Immortal King

Chapter 42

A group of bodyguards immediately moved in, holding Bob down and repeatedly slapping him. The sharp sound of each slap echoed through the empty restaurant. When one bodyguard tired, another took over. Bob screamed and struggled, but he didn't even have a chance to beg for mercy.

At this point, one of the bodyguards pulled out a knife and placed it at Bob's mouth, ready to cut out his tongue and make him mute permanently.

"Stop!" Jack's voice rang out. He wasn't trying to protect Bob, but he didn't want Emily to be frightened or saddened on this important anniversary.

The elderly man, recognizing Jack as the terrifying figure who had destroyed the Steele family, immediately signaled the bodyguards to stop. Lily, however, just wanted to leave. Turning to Jack, she said, "Jack, I'll head out now. You and Miss Foster continue with your dinner." She forced a smile before leaving with the Carter family entourage.

Bob, dazed from the beating, shakily stood up from his seat and pointed at Jack. "You bastard, you set me up!" he shouted, grabbing a bottle of red wine and throwing it towards the adjacent table.

"Jack, watch out!" Emily exclaimed.

Jack's eyes turned icy. He caught the wine bottle mid-air and smashed it over Bob's head.

With a loud crash, Bob fell to the ground. Regaining his senses, he wanted to retaliate but was met with Jack's murderous gaze.

"You wanna die?!" Jack's voice was cold and menacing. Had it not been their anniversary, Bob would already be dead.

Bob was so frightened that he fell back into his chair. A moment ago, his anger had clouded his judgment, making him forget that he was no match for Jack and that trying to fight would only bring him trouble. His girlfriend, sitting beside him, tried to soothe him and wiped the blood off his face.

"Hmph, I'll let this slide for now. But don't think I won't get my revenge!" Bob muttered defiantly.

Jack was pulled back to his seat by Emily, who softly said, "Let's not bother with him. Fighting with such people is just disgusting."

"Alright," Jack smiled gently.

Both tables settled down to continue their meals. After a while, Bob's girlfriend suddenly complained, "Honey, where's the surprise you promised me? I can't wait any longer!"

Bob quickly played along. "Don't worry, just a few more seconds, and you'll see!"

"Bang! Bang! Bang!" Ten seconds later, colorful fireworks exploded outside the window. Brilliant hues of light bloomed in the night sky like giant lotus flowers, beautiful and spectacular.

People near D.T. Tower looked up in awe, taking photos and expressing delight.

"Wow, these fireworks are amazing! Quick, take a picture!"

"So beautiful! Which rich person prepared this? It's stunning!"

"Fireworks of this scale are usually only for major festivals. Is today a special occasion?"

Nearby, voices of astonishment and admiration filled the air. Even Emily couldn't help but gaze at the mesmerizing display.

Three minutes later, the fireworks ended. Bob smirked triumphantly at Jack and said to his girlfriend, "Honey, did you like the gift I prepared for you?"

"I loved it! It was so beautiful! Much better than just playing a song!" She exaggerated her delight, almost throwing herself at Bob.

Bob sneered, thinking he had won the contest of surprises. Although Lily wasn't a resident pianist at Falling Star Night, she wasn't a famous pianist either. Jack had just found someone to play a piece casually. How could that compare to the fireworks show he had meticulously planned?

Jack paid no attention to their conversation, quietly eating his meal.

Emily sighed softly, comforting him, "Jack, don't mind them. What's most important is the thought behind the gift. I've felt your sincerity, and I'm very happy tonight."

Hearing this, Jack paused his eating and smiled, "Don't worry, I have another surprise for you. Just wait a bit longer."

"Wait? What for? I bet you haven't prepared anything," Bob interjected.

"Bob, can't you just shut up? What's it to you?" Emily scolded.

Emily was furious with her cousin. Today was supposed to be a happy day for her and Jack. They were enjoying a delightful day of shopping and had planned a perfect romantic dinner. However, Bob was like an annoying fly, constantly interfering whenever they were having a good time!

Bob, undeterred, continued to mock, "Only you would put up with Jack, a pathetic loser. You have waited eight years, and he can't even give you a decent gift. What a sad excuse for a man! Show us this surprise you claim to have, and if it's better than mine, I'll apologize right now."

"Fine, you said it!" Jack stood up and picked up his phone.

Bob was momentarily stunned but then burst into laughter. "And if your surprise isn't better, you'll have to apologize and admit you're the most pathetic and worthless man!"

Jack didn't respond, merely turning to look out at the night sky.

Bob laughed harder. "Jack, why aren't you saying anything? Is your surprise in the sky? Is it a meteor shower? The waiter already said there wouldn't be one tonight. Stop pretending and show your surprise!"

Emily looked at Jack with concern. 'Is he bluffing again?'

Jack dialed a number on his phone and said, "Ready? Then begin." After receiving a response, he nodded and hung up.

Seeing that Jack didn't seem to be joking, everyone turned their gaze to the night sky, curious about Jack's surprise. Even Bob started to doubt, thinking, 'Could he have prepared a firework display too?'

However, after several seconds of nothing, Bob laughed again. "Jack, if you have no surprise, just admit it. I've got better things to do tonight..." Before he could finish, his girlfriend screamed in amazement.

"Oh my God, it's a meteor shower!"