Chapter 252
Chapter 252:
Leonino had always clashed with Dorian, but it was only ever on the surface. Seeing Dorian, usually so sure of himself, looking so lost, Leonino patted his shoulder and said casually, “Honestly, you’re thinking too much. Since Alden saw all of this coming years ago, he’s probably already prepared for you two to go your separate ways. And as for any conflict between the Morrison family and Star Wish Investments, it’s not like that can’t be sorted out. You know Alden’s abilities better than anyone. Instead of fighting, why not team up? The business world in Cheson is big enough for both of you. Plus, Alden’s not the type to hoard all the profits—wouldn’t it be better if everyone got a piece of a bigger pie p>
Leonino’s words seemed to lift the cloud from Dorian’s mind. For once, he looked at his rival favorably. He was about to throw a teasing comment when a familiar voice interrupted, grabbing both of their attention.
“Let go of me! Let go!” It was Valeria’s voice!
Both men spun around, and sure enough, there she was, fighting as a man tried to pull her away.
Without a second thought, Dorian, still feeling the effects of the alcohol, rushed forward and threw a hard punch at the guy.
Valeria didn’t have a chance to fully take it all in. All she saw was a blur rushing past her—and then her useless brother was on the floor, groaning and clutching his face.
“Are you alright? Who is that guy?” Leonino moved in front of Valeria, blocking her with his body, his worry clear on his face.
“Oh, I—I’m fine.” Valeria snapped back to reality and had just replied to Leonino when she saw Dorian, as determined as always, grabbing her brother by the collar and lifting him up. His fist was raised, ready to land another blow.
Her eyes went wide with panic, and she rushed to stop him. “Wait! Stop! That’s my brother, Samuel Clark p>
Dorian’s fist was already halfway down when Valeria’s voice cut through the air. He jerked back just in time, his knuckles trembling in midair.
Samuel, pale as paper, squeezed his eyes shut in terror. When he dared crack one open and saw he was still in one piece, he let out a dramatic wail and blurted at Valeria, “Tell him to back off! What kind of lunatic just goes around hitting people out of nowhere p>
“You still have the nerve to play the victim?” Valeria snapped. Her eyes narrowed as she hissed through clenched teeth, “You drowned yourself in gambling debts before, and now you’re prowling bars, conning women out of their money. Look at you—does that look like a man to you p>
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The last time Samuel got himself neck-deep in debt, Dorian had been the one to quietly bail him out. And now the fool was causing trouble again? Fury surged through Dorian like a tidal wave, not just for Samuel’s recklessness but for the hurt in Valeria’s voice. His knuckles itched to take another swing.
But before he could act on that impulse, Leonino stepped forward, quick and calm like a fireman. “Easy, Dorian. Cool your head. Let me deal with this—I’ll make sure he doesn’t step out of line again p>
Without waiting for approval, he grabbed Samuel by the arm and hauled him away.
He dragged the squirming man to a dim corner of the bar. Dorian and Valeria watched them from a distance, the two silhouettes deep in conversation, mouths moving, but their voices swallowed by the music and chatter around them.