Chapter 14: Clash of Bloodlines
1122 Words
Rex Carlson moved like a predator closing in on its prey. In a heartbeat, he was in front of Ethan Hansen. Grabbing a fistful of Hansen’s perfectly styled hair, Rex swung his arm with brute force.
Thud!
Hansen’s head slammed into the wall with a resounding crash, leaving a smear of blood trailing down the surface. He howled in pain, his face twisted in a mix of rage and humiliation.
“You i***t cab driver!” Hansen bellowed, struggling to stand. “Do you even know who my father is?”
Rex’s grip tightened, a cold smile tugging at his lips. “Let’s see… someone who’s definitely not me.”
Ethan’s pudgy fist shot toward Rex’s abdomen, aiming to land a sucker punch.
But Rex was faster. Before Hansen could land the blow, Rex drove his knee upward, connecting squarely with Ethan’s nose.
Crack!
Hansen staggered backward, clutching his face as blood poured freely. His voice, now nasal and panicked, cracked as he shouted, “My father is Ethan Hansen Sr.! The wealthiest man in this city! You—”
Before he could finish, Rex grabbed him by the head again. This time, he smashed Hansen’s face into the wall repeatedly, each impact punctuated by Ethan’s desperate screams.
“Stop! Please!” Ethan begged, his voice breaking into sobs. “I’ll do anything!”
Rex finally let go, watching with quiet satisfaction as Hansen crumpled to the floor, clutching his battered face.
A Moment of Calm
Turning away from Hansen’s trembling form, Rex’s eyes found Sophia Bennett. She was backed into a corner, her arms wrapped around herself, her usually confident demeanor shattered.
Her chest rose and fell rapidly, and tears shimmered in her wide eyes. She flinched slightly as Rex approached, unsure of what to expect.
“It’s over,” Rex said softly, his voice a steady anchor in the chaos. He placed a hand on her shoulder, grounding her. “You’re safe now.”
Sophia’s body relaxed slightly, but her tears began to flow freely. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Rex, burying her face in his chest.
Her voice, muffled by his shirt, trembled as she spoke. “I was so scared…”
Rex’s arms closed around her, his hand resting on the back of her head. “No one will hurt you as long as I’m here,” he murmured.
Behind them, Ethan scrambled to his feet and stumbled toward the door, his heavy steps a panicked escape.
The moment was broken by the shrill ring of Sophia’s phone. She pulled away reluctantly to answer it, and as the call progressed, her expression shifted from fear to determination.
“I have to go to the office,” she said, wiping her face quickly. “There’s a meeting I can’t miss. We’ll handle… everything else afterward.”
“I’ll come with you,” Rex replied.
At her home office, Sophia changed into a sleek business suit, the sharp lines of her blazer accentuating her poised, professional demeanor. A black pencil skirt hugged her figure, and sheer stockings highlighted her long, elegant legs.
A touch of makeup brought out her striking features, transforming her into the composed and commanding executive her employees knew so well.
They drove in Rex’s cab to Bennett Enterprises, a towering glass building that symbolized the family’s influence across real estate, entertainment, and hospitality industries.
As Sophia entered, she radiated confidence. Employees greeted her with respect, their voices tinged with awe. But as their gazes drifted to Rex, curiosity bloomed.
Who was this rugged man accompanying their boss?
Rex had cleaned up for the day—his casual attire neat and unassuming, yet his air of quiet authority drew whispers among the staff.
Old Ties
In the conference room, Sophia greeted Margaret Liu, the company representative from a major investor.
“Miss Bennett,” Margaret said, extending a firm handshake.
“Ms. Liu, thank you for coming,” Sophia replied with a polite smile.
Margaret’s sharp eyes shifted to Rex. Recognition flickered across her face, and for a moment, her professional facade softened.
“Rex Carlson?” she said, her tone betraying a mix of surprise and amusement. “What a small world.”
Sophia’s eyebrows shot up. “You two know each other?”
Rex chuckled, stepping forward with a broad grin. “Margaret Liu. I haven’t seen you since high school. What brings you here?”
Margaret returned the smile, her amusement clear as she glanced between Rex and Sophia. “It’s been a while. I didn’t expect to see you here of all places.”
The meeting was interrupted when the conference room door burst open.
An elderly man strode in, leaning heavily on his cane but exuding an air of authority. This was Charles Bennett, Sophia’s grandfather and the patriarch of the Bennett family.
Trailing behind him were several family members, their expressions varying from smugness to disdain.
“Miss Liu,” Charles said warmly, his voice dripping with practiced charm. “What an honor to have you here. I simply couldn’t let this opportunity pass without welcoming you personally.”
Margaret rose to greet him, maintaining her professional demeanor. “Mr. Bennett, it’s a pleasure.”
“Please, sit,” he insisted, lowering himself into a chair with a satisfied smile. But when his gaze shifted to Rex, his expression soured.
“Sophia,” Charles barked, his tone sharp, “what is this man doing here? Who allowed you to bring someone like that into an important meeting?”
Sophia’s jaw tightened. “Grandfather, this project is my responsibility. Who I choose to include is my decision.”
The old man’s cane slammed against the floor. “Insolent! Bennett Enterprises isn’t your playground. This project will now be handled by Andrew.”
Andrew Bennett, Sophia’s younger brother, swaggered into the room with an air of entitlement. “Thanks, Grandpa,” he said, sliding into Sophia’s chair. “Miss Liu, I’ll take over from here. Sophia doesn’t handle major deals.”
Rex leaned back in his chair, observing the unfolding drama with quiet intensity. Finally, he spoke, his voice calm but cutting.
“This project is here because of Sophia. She brought it to the table, and she’s the one who should see it through.”
Andrew smirked. “And who are you to decide? You’re just a cab driver. Know your place.”
Charles’s steely glare locked onto Rex. “Leave. Now. You don’t belong here.”
Rex’s lips curved into a faint smirk as he turned to Margaret. “Margaret, as an old friend, do me a favor. Sophia is more than capable of handling this deal—and she’s my fiancée.”
The room erupted into chaos.
- Writer
