Chapter 179

Seth’s words may have sounded like a joke, but it was clear to everyone that he was provoking Gordon.

As expected, Gordon immediately halted his steps.

As Seth descended the stairs, the crowd instinctively made way for him.

Although they were in the Dunkstein Residence, it felt as if they were in the Shaffers’ territory.

After adjusting his cuffs, Seth casually twisted the ring on his finger and approached the shattered champagne glass.

Isabella stood behind Gordon, her gaze fixed on Seth’s every move. She even slowed her breathing as she carefully observed him. What was his intention?

With one hand in his pocket, Seth calmly studied Rachel’s frightened expression. “Miss Logan, which do you find more challenging-apologizing or causing harm to others?”

Rachel seemed dazed, unable to comprehend why this distinguished man would make things difficult for her. Trembling, she tilted her head back but couldn’t utter a single word.

“The ambulance is here!” someone called out.

Relieved, Megan quickly signaled Ariel with her eyes. Once Ariel understood, she first approached Gordon, who was about to speak, and then turned to Seth, offering an apologetic smile. “Mr. Shaffer, why don’t we let the paramedics take the injured away? Saving a life is more important, isn’t it?”

Seth nodded, seemingly unaffected by the situation. “Sure. You can do whatever you want.”

This left the crowd puzzled, unable to comprehend Seth’s actions. Initially, it seemed like he wanted to defend Isabella, but now he appeared indifferent to the whole situation.

Only Isabella understood Seth’s behavior. He simply didn’t want to engage with these people, and the ambulance couldn’t enter until the matter was resolved.

Indeed, although the sound of an approaching ambulance could be heard outside, the paramedics never entered the premises.

The crowd was initially confused, but soon realized the situation outside. The courtyard was filled with black-clad men who clearly didn’t belong to the Dunkstein Family.

While Seth didn’t refuse Rachel medical treatment, he blocked her path, making it clear that she couldn’t leave without apologizing.

Isabella discreetly took a deep breath. Her gaze fixed on Seth’s back, slowly moving upward, capturing every detail of his profile as she tried to gauge his emotions.

However, Seth seemed mischievous and didn’t mention Isabella’s name or ease the situation.

Meanwhile, Megan held her daughter, pleading with Ariel through her eyes, but received an evasive gaze in return. “Mrs. Logan, just apologize. Your daughter went too far.”

“Yes, she’s young and already so malicious.”

“Forget it. Everyone knows her family are new upstarts…”

Opinions were voiced, and whispers filled the air. The scene mirrored the one where Isabella was accused moments ago.

Amidst it all, Isabella remained calm and silent.

Seeing the situation escalate, Ariel turned to Isabella. “Miss Symons, there’s no need to go to such lengths, right? Considering it’s Gordon’s grandmother’s 80th birthday, why don’t you say something and get Mr. Shaffer to forgive them…”

Ariel spoke the first part of her sentence loudly, but the second part was spoken softly, as if she suspected Seth had feelings for Isabella, Once again, Isabella became the center of attention. Ariel’s words were clearly suggestive. If Isabella were a sensible young woman, she would let it go and stop insisting on an apology.

It was a blatant attempt at moral coercion.

Isabella pursed her lips, remaining silent as she looked at Seth once more.

He seemed to sense her gaze and turned around. Their eyes met halfway.

His gaze appeared playful, and the smile on his lips gave the impression of indifference. However, Isabella knew all too well that his smile was a warning.

Meanwhile, the crowd eagerly watched. It was evident that Seth was standing up for Isabella, so if she pleaded with him now, it would make him appear meddlesome.

Releasing her hand from Gordon’s grip, Isabella walked past the shattered glass in her high heels and stood face-to-face with Rachel, directly in front of Seth. She parted her lips and enunciated clearly, “Miss Logan, you may begin apologizing. I’m listening.”

Whispers erupted from the crowd.

*

Seth raised an eyebrow, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes. He loosened his tie, seemingly pleased.

Rachel’s eyes widened as she hid in her mother’s arms. Tears streamed down her face, unable to comprehend how things had escalated to this point. After all, she had never experienced such grievances before.

With an expressionless face, Isabella watched the crying young lady without a trace of sympathy. “Can you hurry? I have somewhere to be.”

Standing three feet away from her, Seth noticed her emotionless demeanor.

He used to dislike it when she behaved so coldly, but today, he suddenly saw another side of her when she spoke those exasperated words with a stoic expression.

“Rachel, just apologize,” Ariel urged, frustrated.

Rachel’s lips quivered as she broke down. Amidst her sobs, she managed to say, “I-I’m sorry.”

Megan, overwhelmed with distress, no longer cared about Seth’s presence and glared at Isabella. “Are you happy now? If you are, then let the paramedics come inside!”

Isabella looked down at her, her tone cold. “I didn’t stop the paramedics from entering, and this isn’t about whether I’m satisfied or not. You brought up your daughter, so you have to face the consequences.”

After speaking, she raised her head and looked at Seth. “Mr. Shaffer, thank you for standing up for me.”

Something flickered in Seth’s eyes. It was as if he didn’t recognize Isabella and was only acting out of a sense of justice. He replied calmly, “No problem.”