Nancy sat alone in a corner, sipping on a glass of champagne that a waiter had brought her. She looked down, her eyes cast downward, and her heart heavy.
Stanley had been watching her from the dance floor. He couldnât help but smile when he saw her take a sip of the champagne.
His friends, who were standing nearby, started making lewd gestures.
âStanley, the effects of the drug will kick in soon. This stuff is potent, so just wait a bit and youâll be able to take her away.â
âYeah, once sheâs under your control, sheâll do whatever you want. Congrats in advance, buddy, youâll finally be getting the girl!â
Stanleyâs eyes lit up with excitement as he listened to his friends. He didnât waste any more time and briskly made his way over to Nancy.
Nancy was feeling downcast and had been drinking more than usual. Her eyes were slightly glazed over in her drunken state.
âNancy, you look a As soon as Stanleyk. Let me take you to the lounge to rest.â
As soon as Stanley spoke, he grabbed Nancyâs arm. His mind raced with the thought that she would be his once he got her out of the ballroom.
âTake your hands off me!â
Nancy scrunched her face in disgust, trying to shake off his hand. But Stanley was too strong, and she couldnât break free.
âNancy, stop struggling. Youâre drunk, Iâll take you to the lounge.â
When Nancy refused to go with him, Stanley became even more agitated. He dragged her toward the exit his grip on her arm tightening.
âStanley, let go of me!â Nancyâs instincts were screaming at her that something was wrong. She struggled even harder.
Stanleyâs face twisted in frustration, worried that he would attract attention from the other guests. He forcefully dragged her out of the ballroom.
âIt seems you didnât take my warning to heart.â
Jacob approached with long, purposeful strides at this moment. His icy bearing sent shivers down Stanleyâs spine.
âMâMr. Murrayâ¦â
The moment Stanley saw Jacob, he shuddered, recalling the time Jacob had broken his arm.
Jacobâs icy stare settled on Stanleyâs hand gripping Nancyâs arm. A hint of rage flickered in his gaze. âLet her go!â
A violent tremor racked Stanleyâs frame. Yet, with his plan on the brink of success, he couldnât give up. Mustering all his courage, he spoke.
âMr. Murray, this is between me and my companion. Please stay out of this-â
But before he could finish, Jacob kicked him to the ground. He grasped Stanleyâs collar, his dark eyes blazing with a menacing fury.
âWhat if I insist on interfering?â
Stanleyâs legs went weak with fear. He never imagined Jacob would resort to violence for Nancy, Stanleyâs legs went weak with fear. He never i disregarding his reputation.
âMr. Murray, please donât get physical. Letâs talk things through!â
âYes, Mr. Murray, calm down! Letâs talk this out!â The other executives promptly stepped in to mediate the dispute.
âGet lost!â Jacobâs voice was cold and dismissive, and he tossed Stanley aside like trash. Then, he pulled out a handkerchief, wiping his hands clean.
The gesture was humiliating, causing Stanleyâs face to twist in anger and shame. But he knew better than to cross Jacob, so he slunk away with his tail between his legs.
Witnessing the scene, Jack became even more convinced that Nancy meant a lot to his employer.
He had never seen Jacob so emotionally invested in anyone before. The moment she was harassed, Jacob dropped everything and raced to her rescue.
Jack thought to himself, âMr. Murray cares a great deal about Ms. Smith.â
Jacob managed to quell the rage in his eyes as he looked over at Nancy. But before he could even get a word in, she spun on her heel and began to stride away âNanceâ¦â