The Useless Husband Was a Hidden Master

Chapter 9

"You've got some nerve hijacking my car," Emily said. She showed no trace of fear, radiating an air of authority.

The tattooed man smirked, his grin full of arrogance.

"If your bodyguards were here, we wouldn't have dared. But too bad, they're all at the hospital protecting Brandon."

He glanced at Gabriel dismissively. "And all you've got left is this pretty boy. How could we let such a golden opportunity slip by?"

Emily's expression didn't waver. "I must say you're not entirely brainless. You even managed to bribe my driver. But tell me, who's your boss?"

The tattooed man sneered. "You'll find out soon enough. Now, get out of the car!"

Emily's tone turned sharper. "You're not in any position to order me around."

The man's face darkened as he motioned to one of his lackeys. A thug handed him a large sledgehammer.

"If you don't do as I say, don't blame me for using violence."

He raised the hammer, ready to smash the luxury car's window, but before he could strike, Gabriel calmly opened the passenger door and stepped out.

"Ms. Patel, your boy toy is a coward. I haven't even started, and he's already peed his pants. Is this the kind of man you go for?"

He threw his head back and laughed louder. "Hah! Looks like you don't have the best taste in men after all!"

Emily frowned slightly but stayed silent, her hand reaching into her bag.

"You've got five seconds to get out of my face," Gabriel said coldly, stepping forward.

The tattooed man sneered, "Do you even know who you're talking to, punk? Trying to play the hero, huh? You've got a death wish!"

Smack!

Before he could finish, Gabriel's hand shot out, delivering a sharp slap across the tattooed man's face.

The force of the blow left his cheek swelling instantly.

The tattooed man nearly lost his footing but managed to steady himself. His eyes burned with rage as he screamed, "What are you idiots waiting for? Get him! Beat him to death!"

His men didn't hesitate. Batons in hand, they charged at Gabriel.

Gabriel didn't flinch. Moving with fluid precision, he stepped forward to fight them. His movements were swift and calculated, weaving through the attackers like a shadow.

Each time he got close to one of them, he delivered a slap.

Smack! Smack! Smack!

The sharp sound of slaps echoed repeatedly, and in the blink of an eye, the group of thugs was sprawled on the ground, completely incapacitated.

Gabriel slapped each of them hard. His actions were as precise as they were effortless, his efficiency almost mechanical.

The tattooed man, who had just regained his senses, stood frozen in shock.

He couldn't believe what he was seeing. This ordinary-looking guy had taken down a dozen of his men, all seasoned fighters, before they could even get close to him.

"Interesting," Emily murmured, watching the scene with keen interest.

A faint smile tugged at her lips, and her eyes sparkled with amusement.

She quietly slipped the silenced pistol she had pulled from her bag back into its hidden compartment.

She had been prepared to step in, assuming Gabriel would need her help. But to her surprise, he had handled the situation with ease.

He was extraordinary. His combat skills were sharper than those of her elite bodyguards.

And on top of that, he was handsome, composed, and had amazing medical skills. A man like him was truly one of a kind.

"Don't... Don't come any closer!" the tattooed man stammered, his confidence completely shattered as Gabriel advanced toward him.

His voice cracked with panic. "Don't do anything stupid! If you lay a finger on me, I swear—"

Before he could finish, Gabriel's foot shot out, delivering a powerful kick. The man flew backward, landing hard on the curb with a pained groan. He writhed on the ground, unable to get up.

"He's all yours, Emily."

Gabriel turned back to Emily, his expression calm.

"Thanks."

Emily nodded and stepped forward, towering over the tattooed man. "Tell me. Who's your boss?"

"I... I..." the man stammered, his fear rendering him speechless.

"Too scared to answer, huh?"

Emily's lips curled into a dark smile. She bent down, picked up a machete from the ground, and pressed it lightly against his neck. "Fine. I'll just slit your throat."

She raised the machete as though she might actually do it.

The tattooed man's face turned pale. He begged desperately, his voice trembling.

"No, no! Please, don't kill me! I'll tell you! It's Mr. King from Apex Group!"

Faced with the threat of death, loyalty was the last thing on his mind.

"Just as I thought."

Emily sneered. "Go back and tell Wallace King I won't forget what happened today. When I have time, I'll pay him a personal visit."

She straightened up and huffed. "Now take your people and get the hell out of here!"

"Y-Yes! Right away!"

The tattooed man scrambled to his feet, his legs shaking as he led his gang away like a panicked stampede.

Gabriel approached Emily, his expression serious.

"Emily, if this guy had the nerve to block your car and attack you, Wallace isn't just some small-time thug. You shouldn't underestimate him."

Emily narrowed her eyes. "Wallace is just a psycho. He won't be a threat. But he does have someone powerful behind him."

She paused, her gaze turning icy. "If we move too soon, we'll alert the one behind this. Let him be for a few more days. When the time comes, I'll take them all down in one strike."

When Emily decided to act, it would be swift and ruthless.

Gabriel nodded. "As long as you've got a plan."

He had no interest in getting dragged into these feuds.

"Gabriel, you've been such a blessing to my family. First, you saved my grandfather, and now you've saved me. I don't even know how to repay your kindness."

Emily's eyes sparkled, a rare warmth breaking through her usual sharp demeanor.

Gabriel gave her a faint smile. "It's nothing."

"No way. A favor this big deserves a proper thank-you." Emily suddenly flashed a mischievous smile. "How about this, Gabriel? To show my sincerity... I'll marry you!"

Gabriel froze, his body stiffening as her words sank in.

"What?"

Emily's cheeks were tinged with a faint blush. "Well, didn't you divorce Evelyn? I don't have a boyfriend, and I'm looking for one. So, it's perfect, isn't it? We could—"

"Well..." Gabriel hadn't expected Emily to be so direct.

Emily's beauty was in a way entirely different from Evelyn's cool elegance.

Emily had a sultry charm, a magnetic allure that seemed to radiate from her every gesture. And when she smiled, it was enough to make any man's heart skip a beat.

Emily was the kind of woman who could tempt even the most disciplined of men.

But then she burst out laughing. "Oh, Gabriel, you're so serious. I was joking!"

Her laughter was infectious, her chest rising and falling with every breath. It was a sight that could leave any man utterly spellbound.

Gabriel's gaze lingered for a moment before he quickly looked away.

He realized this woman was dangerous. The more he looked at her, the harder it became to resist her pull. If he wasn't careful, he might lose control.

"But Gabriel, I do need your help with something." Emily's laughter finally subsided, and her tone turned serious.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "What is it?"

She sighed softly. "My bodyguards are all at the hospital taking care of my grandfather. I don't have anyone by my side, and now I'm being targeted. My safety is at risk. So, I was hoping you could protect me for a few days."

Her plea was sincere.

"Protect you?" Gabriel raised an eyebrow with a faint smile. "Wouldn't it be easier to just find a safe place to hide for a while, Emily?"

"Gabriel, you don't understand." Emily shook her head. "My family is hosting an important charity gala tonight. As the host, I have to attend it. If someone tries to cause trouble, how could a woman like me handle it on my own?"