A Perfect Lie Hides Behind My Billionaire Marriage novel Chapter 165

James burst into the room. His face contorted with rage. His eyes darted to Reese, a wave of relief washing over him as he confirmed her safety and a silent exhale escaped his lips.

A group of individuals trailed behind him.

Magnus, startled by the abrupt entrance, began, "Mr. King, what is the—"

His words were cut short as James swiftly closed the distance between them, snatching a wine bottle and shattering it against Magnus's head in one fluid motion.

Crimson liquid traced a path down Magnus's forehead as James delivered a powerful kick, sending him sprawling to the floor.

Magnus attempted to regain his footing, but James wasn't giving him any chance.

Holding another bottle, James swung it with force, relentlessly attacking Magnus.

Caught off guard and overwhelmed by James's unbridled ferocity, Magnus found himself on the receiving end of an unforgiving beating.

With the finality of a storm passing, James hurled the empty bottle at Magnus, his voice a chilling edge in the air. "If you're so eager to meet your end, rise and face me. If I spare you today, my name isn't King."

The room fell into a stunned silence, the onlookers paralyzed by a mix of shock and fear.

As the others watched, frozen in place, James pivoted on his heel, his attention now centered on Reese. He forcefully kicked and punched his way through the group surrounding her.

Reese noticed a drop of blood staining the amethyst earring on James's ear, a stark reminder of the lengths he went to protect her. At that moment, her gaze met his, and she felt a surge of genuine gratitude.

She gradually picked herself up from the floor, her attire askew and her breathing ragged. Struggling to steady her breath, Reese found her voice, her words carrying a sincerity she seldom revealed. "Thank you, James."

James, his anger still smoldering, retorted, "Reese, what possessed you, a young woman, to come to a place like this at this hour? Are you out of your mind?"

The shift in James's tone wasn't lost on Reese. He had always addressed her with either playful banter or friendly camaraderie, often affectionately referring to her as "Little Sister Lia."

Reese's heart warmed with gratitude and she reiterated, "Seriously, thank you, James."

However, James's stern expression didn't waver.

Undeterred, Reese continued, "I acknowledge my recklessness tonight. We all make mistakes in life. Initially, I didn't want the company to be involved, hoping to handle this discreetly. But I never anticipated it escalating to this point. I was wrong."

James's gaze remained fixed on Reese, a storm of emotions raging beneath his exterior. This was the first time James had seen Reese in such a dire situation. Despite the trouble he had caused her, it was insignificant compared to the cruelty of Magnus. Reese had never experienced true darkness, and he couldn't help but wonder what she felt at that moment.

Reese's eyes widened in surprise at the unexpected question.

"Don't look so shocked. My guess isn't far off, is it? Magnus and Lukas share some unsettled scores. Earlier this year, Lukas and Elias ventured into the gaming industry, releasing a series of hit games that unexpectedly outshone Magnus's company in a matter of months," James continued, his irritation evident.

"Lukas's dominance in the jewelry sector, coupled with his venture into gaming, has rubbed Magnus the wrong way. He's out for blood, aiming to topple Lukas. Both companies are now launching similar competitive games around the same time, and it's projected to be a cutthroat rivalry."

James turned to Reese with a severe expression. "Magnus harbors a deep resentment towards Lukas. While he can't confront him directly, he's using you as leverage. Reese, I get it – Lukas might treat you well, but you don't need to put your life on the line for him. Don't entangle yourself in their feud. Look at what transpired tonight – it's dangerous. Hear me out. Maintain your distance from Lukas. It's for your own good, trust me."

Reese absorbed James's words, sensing his underlying concern and effort to connect. She pressed her lips together, her response measured. "I'll exercise more caution, James."

It was the best compromise she could offer. She understood his intentions, but her commitment to Lukas, backed by their legal union, wasn't something she could simply dismiss.

Sensing her unyielding stance, James grumbled in frustration. "Fine, go on then. I've had enough of your presence for one night."

Reese couldn't help but chuckle, her response tender. "James, you may project a devil-may-care image, but beneath it all, you're a genuinely good person."

James's exasperated chuckle reverberated through the hallway. "Reese, are you complimenting me or mocking me? And now you're handing me a 'Good Person' certificate?"