Chapter 543 - Ohh, Feisty...and Pretty

Yet, as quickly as the idea to help this woman, open her eyes crossed her, Zoey changed her mind almost instantly.

"Miss Zhou, if you don't want to be embarrassed in front of many people — elites as we speak — conduct yourself as a lady and not as a… seductress." Clara uttered in mild modesty.

Upon hearing her last remarks, Zoey failed to stop herself from letting out a snort. "I — I'm sorry. Sure, no problem."

However, despite the apology that sounded a little insincere, Clara's dissatisfaction resurfaced on her countenance. She raised her right brow as her jaw tightened.

"I smell drama," Just before Clara could bark, Niko's voice reached their ear. "Just by the scent of it, it sounds… interesting." 

Slowly, Niko approached the two with a magnanimous smile on his lips. He looked at Clara, studying her from head to toe before nodding approvingly. 

Seeing his reaction, Clara furrowed her brows as she took a step back from the man that chimed in. Although his outfit was similar to that of a waiter's, there was this air surrounding Niko that was… noble.

Niko then shifted his eyes towards Zoey. However, just as he did, Zoey already disappeared! 

"Ah? Where did she go?" Niko murmured as he tilted his head to the side and looked around.

While Niko was searching where Zoey had run off to, he sensed Clara's presence as she was walking away without a word.

"Stay where you are. I need a word with you -- give me a second." Niko muttered without casting Clara a glance.

For some reason, Clara's steps halted as she abided by his command unconsciously. Her eyes instinctively looked at the man who was busy looking around.

"Damn it. There's too many people, it's annoying." Niko clicked his tongue in annoyance before turning his piercing gaze back to Clara.

Out of instinct, Clara slightly jolted back, startled at his piercing gaze. She swallowed a mouthful of saliva while trying to keep her dignified and brave front.

"What?" She blurted, almost sounding panic-stricken for the reason unknown to her.

"Hmm," Niko rubbed his chin lightly, narrowing his eyes as he pondered. "I like you." 

Niko blurted as a smirk resurfaced on his lips. His eyes glinted with delight as he stepped closer to her.

"Haha," A fake laugh escaped Clara's lips as she cast him a mocking gaze. "Everyone likes me. But --"

"But you have a boyfriend." Niko chimed in, finishing her sentence, which displeased Clara even more.

"Know your place. I don't think you're in a position to talk to the guest like that." 

"Ohh, feisty...and pretty. I like you even more." Yet, despite her evident dismay with his guts, Niko crossed his arms as his smile grew into an elated grin. 

"Hah!" Rendered speechless, Clara could only scoff and shake her head. She took one step back before pivoting her head, turning her back against him as she started to walk away.

However, just as she took a few steps away from the delusional guy, Niko suddenly grabbed her arm and dragged her to the opposite direction.

"Hey!" Startled by his action, Clara called out through her gritted teeth. She struggled to pull her arm away from his grip, but it was futile. 

"Are you out of your mind?" 

"No, no. You'll be surprised when I really lose my mind." Niko only glanced at her for a second, still bearing his mischievous smirk, and continued to drag her. 

"What are you…!"

"Don't make it look like I'm harassing you." Niko tightened his grip, causing her arm to become numb as she sensed fear creep inside her racing heart. "Even if you try and make a scene, I'll just tell them you've been two-timing."

Without a trace of remorse, Niko nonchalantly uttered, which made her lips pale. Clara's mind was momentarily unable to function as he dragged her out of the event hall.

This man… he got her weak points. If this was a different occasion, she wouldn't hesitate to call or scream for help. However, this event was very important where respectable figures gathered. 

Even if she caused a scene, it would surely backlash on her. Even if what he would spout would be nothing but lies, there would be doubts in everyone's mind regarding her. Clara didn't want a scandal with her rising fame. A scandal now would end her career.

But, as much as she feared what could have happened to her career, Clara also feared what this man could do. Yet, her mind was too bothered and she couldn't think straight.

Soon, they exited the halls, maintaining little attention from the other guest. 

"Where are you taking me? Are you a stalker? If something happens to me, you won't get away from it!" When they exited the event hall, Clara spouted a series of questions and threats at him.

However, just as she thought he would drag her further, Niko suddenly let her go forcefully. She nearly tumbled down. Fortunately, she remained on her footing.

"Wrong. I"m certain I will get away with it. You should be grateful I like you, though." In a matter-of-fact tone, Niko corrected as he shrugged his shoulders indifferently.

Clara ground her teeth, glaring daggers at this crazy guy who suddenly appeared out of nowhere and spouted nonsense. Now, she was in a situation where she was uncertain where it was heading.

"You're not a guest here." 

"Yup. I crashed the party." Niko admitted with a nod. "So what?"

"So you're a stalker? You came to harass me?" Alerted, Clara's tone raised in urgency. She gulped, finally disregarding her career to save her life, which was a little late for her to realize.

"Help! Someone help me!" Clara shouted, screaming until her voice echoed around this oddly empty corridor.

"Someone is trying to kill me! Help!" 

Despite the loud noises she made, Niko remained unfazed as he placed his knuckles on his hip. He then scratched the back of his ear with his fingertip, closing his right eye.

"Someone--!"

Before Clara could cry another call for help, Niko suddenly took a large leap and sealed her lips with his. Clara's eyes widened as she instinctively pushed his chest.

However, Niko was strong as he stilled her shoulder, making her struggle in the future. Her screams grew muffled until he suddenly bit her lower lips, making it bleed.

The shock at this turn of events caused her to stop struggling — rather, stopped her from functioning. Slowly, Niko drew away and glanced at her blank visage.

"Better. Now we have some peace.." Niko uttered in delight, wiping his lower lip that had a speck of blood from his fresh wound.