Chapter 124

More than two years have passed, over seven hundred days and nights without seeing Michael. Agnes thought she could forget, or at least remain unperturbed.

However, that was not the case.

Upon their reunion today, she realized that the deep emotions had not entirely faded with the passage of time, leaving only a faint trace of sadness, with no other emotional ripples.

Seeing her silent, Michael's smile grew gentler. "Agnes, long time no see. You’ve become even more charming!" His words were sincere. From the moment Agnes entered the banquet, Michael's gaze had been fixed on her.

Over two years had passed, and Agnes had changed so much that Michael almost didn't recognize her. Was this really the same Agnes who had been by his side every day?

Justin gently tugged at the dazed Agnes, bringing her back to reality. She softly said, "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Wright, but there's no need. I don't intend to compensate them for their dresses."

Michael's smile slightly froze, puzzled as to why Agnes, who had married Kevin, just an assistant, had such pride to dare make enemies among the elite of Lumina City.

"Agnes, don't make a scene."

Just as Michael finished speaking, a couple made their way through the crowd to Agnes. Ethan was adjusting his collar, "Agnes, what happened?"

The newcomers were Kelly and Ethan.

When Leopold called, the two were in the car, and the atmosphere was subtle.

Rachel Day of the Simpson Family still looked displeased. Seeing that it was Ethan, her tone softened a bit, "Mr. Perez, are you also planning to take responsibility for her?"

Ethan smiled gracefully and politely, "Yes, Agnes is young and unintentionally offended the elders. I apologize on her behalf."

Kevin couldn't help but tug at Ethan's sleeve, whispering, "Mr. Perez, Mr. Neville didn't send you here to apologize."

Leopold knew Ethan's identity well and had specifically instructed Kevin.

Ethan understood Leopold's way of doing things, but it didn't align with his own style. Those who knew him understood that if Ethan didn't handle this matter well, once he got angry, there would be no need to handle it well.

Everyone saw Kevin's actions but couldn't hear his words, assuming he was pleading with Ethan to seek justice for Agnes, including Michael, who also mistakenly thought Agnes had married Kevin.

Sylvia Thorne of the Murray Family, always proud, remained firm even with Michael and Ethan present, "First apologize, then pay three times the compensation for our daughter's dress!"

"Yes!" Voices of agreement echoed from the crowd.

Ethan didn't get angry, still smiling at Agnes, "Agnes, you’ve been naughty again! Are you hurt?" Though slightly reproachful, his eyes showed no blame.

Another lady interjected, "Mr. Perez, it was our daughter who fell, not her."

Ethan turned around, "I understand you want her to apologize, and that's not impossible. But shouldn't we first find out the cause before deciding who should apologize?"

Grace angrily pointed at Agnes, "Mr. Perez, she clearly spilled red wine on us and pushed us down. The fault is obviously hers, right? Why, why do so many outstanding men protect this rude woman? Why?"

Grace's impulsiveness almost made Marissa faint. She sternly scolded Grace, "Grace, shut up!"

Being reprimanded in public, Grace's face turned red with anger, stomping her feet.

Gritting her teeth, she ignored Marissa's scolding and boldly asked Ethan, "Mr. Perez, why are you speaking for Agnes? What is your relationship with her?" She voiced the question on everyone's mind.

Ethan gave a deep look at the tactless Grace and calmly replied, "I am the principal of Agnes's school. When a student is in trouble, as the principal, I cannot stand by. If it were you today, I wouldn't stand by either!" It was just a matter of how to handle it and to what extent.

Ethan's reason was legitimate and irrefutable.

At this moment, a laughing voice rang out, "Justin, you've caused trouble again!" Everyone turned to see Leroy entering with a group of bodyguards.

Ethan's eyes couldn't hide his smile. Leroy's misaligned buttons suggested he was also summoned by Leopold's call!

Justin was bewildered. Why was Leroy here? What did he mean? After a moment, he retorted discontentedly, "Hey, it was these women who started it, okay? Agnes didn't stoop to their level. Some people are like rabid dogs, biting anyone they see!"

Justin's sharp words directly compared the wealthy ladies to rabid dogs!

The dozen or so ladies and their parents were furious, ready to attack Justin!

One spoiled young lady, unable to bear the insult, angrily pointed at Justin, "Who are you calling a dog? Say one more word, and I'll cut out your tongue!"

Justin sneered and then exaggeratedly pretended to be scared, "Oh no, I'm so scared!"

His antics infuriated the young lady, who charged at him, only to be stopped by someone, or Justin's nonchalant face might have been in trouble.

Leroy stepped forward and kicked Justin's leg, "How can you talk like that? If you can't speak properly, shut up. I'll take you back and teach you a lesson!"

Everyone could see that Leroy's kick was harmless. Leroy and Ethan's protective stance made the crowd clench their fists in anger.

Michael watched the farce, calculating in his mind, thinking Kevin had brought out Ethan and Leroy as his backing. After all, as Leopold's personal assistant, Zane Schmidt, it was normal to mobilize these two.

He turned and instructed his assistant, "Zane, write checks for three times the amount for each of the ladies."

"Yes!" Zane immediately took out the checkbook.

Agnes hurriedly stepped forward to stop Zane's pen, taking a deep breath without looking at Michael, "Thank you for your kindness, Mr. Wright, but there's no need. Today's incident is my fault!"

Seeing more people getting involved, she turned to face the ladies and was about to apologize when Leroy quickly stopped her, "The truth has been told to me! The fault is not Agnes's. Don't you feel ashamed bullying a girl like Agnes with so many people?" Leopold had spoken, so Leroy feared no one.

The crowd was speechless. With Leroy's few words, Agnes was completely blameless?

Ethan gently pushed up his glasses, his tone firm yet gentle, "I see. Agnes, you should leave first. We'll handle things here."

The crowd fell silent again.

Agnes hesitated, looking at Ethan, "Mr. Perez."

After all, this matter started because of her. How could she stand aside?

At this moment, Leroy's phone rang. Seeing the caller ID, he muttered to himself, "Why is Leopold calling at this time?"

Hearing that it was Leopold calling, everyone focused their attention on Leroy's phone.

Under everyone's gaze, Leroy answered the call, "Leopold."

Whatever Leopold said on the other end, Leroy waved his hand repeatedly, "No need to call Clifford over, it's just a small matter, it'll be resolved soon. No worries, it's the young ladies from the Garcia family, the Simpson Family, and the Murray Family... Clifford is already on his way? Okay."

Hanging up, Leroy relayed to Ethan, "Leopold knows there's a situation here and has sent Clifford with a team of special forces. They're already on their way!"

Leopold's name alone was enough to make everyone nervous, and now that he had sent Clifford with special forces, who would dare cause trouble for their children?

Jeffrey, seeing everyone's thoughts, suppressed his own doubts and was the first to speak, "Agnes, it was Grace who was out of line. I apologize on her behalf. I'll take her home now."

Agnes shook her head, feeling a warm current in her heart, "Jeffrey, it's okay. I'm the one who caused you trouble."

Jeffrey patted Agnes's hand, saying meaningfully, "You should come home for a meal sometime." It turned out that Agnes's partner wasn't Michael but had a connection with Leopold.

Jeffrey had given everyone an excuse, and the smart ones took the opportunity to leave, many even apologizing to Agnes with their daughters.

Only Faith remained.

Michael's mother, Chloe, glanced at Michael with a displeased expression, "Michael, if there's nothing else, let's go home."

She then glared at Agnes. Agnes had been unlikable two years ago, and she was still so annoying now! Everyone almost offended Ethan and Leroy because of her!

If they didn't leave now, they might get involved with Clifford and Leopold!

Michael, hands in his pockets, shook his head and refused, "Mom, I have some things to do. You go ahead."

Chloe, unable to say more in front of everyone, left with Faith, her face dark with anger.

With the unrelated people gone, Agnes breathed a sigh of relief and thanked Ethan and Leroy, "Thank you, Mr. Perez. Thank you, Mr. Smith!"

Ethan gave her a meaningful look, then glanced at Michael behind her, and simply said, "If you're okay, you should go home early."

"Okay."

Leroy waved at Agnes, pulling Justin by the ear as he left, "Agnes, I'm leaving. Call me if you need anything!"

Agnes was stunned for a moment, then quickly nodded, "Oh, thank you, Mr. Smith!"

Justin kicked Leroy's leg, "Agnes, why are you thanking him! Leroy, let go of me!"

Leroy sidestepped, and Justin's kick missed.

The brothers left, laughing and joking, leaving only Kevin, Agnes, and Michael at the scene.

Agnes breathed a sigh of relief but didn't forget the tricky problem behind her.

Kevin tactfully said, "I'll wait for you outside."

Agnes was speechless for a moment.

Now, only Michael and Agnes were left in the dessert area. Michael looked thoughtfully at Kevin's back.

What kind of husband would leave his wife alone with another man?

"If there's nothing else, I'll be leaving!" Agnes had nothing to say to Michael.

Michael grabbed Agnes as she was about to leave, not letting go, and directly led her towards the hotel entrance.

"Michael, let go of me! Let go of me!"

Michael ignored her resistance. At the door, Leon witnessed the scene, his eyes complex as he bid them farewell.

In the parking lot

Agnes was about to get angry, but fortunately, Michael found a secluded corner and then let her go.

However, the next second, she was unprepared and tightly embraced by Michael.

Ignoring her struggles, Michael said painfully, "Agnes, don't push me away. I know you're married. I'm sorry I came back late. Agnes, I've missed you so much these past two years."

Agnes was moved by the choking in his voice, her struggling hands falling weakly.

"I know I was wrong, I really know I was wrong. I've regretted countless times not cherishing you. Agnes, will you forgive me?" Michael let go of her, holding her delicate face in his hands, confessing his love.

Agnes, with red-rimmed eyes, smiled bitterly and refused, "Michael, I told you, it's too late for everything." Her heart had changed, and she had fallen in love with Leopold, that domineering yet gentle man.

Michael shook his head, firmly saying, "Divorce him, and I'll marry you! Divorce him tomorrow, and we'll get married the day after!"

"Impossible! Michael, it's impossible between us, never again, mmph."

Her unfinished words were cut off by Michael's kiss.

As soon as his lips touched Agnes, she used all her strength to break free from Michael's embrace and without hesitation raised her hand, "Slap!" A crisp slap landed on Michael's face!

Michael's face was turned to the side by the slap. Agnes wiped her lips forcefully. How could Michael be so shameless! How could he kiss her so casually!

Wouldn't this betray Leopold!

She took a deep breath and said firmly, "Michael, I'm already married. If you continue like this, I'll hate you for the rest of my life!"

With that, she turned and left.

Michael shouted from behind, "Agnes, I won't give up on you!"

His painful words echoed in the parking lot, but Agnes only paused slightly and continued walking without looking back.

On the way home, Kevin drove while Agnes leaned against the car window, looking at the passing scenery, feeling down.

She missed Leopold so much.

Kevin noticed her mood and remained silent throughout. After seeing Agnes into the villa, he called Leopold back, "Mr. Neville, Mrs. Neville is home safely."

"Good."

When Leopold called, Agnes was brushing her teeth in the bathroom. Thinking of Michael's kiss made her feel nauseous.

This was her third time brushing her teeth tonight, her gums were bleeding, but she didn't stop.

Hearing her phone ring, she quickly rinsed her mouth, found her phone, and saw the caller ID, feeling complicated. Sliding to answer, she softly said, "Hello."

"Mm, what are you doing?"