Chapter 32 The Confrontation Between Edward and Nolan
With a screech of brakes and a gust of wind, a white SUV skidded to a stop between Nolan and me, almost knocking me over.
The window rolled down, and there was Edward, looking like he wanted to rip me apart. His face was a storm cloud of displeasure.
"Get in the car," he barked, leaving no room for argument.
But I wasn't about to just obey. I turned to Nolan and said, "Let's head back."
Nolan, sharp as ever, knew exactly who had shown up. "This is the police station. Does Mr. Howard plan on kidnapping someone in broad daylight?" he shot back.
Nolan's words were a clever dig. Edward had just accused me of hiring someone to kidnap Anne, so this was a perfect jab at his ridiculousness.
Edward stepped out of the car, towering over us. "And who might you be?"
"I'm Nolan Scott, founder of Stellar Legal Advisors."
Edward's face lit up with fake recognition. "Ah, Nolan. I've heard quite a bit about you. My legal team says you never lose a case. Impressive!"
"Mr. Howard, you flatter me. Those undefeated cases are just rumors. Your legal team is the real deal, top-notch in the industry," Nolan replied smoothly. He was a lawyer, after all; words were his weapons.
Despite their polite words, it felt like they were seconds away from a full-blown argument.
Edward was cool and controlled. Nolan was polished and composed. Either one of them could make any woman passing by swoon. The two of them, in their sharp suits, were turning heads at the intersection.
Stuck in the middle, I couldn't get a word in. I was worried Nolan's words would hit a nerve with Edward, and that Edward's sharp tongue would offend Nolan. I sneaked a glance at Edward, who was glaring at me like a snake ready to strike. He noticed my look and suddenly grabbed my arm, pulling me close. My arm throbbed, and I stumbled into his chest.
Edward cupped my face, his nose almost touching mine. "Mrs. Howard, where are you and Nolan off to so early?"
"Edward, mind your own business!" I snapped, my face squished by his grip, making my voice sound weird. To make things worse, a bit of spit dribbled down my chin onto his hand.
"I spend one night at the hospital with Anne, and you can't wait to go out and have some fun?" Edward wiped my spit with his thumb and then wiped it on my chest.
With Nolan standing right there, I felt utterly humiliated and struggled to break free from Edward's hold.
I knew Edward was pissed about me meeting Nolan alone. Nolan was just trying to help me out, and I didn't want him to get caught in Edward's crossfire. Just as I was about to say something, Nolan beat me to it. "Mr. Howard, you must be joking. I'm just here with Diana to investigate a case. Are you suggesting there's something shady going on? As a professional, I must remind you that words have consequences!"
Edward's eyes dropped slightly, a telltale sign of guilt I knew all too well. But his grip on me stayed firm, painfully tight. He sneered, "Ah, the great lawyer, always taking the moral high ground!"
Nolan didn't flinch. "As lawyers, it's our job to uphold justice and help those in need."
"So, Mrs. Howard doesn't think much of our legal team and needs outside counsel," Edward said, his hand wandering over me, making my skin crawl.
"Mr. Howard, you misunderstand. Mrs. Howard is my employee. We're just partners," Nolan shot back, his calm exterior hiding an unyielding spirit.
"The case is over. Nolan, you can leave now!" Edward seemed to realize arguing with Nolan was a dead end and wanted to wrap it up.
"With you gripping Mrs. Howard's neck like that, I believe you're a threat to her safety. She came out with me to investigate a case, and it's my duty to ensure her safety," Nolan said, clearly worried about me.
Edward finally let go, and I nodded to Nolan, signaling I was okay. Even in his anger, Edward wouldn't harm me in public. His pride wouldn't allow it. If he wanted to vent his anger, it would be at home, behind closed doors. Nolan got in his car and drove off.
"Do you think I can't see through your thoughts?" Edward whispered in my ear once Nolan was gone. "Wanna bet? Let's see if I can get you sent to jail faster than Nolan can get you out."
"Edward, I told you I didn't hire anyone to hurt Anne," I said, pausing for a moment. "And this has nothing to do with Nolan. I'll find out the truth myself. Just wait and see." He seemed taken aback by my newfound confidence.
He'd never seen this side of me before. I used to be gentle and accommodating, playing the role of the perfect wife in public and going along with his games at home. Marrying Edward meant pleasing him, his parents, and his sister, slowly suffocating the confident, vibrant woman I once was. But that woman was back, and she wasn't going anywhere.
Edward said, "But Anne got over twenty stitches because of you. She's still in the hospital, having nightmares! Don't you think you should apologize to her?"
"You still blame me for everything," I said, too familiar with Edward's tactics. He just wanted me to bow down and admit fault to Anne or beg him for mercy. "Do you think I'm gonna keep following your orders like I used to? You're wrong, Edward. Not anymore."
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