Chapter 087 Provocation

"It's okay. Trash like that can't harm me," Ethan smiled at Bernice, casually lowering his hand.

Even lay unconscious on the table, his cheek deformed, and bones presumably dislocated from the slap.

Bernice stared in astonishment at Ethan. Even was not only the Head of Security at the Aim Group but also a former soldier who had served in the special forces!

Yet, Ethan had effortlessly slapped him silly. What was going on?

Mario's jaw dropped as well. He sat trembling in his chair, clutching his twisted fingers. Only now did he realize how violent Ethan was!

The employees of the security department were all speechless, mouths agape, as they stared at the unconscious Even on the table.

"Mario, it's time for us to have a chat. Do you want to continue joking with me, or..." Ethan said.

Before Ethan could finish his sentence, Mario took out a document from his briefcase, signed it without hesitation, and said, "I think the Smith Group's qualifications perfectly match our project! I've already signed it, and the Smith Group can now collaborate with us. What do you think?!"

Ethan frowned, surprised by Mario's quick surrender. However, he didn't say much and simply took the document away from Mario and handed it to Bernice.

Bernice couldn't help but feel delighted. She didn't expect to finally secure the project in the end!

"If only you had been sensible from the start, things wouldn't have escalated to this extent," Ethan said indifferently, patting Mario's face with his hand.

A flash of hatred crossed Mario's eyes, and he put on a slightly flattering smile, saying, "You're right, from now on, I will prioritize helping with any matter related to the Smith Group!"

Bernice, worried that Ethan would continue to be arrogant, hurriedly held him back and said, "Since Mario has agreed, let's just leave it at that. We haven't suffered any losses either."

Bernice directly pulled Ethan away.

Mario glanced at the security staff and angrily said, "What are you still standing here for? Hurry up and call an ambulance to take us to the hospital!"

Once they were in the ambulance, Mario took out his phone and dialed a number, directly calling Grandpa Smith.

"Grandpa Smith, your son-in-law Ethan brought Bernice to ask me for a project, forced me to sign a contract, and even physically attacked me! If you don't force Ethan to bring Bernice to apologize to me, be prepared for bankruptcy!"

Grandpa Smith was about to say something, but the other party hung up the phone.

Bernice drove home with Ethan. Ethan leisurely leaned back on the passenger seat, lazily playing with a card. It was the supreme membership card of the Cloud Grand Hotel which Oliver gave him when he left prison.

"Thanks for standing up for me today, but you were still too impulsive," Bernice said seriously, looking at the road ahead.

"The simplest way to deal with idiots is to take action instead of wasting time with them. If you weren't there, I wouldn't have bothered arguing with them!" Ethan shrugged, saying helplessly.

Bernice's lips twitched slightly, and she said, "Ethan, if you want to become an upper-class person, you need to think twice before speaking and acting! Don't always use foul language and resort to violence so easily."

"What does it mean to be an upper-class person? Everyone is equal! I don't think there should be any distinction between higher and lower. And if we cannot act and speak as we please, without following our own wishes, then what joy is there in living?" Ethan countered, not taking Bernice's words to heart at all.

Bernice muttered to herself in her heart, "He truly lives up to being a prison guard from a small place. His perspective is probably limited to just the size of a prison! If he doesn't change, he will never be worthy of me!"

Bernice didn't realize that her thoughts had changed. She used to think that Ethan could never be worthy of her, but now she was thinking that Ethan wouldn't be worthy of her if he didn't change.

Unable to resist, Ethan glanced at Bernice. She had a beautiful face and an unmistakable figure, especially the chest that the seatbelt outlined, making it tempting to imagine what's hidden beneath.

"Why am I starting to enjoy looking at women more? No, if it wasn't for her presence today, maybe I would have pursued her..."

"Mario and Even, these two guys, where do they have the chance to talk so much in front of me!" Ethan couldn't help but think to himself, quickly pulling his gaze back.

In prison, Ethan was always firm and decisive. Which prisoner dared to say more than a few words in front of him?

Bernice caught sight of Ethan quickly retracting his gaze and couldn't help but smile triumphantly, thinking to herself, "So you know you're not worthy of me, right?"

Parking the car in the garage, Bernice held the contract, ready to share the good news with her parents.

Before she even entered the house, another car stopped, and Grandpa Smith got out with a dark expression on his face.

"Grandpa, I have obtained the project from the Aim Group..." Bernice proudly announced, greeting the old man.

But Grandpa Smith raised his hand and slapped Bernice directly on the face, angrily saying, "You useless piece of garbage! I told you to handle the project, and you went to threaten Mario with Ethan? And you even assaulted Mario?

"I didn't expect you to stoop so low to protect your position! Let me tell you, Mario now holds a grudge! If you don't earn Mario's forgiveness, not only will I strip you of your presidency, but I will even remove you from the family tree!"

Bernice was left dumbfounded by the slap, tears welling up in her eyes, but she held them back.

Ethan's eyebrows furrowed tightly, feeling somewhat displeased.

"Take Ethan, this trash, and go apologize to Mario immediately, at any cost, to gain his forgiveness. Otherwise, you will be removed from the family!" Grandpa Smith said resentfully.

It was evident from Grandpa Smith's words that Bernice had to do whatever it took. And her body would naturally be one of the costs.

The commotion here also alarmed Jane and Robert at home. After coming out and learning the situation, they too were astonished.

Ethan said coldly, "Isn't this a bit inappropriate? After all, Bernice is your granddaughter. Mario bullied her, and I intervened. What do you mean by siding with Mario?"

"If you had the same strength as Mario, then you might've had the right to intervene! But you're just a worthless punk. Do I need to explain anything to you? If you have the abilities, you can replace him, and I will find ways to please you too!

"You and Bernice caused this trouble, and you both must resolve it and secure the project for me! My two demands, missing one, and you both can get out of the Smith family!"

After saying these words, Grandpa Smith angrily returned to his car.