Chapter 88 David, Come Out

In the middle of all the applause, Violet felt like she'd been hit by a truck. Her face went ghostly white, and she could barely stand.

"It's over," she thought, her mind going blank. Samuel had already handed the contract to Thomas, which meant there was no turning back. Without that contract, she couldn't protect Fergus anymore.

"Ms. Gray!" A voice called out from the side.

Marlin strutted over, waving a contract around and smirking. "Sure, you didn't snag the Ironclad Defense Ministry's drug supply deal, but you did get our contract. And it says if either of us breaches it, there's a $300 million penalty. So, what's it gonna be? You paying up or still making the drug?"

The contract was clear as day, binding both sides.

Marlin's sneer deepened. Even though $300 million wasn't a huge deal, it was a slap in the face for Violet.

Everyone around was giving her those smug looks. They all knew what was up—Thomas was gunning for Violet, and Marlin, Logan, and Tyler were in on it.

Thomas chuckled. "Marlin, don't be so harsh on Ms. Gray. She's already pissed about losing the contract. If you push her, what if Fergus snaps and kills you? Better back off. If you lose money, just pretend the contract never happened."

Marlin kept up the act, taking a dramatic breath and shouting, "No way! I'm dead serious about business. A contract's a contract, even if it kills me! Ms. Gray, are you gonna keep making the drug or pay the penalty? Give me a straight answer!"

Samuel hesitated, staying quiet. Maybe it was good for Violet to take a hit now so she wouldn't get fooled later.

"You!" Violet was shaking with rage, knowing she was trapped but seeing no way out. She had to endure their taunts.

"Leave it to me," Fergus said calmly, holding Violet's hand with a smile. "You don't need to say anything. Just sit back and watch. I promise it'll be worth it."

Seeing the confidence in Fergus' eyes, Violet felt her anger fade and nodded firmly.

From a distance, Sophia bit her lip and clenched her fist. Hayden frowned.

Marlin took a step back, acting all scared. "What are you gonna do? Kill me? Mr. Miller, someone's threatening to kill at your party!"

"Fergus wouldn't dare!" Samuel snapped. "Fergus, if you try anything here, don't expect me to show Ms. Gray any mercy. I'll deal with you by military law!"

As he finished, a dozen Ironclad Defense Ministry guys in uniform surrounded them, ready to pounce if Fergus made a move.

Everyone laughed. In front of Samuel, Fergus was powerless.

"Fergus, you'd better behave. Mr. Miller can squash you like a bug. Know your place," Tyler taunted.

Others joined in, "Without Ms. Gray, what are you?"

"Think you're tough? Try it, Mr. Miller will crush you!"

"I knew Fergus would end up like this. Saw it coming!"

They felt bold because they knew Violet was leaving. After that, Fergus would just be a strong guy with no backing, nothing to fear.

Fergus looked at their mocking faces and finally turned to Samuel. "I can't stand ungrateful people. Without me, you wouldn't be where you are today. Tonight, not only did you not stand up for me, but you also went against me at every turn. It's despicable. I'll make you regret it!"

If Samuel had played it fair, Fergus would've kept his mouth shut. But Samuel's tone and attitude were way off, and Fergus wasn't having it.

Everyone thought Fergus was just being cocky.

"How dare you threaten Mr. Miller? You must have a death wish! Mr. Miller, shoot him now!" Logan yelled, fuming.

Marlin was even more riled up. "I thought you were shameless, but this is a new low. Mr. Miller, hand me the gun, and I'll shoot Fergus myself!"

"What a scumbag!"

"How can Tarynville have such a disgrace!"

"Just wait until Ms. Gray leaves, Fergus will get what's coming to him!"

The crowd was whipped into a frenzy.

Fergus ignored them, locking eyes with Samuel.

Samuel felt a twinge of guilt but quickly masked it.

"How dare you threaten me? Fine, make me regret it. I want to see how you'll do it. Go ahead!" Samuel spat out.

"Alright!" Fergus sneered, then turned to Thomas. "Feeling pretty smug about getting that contract, huh?"

Thomas' face twisted in anger. "What else? Mr. Miller already said the contract's mine. Think you can change that? Jerk, you got the guts to change it? When Ms. Gray heads back to Capital City, that's your death sentence. Your days are numbered, and no one can save you!"

The crowd buzzed with excitement. Thomas wasn't bluffing; if he said he'd kill Fergus, he meant it.

Sophia frowned from afar.

Hayden looked panicked. If Thomas was gunning for Fergus, there was nothing he could do.

"Thomas!" Violet shouted, agitated. "If you touch Fergus, I'll be your enemy for life!"

Even though she was leaving, she had to protect him.

Thomas stepped forward, his voice booming. "Ms. Gray, how many enemies can you take on alone?"

As Thomas finished, Logan stepped up. "The Logan Group supports Mr. Zimmerman!"

Marlin chimed in, "Red Pharmaceuticals supports Mr. Zimmerman!"

Others began to step forward too.

In no time, almost everyone in the room was standing with Thomas.

Hayden and Sophia gritted their teeth but stayed put.

"I also support Mr. Zimmerman!" Colin said, thinking, 'The enemy of my enemy is my friend. Once Fergus is out of the picture, getting Jessica will be a breeze.'

"Fergus is arrogant and shameless. InfiniCure Biotech supports Mr. Zimmerman!" Colin added, dragging Aaron to stand behind Thomas.

Samuel thought for a moment and said indifferently, "I'll pretend I didn't hear or see anything!"

Seeing the crowd rally behind Thomas, Violet felt a deep sense of sorrow. Their combined power was overwhelming; she couldn't protect Fergus.

Facing them all, Fergus only had disdain in his eyes.

"A bunch of trash. If it weren't for not wanting to worry Violet, I could kill you all right now. But, to put Violet at ease, I'll play along. I can really change the contract!" Fergus said calmly.

Then, his expression shifted, and he thundered, "David, come out!"