Chapter 9 Impressive Show?

"Sebastian, Bethany is an adult now. Even if you’re her brother, you have no right to interfere," Lily said coolly from the side. "Why did you bring Bethany to a place like this?" Sebastian demanded, his anger boiling over. Lily, Bethany’s roommate, had pretended not to know anything when Sebastian called, only to bring Bethany here herself. "I can’t stand men like you," Lily scoffed, crossing her arms without a trace of remorse. "You’re useless, a leech living off your family and sister. If Bethany doesn’t earn money, how will your mom’s medical bills be paid? If you’re broke, who’s to blame? Bethany earns more in one night than you do in years. If you’ve got the guts to shout, why don’t you come up with the money yourself?" Sebastian chose not to argue with her. Helen’s illness had already been resolved. He took Bethany’s hand and prepared to leave. "Dude, did I say you could take her?" Harold said, stepping forward. "Your sister stays tonight. Don’t worry, I’ll take good care of Ms. Bethany. As long as she keeps me happy, I’ll pay generously," Harold said, tossing a wad of cash on the floor. "Sebastian, just leave. If I take the money, I can pay for Mom’s treatment," Bethany said with tears in her eyes, feeling the weight of humiliation and helplessness as a poor girl. "That’s the attitude!" Harold sneered, reaching out to grab her arm. "Get lost!" Sebastian shouted, shoving Harold aside. Despite his modest strength, Harold, weighing 220 pounds, was sent flying into a table, knocking it over and smashing bottles in the process. "My back! It’s broken!" Harold wailed in pain. "You dare hit me? Take him down!" he roared, as his men rose and surrounded Sebastian. Bethany froze in fear, while Lily smirked, waiting for Sebastian to be beaten. Suddenly, Simon entered. "Harold, you’ve grown bold," Simon said coldly. "Mr. Simon? What brings you here?" Harold stammered, struggling to his feet. Simon was a prominent figure in Southwynd, far beyond the reach of a vulgar upstart like Harold. Ignoring Harold, Simon turned to Sebastian and bowed slightly. "Mr. Hughes, I deeply apologize for what your sister endured here. Thankfully, we arrived in time," he said solemnly. He was troubled that such an incident had nearly occurred in his establishment. "You refused the house, so let me give you this hotel instead," Simon continued, determined to solidify their relationship. "I can’t accept that," Sebastian said, shaking his head. "You saved my daughter’s life. My family owes you everything. Please accept this hotel as a token of gratitude," Simon insisted, instructing his secretary to prepare the ownership transfer. Simon turned to Harold, who was still lying on the ground with a stunned expression. His face darkened as he said coldly, "How dare you show such disrespect to Mr. Hughes? Get him out of here!" As soon as Simon finished speaking, a group of men in black suits rushed into the room. Without hesitation, they dragged Harold and his group outside and began beating them mercilessly. The sounds of Harold and his men crying and begging for mercy echoed from outside. Bethany and Lily were left in stunned silence, completely unable to comprehend what had just unfolded. "Mr. Hughes, do you find this solution acceptable?" Simon asked politely. "Mr. Simon, you’ve been very thoughtful," Sebastian replied with a respectful gesture, choosing not to say anything further. "Ha! What an impressive show. Sebastian, how much did you spend to hire these actors?" Lily screeched, her voice sharp and angry. Her carefully planned scheme had completely fallen apart, leaving her humiliated and furious. Unfamiliar with Simon’s identity, Lily refused to believe anyone would willingly give away a luxury hotel that generated millions in nightly revenue. "So what if you staged this performance? Can it change your pathetic life or pay off your mom’s medical expenses?" "Smack!" Sebastian, unable to endure her taunts any longer, slapped Lily hard across the face, leaving her hair in disarray and her cheek swollen. "Say another word, and I’ll tear your mouth apart," Sebastian warned icily. His cold demeanor made Lily tremble in fear. She collapsed to the ground, utterly speechless. Bethany stood frozen, staring at her brother in disbelief. Is this really the kind and slightly meek Sebastian I once knew?