Chapter 48 Knocked Down with One Punch
While Patrick Sanders and his wife were deeply regretting their actions, James rushed to the Aegean Restaurant.
He was already five minutes late, and he knew Mary would be furious if he didn't show up soon.
James wanted to use traffic as an excuse, but when he picked up his phone, he found that his iPhone 4 had shut down automatically and wouldn't turn back on.
He realized he needed a new phone, but for now, he pressed the accelerator harder to speed up.
Ten minutes later, James burst into the restaurant's parking lot.
He parked the car haphazardly and sprinted towards the entrance.
However, before he could enter the hall, he heard cheers erupting from inside the restaurant.
Looking up, James saw that the Aegean Restaurant had been transformed into a sea of flowers and balloons.
Thirty-six elegantly dressed men and women formed a heart shape, each holding a bouquet of roses that dazzled under the sunlight.
James also spotted Emily's tall figure.
In the center of the group stood a young man, tall and handsome, with a broad forehead that exuded authority.
Dressed in British fashion, he looked very stylish.
Joseph Garcia, a returnee with a PhD, a second-generation rich kid, and Emily Garcia's brother, was the heir apparent to Golden Corporation.
Joseph had been pursuing Mary for years, but when he heard that Mary was seriously ill, he rushed abroad.
Now that Mary was well, his sinister intentions resurfaced.
In front of Joseph stood Mary, looking displeased.
It was clearly a scene set for a confession.
Joseph made a gesture, and the thirty-six companions fanned out their left hands, each revealing a small box.
Opening them, thirty-six diamonds sparkled, capturing everyone's attention.
Women in the audience screamed simultaneously, overwhelmed by the romance and luxury.
"Thirty-six diamonds, even if they're small, must be worth a lot. He's so generous."
"This rich young man is so romantic, so wealthy."
"That's Joseph Garcia, the son of the Director of Golden Corporation. How could he not have money?"
Someone recognized Joseph Garcia, causing a stir among the crowd.
Golden Corporation, while not the top corporation in Rosewood City, was still worth several billion dollars and considered a local powerhouse.
Being favored by him was a great honor.
The surrounding screams and exclamations boosted Joseph's confidence. He believed no woman could refuse such romance, not even the so-called ice queen, Mary.
Joseph said, "Mary, I'm back. I've returned to Rosewood City."
Joseph, holding a rose, approached Mary with a beaming face. "We've met you again."
His handsome face radiated eagerness and anticipation, drawing admiration from the onlookers:
"Look at him, he's so into her! Upon seeing her, he smiled like a flower. They are truly a match of talents and beauty."
Several women who harbored feelings for Joseph Garcia bit their lips in envy.
"Mary, you're so lucky!"
Emily slightly exaggerated her happiness, crossed her nylon-clad legs, and said, "Joseph, you're so biased. Every time you come back, you bring flowers for Mary. But this time, you brought too few. Usually, it's nine hundred and ninety-nine roses, but today, there are only three hundred and sixty. You owe her the rest tomorrow."
James felt a chill run down his spine...
He didn't immediately rush into the hall; he wanted to see Mary's reaction first.
Nothing else mattered, only Mary's heart.
At that moment, Joseph knelt on one knee with the rose in hand:
Joseph said, "Last year, I had to go abroad for the sake of our family business. But although I was gone, my heart was always with you. Today, upon my return, I didn't even see my parents first; my priority was to see you. I want to make up for my mistakes, for my longing, for my love for you. I will never let you be sad again, never let you down again."
Joseph was well-prepared and spoke emotionally, "Mary, marry me. I will make you happy."
Emily and the others screamed again, portraying Mary as incredibly fortunate.
Then dozens of men and women shouted together, "Marry him! Marry him!"
Mary said, "Thank you!"
At this point, Mary's face was cold, clearly disliking Joseph's display.
Mary said, "These flowers, Mr. Garcia, you should give them to a girl who loves you."
She measured her words carefully, not allowing Joseph Garcia to continue. "I already have a husband!"
Even though Joseph was ten times better off than James, Mary felt no attraction to him.
Emily's face changed. "Mary, don't be stubborn. Seize the opportunity. I know you already have a husband, but I also know that you have no feelings for him at all..."
Joseph's face remained calm, his left hand on his chest as he declared, "In your heart, only a man like me is worthy of you."
Mary's eyes revealed her irritation. "Joseph Garcia," she said, "I'll say it again: I was already married."
Joseph Garcia still smiled. "You're married, and I don't mind because I truly love you."
Everyone was surprised at his words. This man loved Mary so much that he was pursuing her even though she was married.
Emily and the others were also moved to tears.
"Mary, you're so lucky!"
"Yes, to be loved by Joseph, you've really hit the jackpot."
"Marry him! Marry him!"
The others also clapped along. "Marry him! Marry him!"
Mary clenched her fists slightly and shouted, "Joseph Garcia, I've made myself clear. I'm married, and I don't love you."
James understood Mary's feelings and was extremely happy. He wanted to step in and help Mary out of this situation.
However, as soon as he reached the door, he was blocked by three burly bodyguards.
A bodyguard about 5 feet 11 inches tall spoke without emotion. "Mrs. Garcia is proposing. Outsiders are not allowed in." He even pushed James back a bit.
James said, "I'm James. This is a public restaurant, and Mary is my wife."
James spoke coldly, "What right do you have to stop me?"
The bodyguard said, "What does it matter if she's your wife? Even if she were your mother, I won't allow you in."
A square-faced bodyguard sneered, "No one can disrupt this proposal. If you want to go in, wait until Mrs.Garcia has won his beauty..."
James narrowed his eyes. "Move aside."
"Oh, are you angry? Did you feel insulted? Do you feel your dignity has been violated?" The stern-faced bodyguard taunted. "But what can a loser like you do besides banging your head against the wall?"
When James stated that Mary was his wife, the square-faced bodyguard recognized James's identity. He was the son-in-law of the Smith Family.
'He's nothing but a weakling,' the bodyguard thought.
The bodyguard looked down on James from a position of superiority.
The other two bodyguards also smirked.
Another man coveted his wife, and he was too powerless to do anything about it. What could be more entertaining?
James spoke word by word, "Step aside. Can't you understand what I'm saying?"
The bodyguard glared at him. "Mrs. Garcia is doing something important. Don't cause trouble, or else there's no telling where my fists might land."
He waved his fist, which was as big as a casserole, at James.
James didn't waste any words. he directly knocked the bodyguard down with a single punch.
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