Liz was caught off guard by Zac’s sudden appearance. She instinctively stepped back, her foot slipping so that she almost lost her bnce.


    A strong hand steadied her at the waist, followed by William’s gentle voice. “Are you okay?”


    Liz looked at him gratefully. “I’m fine. Thank you.”


    William withdrew his hand with aposed expression. “It’s nothing.”


    Nearby, Zac watched their brief interaction, and anger surged in his chest like a wildfire, growing hotter by the second. He reached out to pull Liz aside, but before he could touch her, William stepped in and blocked him.


    “Mr. Lincoln, please keep your hands off her.”


    Zac’s hand was pushed away, and his fury deepened Without even ncing at William, he fixed his re squarely on Liz.


    First it had been Ethan Xander. Now there was another man. How long would it be before there was yet another? Was she deliberately trying to provoke him?


    “Come here!” His cold voice and rigid jaw made it clear just how angry he was.


    Liz, however, could not have cared less. They had already broken up. His moods–whether happy or furious–were no longer her concern.


    She frowned at him. “Zac Lincoln, you’re in our way. Please move.”


    Zac gave a low, mockingugh and started toward her.


    William’s eyes narrowed as he stepped in front of Liz. “Mr. Lincoln, I suggest you show some respect.”


    Zac stopped, his gaze dark and heavy. “If you know what’s good for you, you’ll walk away right now.”


    “The one who should leave is you,” William replied evenly. “You and Liz broke up over a month ago, yet you’re still clinging to her. Don’t you think that’s pathetic?”


    The calm delivery only stoked Zac’s fury. “Say that again!” His eyes turned bloodshot, rage burning in his re.


    William gave a faint smile and pressed on. “Three years of cheating, and you still have the nerve to hound her? I’ve never met anyone like you. Truly eye–opening.”


    Before the words had even faded, Zac swung a punch straight at William’s face.


    “William!<b>” </b>Liz’s panicked voice rang out behind him.


    William’s lips curved in a faint, almost taunting smile. With his reflexes, he could have avoided the punch, but he chose not to.


    By the time Zac realized something was wrong, it was toote. His fist connected hard with William’s jaw.


    A momentter, Liz shoved Zac away and grabbed William by the arm. When she saw the smear of blood at the corner of his mouth, her face went pale


    “William, are you okay? Do you need to go to the hospital?”


    William shook his head, wiped the blood away, and managed a small smile. “I’m fine. Don’t worry.”


    Zac’s chest heaved with fury. He was certain this man had done it on purpose–provoking him into throwing a punch just to drive a wedge between him and Liz.


    “Are you sure you don’t need to see a doctor?” Liz asked again.


    “I’m sure. It’s nothing. I’ll be fine in a few days.”


    Looking at the injury on his face, guilt tightened in her chest. If he hadn’t helped her carry groceries, Zac would never have misunderstood and attacked him.


    That guilt quickly hardened into anger. She turned and fixed Zac with a cold stare. “Zac Lincoln, apologize.”


    Zac’s expression darkened instantly at those words