Chapter 22
Rosalie shoved the girl behind her, face blank. Then she reached out, hoisted a thug off his feet, and delivered a perfect over–the–shoulder throw into one of the gangsters. The motion was smooth and swift.
This shocked the remaining gangsters and stunned onlookers.
In the next dozen seconds, Rosalie punched and kicked with agile precision, swiftly taking down the rest.
Her movement was lightning–fast. Before anyone could react, the once–indifferent crowd broke into applause.
Kareem, still clutching the door handle to leap out and “save” Rosalie, gaped. “Holy shit!”
Hayden narrowed his eyes, pushed open the car door, and stepped out, walking toward Rosalie.
Kareem snapped out of it and chased after him. “Hay, I think you just took the trouble to ‘save‘ her that night.”
Hayden paused, shooting him a look.
“I’ll shut up,” Kareem surrendered, though he kept talking. “Rosalie’s movements were fluid, no wasted motion. So awesome. Either she has serious street experience or trained under a master… Hey, want me to dig into her background?
The Merritt family’s peace was an illusion. Plenty want Hayden dead.
If Rosalie might be with Hayden, it was necessary to know who she really was.
“No.” Hayden’s expression remained calm, betraying no emotion.
Kareem was dumbfounded, then fell silent.
As they crossed the road, Rosalie had already called the police. While waiting, she distracted herself by comforting the girl who’d rushed from the alley for help.
“I’m so sorry. I got you dragged into this.” The girl sobbed, furiously wiping tears. “I was petrified. I didn’t mean to make trouble for you.”
Rosalie spoke gently, “I’m fine. It’s okay.”
The police arrived swiftly. The incident was straightforward, witnessed by dozens of onlookers.
After checking the two girls IDs, officers quickly filed reports and hauled the thugs into custody.
Just then, one thug in the police’s grasp suddenly yelled at Rosalie, “I know you! I saw you coming out of Lamont Charm School. We’re not done yet. Just you wait.”
A policeman cuffed his head. “Be quiet.”
The stubborn punk sneered, brazenly leering at Rosalie.
She stayed impassive, not sparing him a glance.
The girl beside Rosalie burst into tears from fear, grabbing Rosalie’s arm.
“What can we do? I’m sorry, it’s all my fault you got targeted. I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be afraid,” Rosalie said in a quiet voice.
The other thugs laughed maliciously, spitting threats without fear in front of the police.
“This chick is way prettier than the one next to her. We hit the jackpot,”
“Since we ran into her, we can’t let this opportunity go to waste.”
“We’ll be out in seven days tops. Sweetie, I’ll definitely prepare a gift for you. You can look forward to it these next few days…”
Before he could finish, a slightly lazy yet cold voice cut in, “Officer, these people are an eyesore. You can take them away now.”
Rosalie jolted, whirling toward the voice. There stood Hayden, tall and straight, hands in his trouser pockets. His sharply defined features made passersby stop and gawk
Surprise flashed across Rosalie’s eyes. “Mr. Merritt?”
1/3
3:06 PM
Chapter 22
Hayden stepped closer, lowering his gaze to scan Rosalie before turning to the on–duty officer, asking, “Is there anything else regarding them?”
“The statement is complete.” After confirming the details with Rosalie, the police added, “You can leave now.”
Hayden’s cold eyes narrowed, fixing directly on Rosalie. “I’ll send you home.”
Rosalie hesitated, about to refuse.
15
The thugs were reluctant to let go. They struggled and shouted, “Don’t think this is over. Just wait. Seven days max, I’ll make you feel real pleasure. Fucking,”
Just then, Kareem strolled out from behind Hayden, yawning as if too lethargic to hurry.
“In seven days, I’ve got business with you too. Since we’re both waiting, take your time.”
Kareem’s face appeared in Webston Daily News‘ financial section several times a week. He was practically a household name in Webston. No one dared confront him head–on.
The gangster went mute, too terrified to utter another word before being hauled into the police car.
“Let’s go. I’ll send you back.” Hayden tilted his head toward Kareem. “Bring the car over.”
Kareem balked, thinking, ‘Am I just his errand boy?‘
But with future “happiness” at stake, he silently embraced this role and decided to get it even later.
“What about the dinner then,” Kareem’s question trailed off under Hayden’s emotionless stare. “Never mind. I’ll leave the car with you. You can send them home.”
To an outsider, it sounded like Hayden was the one working for Hayden.
But playing big–shot didn’t feel satisfying at all.
“Sure.”
Rosalie hesitated. “Thanks, but no need to trouble you. The Spencer family will send a car soon.”
She knew she still owed him for the last favor, better not to impose again.
Kareem was about to feel sorry for Hayden because of her refusal, only to hear Hayden reply smoothly, “Fine. Kareem can drive this girl home. I’ll wait with you.”
Rosalie blinked.
Before she could respond, Hayden added, “I can’t leave an underage girl alone on the roadside,”
This left her completely speechless.
3
Kareem marveled silently, You really are the master of manipulation.‘
The girl who’d been attacked still clung tightly to Rosalie, wary of men, but Kareem handled it smoothly.
Ten minutes later, he’d called a female driver to send the girl home.
On the bustling street, streetlights brushed Hayden’s dark hair, softening his otherwise cold features. That gentle, noble aura seemed worlds apart from the rumors.
Rosalie couldn’t fathom this man.
份
Suddenly, Hayden tilted his head. His charming eyes held a faint smile that melted into sharpness, making his almost demonic beauty all the more irresistible.
“Little girl, you keep staring at me… Do I catch your eye?”
Rosalie nearly choked, coughing awkwardly as she looked away.
“Sorry.”
A soft laugh rippled through the air. “I don’t mind. Stare all you want.”
Fiercely embarrassed, Rosalie checked her phone to dodge his gaze.
2/3
5:07 PM & d.
