Chapter 277

Vivian's face twisted in revulsion as she snatched the robes, tossing one to Audrey before hastily wrapping herself in the other. Her eyes tracked Adrian's determined stride toward the side gate, his path cutting directly toward the two leering men.

Before the offenders could react, Adrian's foot connected with the whistler's ribs, sending him sprawling backward.

Dominic followed with a brutal right hook to the second man's jaw, the impact dropping him like a sack of potatoes. He punctuated the assault with several sharp kicks to the fallen man's side.

"You vermin dare disrespect women in Adrian Blackwood's presence?" Dominic sneered.

The groaning men clutched their injuries, their threats weak through bloodied lips. "You'll pay for this! Do you know who we answer to? We'll ruin you!" Their words slurred together, still dazed from the pain.

Their eyes suddenly brightened at the approach of a heavyset figure. Scrambling to their feet like eager puppies, they cried, "Mr. Pembroke!"

Rushing to their apparent savior, they jabbed accusing fingers at Adrian. "Sir, these animals attacked us completely unprovoked!"

Mr. Pembroke followed their gestures, his confident expression faltering when he recognized Adrian. Just yesterday, the young tycoon had expressed interest in acquiring Crystalpeak Hot Springs - the crown jewel of Willowbrook's tourism industry. While several parties had shown interest, Adrian's offer had been conservative, leading Pembroke to dismiss him as just another trust fund kid playing businessman.

The injured men were crucial suppliers for his resort. In resource-scarce Willowbrook, reliable vendors were worth their weight in gold.

Decision made, Pembroke straightened his tie and approached.

"Mr. Blackwood," he began with false politeness, "I extended complimentary passes for your enjoyment, not for you to assault my valued business partners."

The suppliers nursed their wounds behind him - one rubbing his swollen jaw, the other clutching his ribs. "We're filing charges," one spat. "Medical reports don't lie."

Dominic barked a laugh. "Complimentary? Adrian could buy this entire resort with pocket change."

Pembroke's lips curled. "Many in Crestwood could afford Crystalpeak. Your offer yesterday was... underwhelming."

Adrian's glacial sidelong glance made the older man shiver. The Blackwood Group's meteoric rise wasn't built on frivolous spending, but strategic investments. That piercing gaze held more authority than Pembroke had seen in executives twice Adrian's age.

Vivian stepped forward, her voice arctic. "By all means, call the authorities. We'll gladly explain how these pigs harassed women."

Audrey crossed her arms beside her. "Disgusting old perverts. When was the last time you looked in a mirror?"