Chapter 186 Standing Up for Molly
Molly's delicate face was pale, her body soft like cotton, instinctively curling into Eric's embrace like a scared animal.
Eric looked down, feeling a chill in his chest, his long lashes trembling slightly.
The dampness from Molly's body mixed with the warmth of his skin through his thin black shirt. His breath hitched, and he tightened his arms around her.
"Molly?" he called softly, his voice unexpectedly hoarse.
Molly kept her eyes shut, clutching his shirt without responding.
Eric chuckled softly, asking, "Are you hurt?"
She shook her head, pressing her forehead against his chest, making him feel a surge of tenderness.
Seeing Eric, the two bodyguards immediately changed their attitude, bowing respectfully and greeting him, "Mr. Clark, good evening!"
"What happened?" Eric asked lazily, still holding Molly.
"Just a small matter," the bodyguard who had been harsh to Molly earlier said, now smiling obsequiously. "She's a fan of Ada, trying to get in without an invitation. We tried to reason with her, but she wouldn't listen, so..."
"So, you used force?" Eric's lips curled, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"Not really, just doing our job, stopping her from getting in," the bodyguard deflected, not admitting they had bullied her.
Eric's smile was faint. He whispered in Molly's ear, "Want me to get back at them for you?"
Molly nodded, then shook her head, still not daring to look at him.
Eric's lips curved into a seductive smile. With his left arm around Molly, he took out his phone with his right hand and dialed Edward.
"Edward, can I deal with the Wellington family's people?"
The two bodyguards were dumbfounded, exchanging glances.
Eric's left hand gently rubbed Molly's damp hair at the back of her neck. "Good, with your permission, I'm relieved."
After hanging up, Eric steadied Molly and made a gesture.
In the next second, the well-trained Clark family bodyguards swarmed in, surrounding the two bewildered bodyguards.
Molly, not understanding what was happening, watched Eric with wide eyes as he slipped his left hand into his pocket and walked into the circle, then was obscured by the black-clad bodyguards.
She couldn't see what Eric was doing, only hearing heart-wrenching screams!
After a minute-long beating, Eric finally stopped, glaring coldly at the two bruised and battered bodyguards kneeling before him. He took a handkerchief from his bodyguard and leisurely wiped the blood off his hand.
"Can't even recognize the fourth daughter of the Wellington family. What's the use of your eyes?"
The two bodyguards were terrified, trembling as they looked at Molly and apologized in unison.
"We didn't recognize you! Please forgive us!"
In Mugden, everyone knew the Clark Group had influence in both the underworld and the legitimate world. Offending the King in Mugden meant a miserable life in the city.
"Eric should not be bothered with this. I'll handle it for him."
Eric's eyes still held a smile as he tossed the dirty handkerchief onto their faces. "Get out of the Wellington family, get out of Mugden. If my people see you here again, you won't keep your limbs intact."
"Thank you! Thank you!" The two bodyguards, crying with gratitude, were dragged out by the Clark Group's men.
Molly bit her pink lips, standing timidly, a bit frightened.
Eric walked back to her, bent down, and looked into her clear, deer-like eyes, his handsome face showing a hint of mischief. "Molly, you're so mysterious. The Wellington family people don't even recognize you."
"Did you have to go this far?" Molly's voice was weak, taking a small step back.
"You think I went too far?" Eric squinted.
Molly lowered her long lashes and nodded.
"But I think it wasn't enough."
Eric, finding her pitiful look adorable, couldn't help but pat her soft hair. "You're Edward's sister. They bullied you, so of course, I have to stand up for you. This time, I was the gentlest. Mainly because I didn't want to scare you."
Molly felt the warmth from Eric's palm slowly flowing into her body through her hair. It was warm and comfortable, making her hunch her thin shoulders and squint like a kitten.
At that moment, Debra, coming out of the banquet hall, saw them! She never expected the usually well-behaved Molly to come all the way here!
Debra was furious, taking two steps forward, then realizing. 'With Eric present, acting impulsively would be inappropriate and might make my beloved dislike me more.' Having been with Nicole for so long, she had learned to be more composed than before. So she watched them from the shadows, her eyes darkening.
Eric noticed Molly's wet hair and muddy, wet white dress, realizing she had come through the rain. His heart tightened, and he took off his high-end red velvet suit, draping it over Molly's thin shoulders.
Debra gritted her teeth, seeing Eric's concern for Molly, her face twisting with jealousy.
"Why are you so disheveled? Didn't the driver from the Wellington family bring you?" Eric asked with concern.
"No one knew I came here. I snuck out," Molly answered honestly, not knowing how to lie.
"Snuck out?" Eric frowned, not understanding.
"Sir."
Molly didn't know Eric's name, nor could she remember the passionate kisses they shared under the stars.
"Molly, my last name is Clark, and my name is Eric. I'm Edward's friend." Eric's smile deepened. "You can call me Eric."
'Eric, Eric?' Molly remembered Debra's threats, always mentioning a man named Eric. 'Isn't it this Eric?!' She was instantly struck by fear, stepping back as if struck by lightning.
But Eric didn't notice her unease, grabbing her cold little hand and smiling. "I'll find someone to get you a change of clothes."
"No need."
"Don't be polite with me. I'm Edward's best friend. His sister is my sister. Come on, I'll find someone to help you change." Eric held her hand and started walking.
"Eric."
Molly wasn't stupid. Being held by an unfamiliar man made her uncomfortable, but she didn't dare resist. She squeezed his hand in his palm. "Do you treat Debra the same way? She's also Edward's sister."
'Debra? Does she deserve it?'
"No." Eric looked down at her, his smile bright as the morning sun. "I only treat you this way."
Debra heard every word, furious! Her eyes turned into daggers, stabbing at Molly's back.
