?"
Alaric nodded slightly, his expression still serious. "You used tech to hack into the Howard Group's core systems, and we've got records of it. If you have any questions, you can take them up with the judge in court."
Standing nearby, I was completely floored by Alaric's revelation. All those seemingly casual interactions and chance meetings suddenly took on a whole new meaning. I never would've guessed that the friend who'd always been so kind and helpful had such a big role to play.
Anne's body wavered like her strength had been sapped. She collapsed into a nearby chair, staring blankly ahead, muttering to herself, "How could this happen? I planned for so long. How did it all fall apart?"
Her frustration surged like a tidal wave, her eyes reddening with unshed tears. "I can't accept this. I won't just let it go!"
Suddenly, Anne stood up again, shouting hysterically at me, "I'm going to find Nicholas and demand justice!"
Seeing her so frantic, I said, "Anne, stop being so stubborn. Do you really think Nicholas will stand up for you? He's already moved on."
Anne whipped her head around, glaring at me with bloodshot eyes, screaming, "You're lying! Nicholas loves me. He couldn't possibly have moved on."
I shook my head with a bitter smile, saying, "I'm not lying; you know Nicholas has always favored me in many matters, and that's my leverage."
"Yes, Nicholas favors you more," Anne murmured. "So, you're Nicholas's lover?"
I was taken aback by Anne's wild assumption and felt the need to set things straight. "When Nicholas was struggling to start his business, my dad invested in him and helped him through tough times. His kindness towards me is out of gratitude. And you, in his eyes, are just a tool to be used. You've done so much for him, but how much has he really thought about you?"
Anne trembled violently. She looked ready to argue, but no words came out."No, this can't be true," Anne whispered, her face shifting from anger to despair. "I gave up everything for him, my dignity, my principles. How could he do this to me?"
Seeing Anne so devastated, I felt a pang of sympathy. "Anne, it's not too late to turn back. Let go of this resentment and start over," I said softly, trying to be sincere.
But Anne seemed not to hear me. She stood up, dazed, and staggered towards the door, muttering, "I don't believe it. I need to hear it from Nicholas himself."
Seeing her so determined, I sighed in frustration. "Think about it, Anne. Have you really been happy all these years with Nicholas? What have you gained, and what have you lost? Edward is already in such a dire state, still thinking of you. If you keep this up, you'll destroy not just yourself but also your mother's remaining years. Do you want her to live in endless pain and hardship with you?"
Anne stopped in her tracks, my words hitting a sensitive spot deep within her.
I seized the opportunity to add, "Take this money and move abroad. Start anew, for both your sake and your mother's."
As I tried to persuade Anne further, her eyes suddenly turned even more vicious. She spun around, pulled a bottle of unknown liquid from her bag, and threw it at me without hesitation.
The liquid soaked my clothes instantly, and a pungent smell filled the air.
I stared at Anne in horror, my mind blank, unable to react.
The café erupted in chaos. People screamed, chairs clattered to the floor, and some covered their noses, rushing towards the exit.
"That's gasoline!" someone shouted, escalating the panic. Fear spread like wildfire, and everyone realized the gravity of the situation.
I looked at Anne in disbelief, my body trembling, my voice shaking with a mix of fear and anger. "Anne, are you insane? Do you know what you're doing?"
Anne, with a crazed smile, clutched the now-empty bottle, shouting hysterically, "You want to take over the Howard Group? I'll make you pay! No one is leaving here unscathed today!"
She then pulled out a lighter from her bag, her thumb poised to ignite it.
Just as Anne was about to flick the lighter, Alaric, who had been standing by, lunged at her. In a swift move, he grabbed her wrist, twisting it until the lighter fell to the ground.
"Calm down!" Alaric shouted, his face stern with unprecedented anger.
At the same time, a burly young man tackled Anne, pinning her to the ground. He held her shoulders firmly, preventing her from moving.
Once Anne was restrained, Alaric turned to me with concern. He quickly took off his jacket, carefully wiping the gasoline from my face, his actions both gentle and urgent, muttering, "Diana, are you okay?"
Anne struggled fiercely, cursing, "Leave me alone! She has to pay for what she's done!"
"Call the police!" someone in the crowd shouted.
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