Chapter 125
Kristin turned to look at Rhett, her heart pounding with an unusual combination of
nerves,
Hearing such a scathing rebuke from Rhett without a hint of profanity was indeed a shock to the system.
For the first time, Kristin was seeing a side of Rhett that was brazenly defiant, which was undeniably magnetic..
Rhett had always been the epitome of a corporate titan, aloof, mature, commanding. respect without trying, seemingly untouchable. But now, standing there with that. unexpected fierceness, he seemed more like a guardian deity than a distant. overlord.
And for the first time, Kristin felt that exhilarating sense of having someone in her
corner.
Vincent tightened his grip, his voice low with barely contained fury. “Rhett, this is a family matter.”
“Coincidentally, it’s mine as well,” Rhett replied, straightening up and giving Ruby a dismissive glance. “Basic human decency runs deeper than external education. Any reasonable person would know that this is a place of business, not your personal. playground.”
The imposing aura Rhett exuded was intense enough to silence Ruby, leaving her standing in frozen panic.
Vincent stepped forward, protectively wrapping an arm around Ruby. “She’s my fiancée, and you have no idea what she’s been through. You have no right to judge her.”
“The people I care about are off–limits to your criticism,” Rhett shot back, stepping up
“Control your woman. Missing a kidney isn’t fatal, but lacking a brain and
to t
being manipulated is a tragedy waiting to happen.”
It was obvious to Rhett that someone had deliberately provoked Ruby.
Without a shred of common sense. Ruby was an easy pawn in others‘ games.
“This is highly inappropriate even if word got back to Mr. FitzGerald himself,” York interjected, gesturing for Ruby and Vincent to leave.
Ruby, hiding behind Vincent, glared at Kristin with envy and resentment. Why was
14
12:06
Rhett defending her?
“So, Rhett, you’re saying you care about Kristin? What’s going on between you two? You know she was once hooked up with Vincent, right? Doesn’t that sound a bit. messy? And Tam, he’s your cousin, huh? Word’s out that he and his buddies had a wild time with Kristin. Doesn’t that rub you the wrong way?” Ruby’s words dripped with sarcasm, intentionally loud enough for the office crowd.
Kristin, her breath coming in short gasps, looked at Rhett with eyes brimming with tears, desperate to explain.
For the first time in her life, she was frantic to clear her name.
Before Rhett came into her life, she didn’t care about the slander and the contempt. But now, in front of him, she was panicked and didn’t want him to see her as tainted or to despise her.
Vincent soured his expression as he glared at Kristin.
He had been a fool to rush back to the FitzGerald Group out of concern for her. Clearly, she and Rhett had a connection that went beyond the professional.
“When did this supposedly happen? It seems Ruby is an eyewitness,” Rhett stated calmly, glancing at York. “Call the police. Let them know that Ruby is a key witness to Kristin’s ordeal and she knows exactly who the culprits are.”
“Ruby…” Clarence took a deep breath, attempting to whisk her away from the mess she had created.
Ruby was clearly out of her depth against Rhett.
The siblings, even with Vincent on their side, were no match for Rhett’s commanding
presence.
“Too late for that now.” Rhett said, blocking their path. “Everyone here is a witness to Ruby’s claim. Did you all hear that?”
The employees, nervous under Rhett’s gaze, nodded in unison. “Mr. FitzGerald, we heard everything. Tam and a few others were involved.”
“Good. Call the police,” Rhett said, checking his watch. “I have just enough time to seek justice for my assistant.”
York quickly pulled out his phone to call the cops.
“Rhett…” Ruby stammered, her composure shattered as she tried to stop York.
275
12:06
Chapter 125
“What seems to be the problem, Ms. Collins?” York took a step back. “Didn’t you see it with your eyes?”
“I… I only heard it was consensual!” Ruby bit her lip with venom in her eyes as she looked at Kristin.
Kristin stood numbly behind Rhett, her head bowed, tears silently falling to the floor.
Her reputation was already in tatters and Kristin didn’t care if it got worse, but Rhett was standing up for her.
The CEO of the FitzGerald Group had no reason to get involved in such sordid affairs, yet he did.
The debt she owed him was becoming insurmountable.
“Was it consensual?” Rhett turned, at the sight of Kristin’s tears, and felt an unexpected sting in his chest. His frown deepened, the veins on the back of his hand standing out.
What had she endured all these years?
Kristin couldn’t speak and could only shake her head.
No, it wasn’t true.
“See, Ms. Kristin said it wasn’t her choice, making Ms. Collins a key witness. Your statement is crucial for the police. I’ve already contacted Tam and the others you mentioned, advising them to turn themselves in and await the authorities,” York said as he finished his call and looked at Ruby. “Ms. Collins, your courage is commendable. It’s brave to expose those scoundrels, especially with so many
witnesses.”
“York!” Vincent pointed at him with a warning glare.
York shrugged. “Don’t anyone leave. It’s lunchtime anyway. Let’s all stay and bear
witness.”
Ruby, desperate to escape, looked at Clarence with pleading eyes.
“Mr. FitzGerald, Ruby is not well…” Clarence tried to appeal to Rhett’s mercy on Ruby’s behalf.
“Feeling under the weather? You seemed pretty spry hollering outside just now.” Rhett flatly refused with a cold voice. “Cooperating with an investigation is a duty of a law–abiding citizen and spreading rumors is a crime. If Ruby is lying, there’s audio on the surveillance. Tam and his crew can sue her for defamation because. After all,
3/5
12.06
Chapter 125
the nature of a rape accusation is quite vile.”
In less than half an hour, Tam and his pack of rowdy friends came barreling up the street, hearts racing and faces flushed with urgency, like they were in a high–speed chase.
“Vinny…” Ruby sobbed, clinging desperately to Vincent’s arm.
Vincent furrowed his brow as he whispered soothingly, “It’s okay. I’m here.”
“What kind of nonsense are you spouting, Ruby? What rumor did you start?” Tam, pale as a ghost with a cheek bearing the print of a slap, was frantic. “Look! My mom did this!”
Rhett didn’t crack a smile.
But everyone else watching the scene unfold couldn’t help but laugh, York included.
“Laughing at what? It’s all your fault. What did you tell my mom?” Tam, pointing an accusatory finger at York, unleashed a torrent of words before turning back to Rhett, shivering. “Rhett! I’m innocent. I swear I never even touched Kristin!”
The men trailing behind Tam turned even paler. “Rhett, we barely know Kristin, honestly.”
“So is Ruby spreading rumors?” Rhett raised an eyebrow and asked.
“Yes! It’s all her. She’s the one making stuff up. We’re absolutely innocent,” they all nodded vigorously in agreement.
“Well, word has already reached your parents‘ ears. It doesn’t look like this is going to end well. If you guys want to clear your names, best call the police and accuse her of spreading rumors,” York said apologetically.
He had already informed the parents of each of these young gentlemen.
York had barely finished speaking when a barrage of phone calls began to bombard
each of them.
These guys had all bullied Kristin and spread sleazy rumors to varying degrees.
This time, Rhett decided to set them straight.
“Vincent, your woman came to the company spreading rumors, seriously damaging the image of the executive assistant and causing immeasurable loss to the company. How do you plan to resolve this?” Rhett looked at Vincent, expecting him to come up with a solution.
Chapter 125
“Rhett…” Vincent rubbed his temples, recognizing that Ruby was clearly in the
wrong.
“Apologize to Kristin,” Rhett commanded with an oppressive gaze.
If Ruby didn’t apologize to Kristin today in public, she would have to face the
consequences.
