Chapter 23 He's in Way Over His Head

Nanci never imagined that her second time being chased would bring her into contact with Edward again. The glossy Rolls-Royce drove ostentatiously and slowly on the less crowded southern section of Fifth Avenue. Suddenly, it jerked to a stop, causing her to rear-end it.

Inside the car, Isaac initially intended to grab some documents, so he lightly put on the brakes. He said as he handed the documents back, "Mr. Clarkson, this is the information on the Ross family's daughter, but there's something odd..."

With a sudden noise, Edward, seated in the back, was jolted violently and nearly thrown forward. Luckily, Isaac's quick reflexes and the car's good performance prevented any injuries. Still, Edward was annoyed, especially upon seeing the person responsible for the accident.

The man stood in front of the car, dressed in a shirt and trousers, tall and long-legged, bathed in the dim yellow streetlight, which cast an eternal indifference over him. He looked at Nanci behind him, his thin lips slightly curled, his eyes filled with cold mockery. "Are you still going to insist that this wasn't to get my attention?"

Nanci was speechless.

“Shit. Could you please assess the situation before spouting such pretentious nonsense?” she cursed inwardly.

The black sedan behind her quickly caught up and stopped beside them, and five tall men in black suits got out and coldly walked towards them. Nanci took a couple of steps back and instinctively stood next to Edward.

Compared to these thugs, Edward seemed relatively kinder.

"Where are your bodyguards?" She stared intently at the group, whispering to Edward.

His voice was calm, unhurried. "Didn't bring them."

Nanci wanted to roar in frustration.

She glared at him. This man usually flaunted his style. He'd even want ten bodyguards just to visit the restroom. Now that he was in Woodlands, he actually decided to keep a low profile?

Edward was unaware of her inner thoughts, merely impatient with the situation. He had just arrived in Woodlands for a business dinner, unaware that this incident would occur. "Is this a new trick of yours? You really went all out."

They were in this predicament, and he was still speaking in that tone. Nanci felt like cracking his head open to see what was really inside.

Soon, the group surrounded them. Nanci flexed her wrists, a fierce glint in her eyes. She sidestepped an attack and kicked one of the assailants, diving into the fray.

Edward watched her back, his eyes narrowing. Her moves were good, sharp, decisive, and fierce. This made him wonder why she had been so disheveled three years ago.

Just then, a cold glint caught his eye. Seeing them unable to overpower Nanci, the thugs drew their weapons, short blades gleaming with a chilling light, likely coated with something.

His gaze hardened, and almost instinctively, he joined the fight.

Isaac, having been with Edward so long and accustomed to various situations, calmly called for the bodyguards, then turned to see Edward fighting.

He blinked in bewilderment. Since when did his boss start meddling in other people's affairs?

Nanci also noticed the commotion and kicked away a man, moving to join Edward. "The knives are poisoned. Be careful!"

"If this is your new tactic, it's quite successful."

Their voices overlapped.

Nanci paused for a few seconds, then her face showed a mix of emotions.

He was in way over his head.

Edward was also skilled in fighting, even more ruthless than Nanci. The group was gradually losing to them. Just then, the sound of police sirens arose not far away. The nearest man, with a fierce look in his eyes, raised a dagger and crazily lunged at Nanci.

At the critical moment, a toned arm shielded her in front. Nanci turned her head, her gaze fixed.

Brian arrived with the police. After ensuring Nanci was unharmed, he began assisting the police with collecting evidence and making records. Isaac, the only eyewitness, also cooperated actively with the investigation.

Meanwhile, Edward was sitting on the ground with a grand posture, his arm bent, his shirt sleeves rolled up to his elbows, revealing a beautifully muscled forearm with a gruesome wound from which blackening blood was beginning to ooze. Nanci crouched beside him, a first aid kit nearby, swiftly tending to the wound. She lowered her eyes and pressed her lips tightly, her movements extremely proficient.

She first cleaned his wound, then applied ointment, and opened another small wooden box to take out a black pill. "Eat this."

Surprisingly compliant, Edward popped it into his mouth. Nanci paused while searching for a bandage, glancing at him sideways. "Aren't you afraid it's poison? What if I want you dead?"

Edward slightly lifted his eyes, glanced towards the police, then back at her. The implication was clear. Was she foolish enough to commit a crime so blatantly?

Nanci pursed her lips, remained silent, and continued bandaging in silence. Had it been before tonight, she might have mocked him, but now, seeing the wound on his arm, she couldn't bring herself to utter harsh words. Never in her dreams had she imagined that this arrogant man would protect her. A surge of mixed emotions filled her heart.

"Is it done?" Brian approached, asking gently.

Nanci expertly tied a knot before saying, "It's done."

She stood up, handing a bag to Isaac. "Take these medicines back. I've written instructions for both external application and ingestion. The blade was poisoned. It will take at least a week to fully clear."

Isaac nodded earnestly and took it, his gaze shifting back and forth between Brian and Nanci. Edward, supporting himself with his uninjured hand, stood up with some difficulty, his body swaying almost unsteadily.

Nanci instinctively reached out to steady him. Edward took the opportunity to wrap his arm around her shoulders, leaning heavily on her.

"Having heard much about Mr. Mathis, I never expected you'd know my ex-wife," Edward said, his voice hoarse from blood loss, adding a hint of allure. Hearing the word "ex-wife", Nanci involuntarily shivered.

She turned to look at him speechlessly. Did he really need to make connections so obviously? Brian watched this interaction, a sharp light flashing in his eyes. He spoke unreservedly, "After all, you're not truly husband and wife. It's normal you didn't know!"

Edward fell silent.

"But for tonight's incident, we owe Mr. Clarkson a solid. We will compensate for the damage to the car. And we will cover all your medical expenses going forward," Brian said, pulling Nanci towards him. He preferred to settle matters with money rather than involve emotions.

But as he pulled, Edward's body tilted to the side. Nanci couldn't pull away.

"What are you standing there for? Your boss needs you!" Brian turned, speaking sharply to Isaac, who was standing aside. Isaac met Edward's gaze for a brief second, then awkwardly stepped back. "Our boss is a germophobe. He dislikes others touching him, so I'll have to bother you, Mrs. Clarkson."

Brian and Nanci were shocked by their shamelessness. She became Mrs. Clarkson again now.