<h4>Chapter 341: Trouble at the Door</h4>


    E paused, a bit stunned by the abrupt end to Henry’s call. Truthfully, she wasn’t even sure how she would have responded, realizing that despite her usual quick wit, words failed her. Henry had long understood the impossibility of his feelings and had stepped back on his own.


    Meanwhile, on the other end, Henry sat on the balcony, staring at the lights flickering in the night, feeling as lost as the cityscape before him. His mother was in prison, his biological father’s whereabouts unknown, and the person he cared for most was out of reach. An aching sense of emptiness took hold, making him wonder about the meaning of his life.


    With a mncholy expression, he slumped into a chair, theughter of his ssmates drifting from inside. The farewell party hadn’t been his idea, but ultimately, he’d agreed just to see her onest time. In a few days, he’d be leaving for Country W, possibly never to return.


    Lauren approached, noticing the cigarette in his hand and quickly snatching it away. "Don’t smoke, okay? And please, no more drinking—you’re already drunk!"


    Henry arched a brow, dismissive. Drunk or not, it wouldn’t make a difference to her.


    "What’s it to you if he’s drunk?" Sofia interrupted, grabbing Henry’s hand. "Come on, Henry! Tonight, we’re drinking till dawn!" She shot Lauren a taunting nce. "All that concern, and yet he’ll never care for you."


    Lauren bit her lip, visibly hurt.


    Henry pulled his hand away, his voice sharp. "Don’t touch me, Sofia."


    Sofia had always irritated him; if not for the gathering, he would’ve thrown her out long ago.


    "Sofia, is something wrong with you?" Lauren shot back coolly. "If you truly liked him, you wouldn’t encourage him to drink himself sick. Don’t you know binge drinking is dangerous?"


    Sofia’s face turned red. "And who do you think you are..."


    "That’s enough!" Henry snapped. Though tipsy, his mind was clear.


    "Sofia, even if I liked someone, it wouldn’t be you. Please stop pestering me," he said, his expression frosty.


    From any angle, Sofia wasn’t someone he’d ever consider seriously.


    For the first time, Sofia saw the disdain in his gaze, and her face went pale. "Henry... I..."


    "Lauren, let’s go," Henry muttered, a bit unsteady as he stood. "It’ste. Time to call it a night."


    Lauren quickly stepped forward, helping him as they walked away, ignoring Sofia entirely.


    Furious, Sofia stomped her foot, calling out, "Lauren, do you really think he likes you? He’s just using you. I’ll be waiting for the day you’re heartbroken!"


    The cool autumn wind seemed especially sharp that night.


    Meanwhile, as E was on her way to the LX Fashion office, her phone rang—it was the receptionist. "Miss Davis, we’re in trouble... Someone is causing a huge scene here. Mr. Martinez and security are locked in a standoff with them!"


    E’s expression darkened. "Call the police. I’ll be there immediately!"


    She quickly instructed the driver to turn around and head for LX.


    LX’s recent sess had drawn attention, especially with the high-profile partnership with the fashion mogul from Country Y. But she hadn’t anticipated that things would escte so quickly into trouble.


    When E arrived, two police cars were parked outside. Inside, the lobby was in shambles—chairs and tables overturned and smashed to pieces. Disyed clothing samples were strewn across the floor, some shed, others doused in paint.


    E’s eyes narrowed as she took in the scene.


    "Miss Davis, you’re here!" The receptionist greeted E with a pale face, visibly shaken.


    E nodded, her gaze immediatelynding on Max, who was being led out by the police.


    So, it was him!


    This scoundrel. Though he had kept a low profile before, Frank had always been the one to hold him back from doing anything overt. Now, with Carter Group in ruins, Max seemed to have directed all his bitterness toward E.


    The moment Max saw her, heunched into a tirade. "You wretched snake! Finallye out of hiding, have you? You ruined Carter Group! Grandpa’s in the hospital, and Dad’s addicted to gambling—"


    "Shut your filthy mouth!" E snapped, her voice sharp. "Carter Group’s downfall is nothing but the result of your family’s own greed!"


    Around her, employees huddled anxiously in the background, some still visibly shaken.


    Seeing E, one of the girls approached, face pale. "Miss Davis, thank goodness you’re here! This group stormed upstairs, smashing things, and even hurt Benjamin!"


    Several of the designers were gathered nearby, both established names and promising neers. For most of them, this was likely the first time they’d experienced anything like this, and they looked genuinely terrified.


    "It’s over now," E assured them gently. "Take the rest of the day off. I’ll assign more security here in the future."


    Ignoring Max’s continued cursing, she focused on calming her team.


    As the employees moved aside, she saw Benjamin being helped down by two officers, limping slightly. Benjamin was still in college but worked here on weekends, with E’s full support.


    Fashion design was his passion, and she knew forcing him to give it up would only build resentment. But she hadn’t expected today’s events to spiral so far out of control.


    "Cousin, are you alright?" E asked, rushing over with concern.


    Benjamin shook his head. "I’m fine—just hurt my leg, nothing too serious. We’ll need to head to the station to give our statements, though."


    E nodded, addressing the officers. "Thank you for your help. If it’s alright, I’d like to take my cousin for a quick checkup at the hospital before we handle the formalities."


    "Of course, Miss Davis! No problem at all," one of the officers replied, recognizing her instantly.


    Being a known friend of Chief Taylor and carrying her own reputable name meant shemanded a degree of respect.


    After thanking them, E helped Benjamin into her car, nning to take him to the hospital for a checkup before heading to the station to file their statements. Two security guards, both with bruised foreheads, were also brought along for medical attention.


    As they were about to leave, Max screamed venomously, "E! One day, you’ll end up dead, just like your worthless mother!"


    E felt a surge of fury. Thest thing she would tolerate was anyone ndering her mother.


    Without a second thought, she marched over and delivered a sharp p across Max’s face.