“Take a glass of water to my mother upstairs,” she directed over her shoulder before hurrying out.

“Yes, Miss Hayes.”

Outside the house, the rain poured in relentless sheets.

Brady sat slumped on the wet ground, soaked to the bone, as a group of men pinned him down, their fists raining blows upon him.

“You had it coming!” Nelson crowed, his voice dripping with smug satisfaction.

“I warned you to stay away, but you wouldn’t listen!”

“Enough!” Eric leapt from his car, dashing to Brady’s side. He thrust out an arm to shield him from the next strike.

A heavy punch landed on Eric’s arm, and he grimaced, shooting a withering glare at the assailants. “I said, enough!”

The group hesitated, exchanging uncertain glances, unsure how to proceed. Just then, Phillips arrived with reinforcements, and the Scott family bodyguards formed a formidable line.

Their leader bellowed, “How dare you touch Mr. Scott? Just say the word, sir, and we’ll take care of this!”

Fists clenched, the bodyguards stood ready to spring into action.

The attackers froze, their eyes darting to Nelson for guidance.

Nelson, caught off guard, frowned in confusion. “Mr. Scott? What are you doing here?”

“Humph.” Eric let out a derisive scoff, ignoring the question. Instead, he knelt beside Brady, helping him to his feet. “Are you hurt? Come on, up you go.”

Nelson’s mind raced. Brady knew Eric? And for Eric to step in like this, their bond must run deep. Yet, when it came to Colleen’s future, no one—not even someone as influential as Eric—could sway him.

“Mr. Scott,” Nelson said, rolling up his sleeves with a flourish. “My apologies, but this is none of your concern. This fool dared to lead my sister astray. He won’t walk away unscathed.”

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With that, he lunged toward Brady, fist raised.

At that moment, a taxi screeched to a stop nearby. Zane tumbled out, sprinting toward the chaos.

“Nelson!” he shouted, having glimpsed the scene from the car. “Nelson, stop this at once!”

“Rein yourself in!” Eric echoed.

Zane rushed forward, exchanging a quick, knowing nod with Eric. He moved to restrain Nelson, gripping him firmly, while Eric stepped protectively in front of Brady.

“Let me go, Zane!” Nelson struggled against the hold, his movements cautious but determined.

Eric seized the moment to pull Brady aside, steadying him. “What were you thinking, just taking those hits?”

Brady said nothing, his gaze complex as he leaned on Eric for support.

“Nelson… Brady!” Colleen burst through the gates, her eyes sweeping over Nelson before locking onto Brady. She threw herself toward him.

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