Chapter 201 Chapter200-The Furious Eric (1st update, Cheer me with Power Stones!)
Eric strode confidently ahead, clearly a familiar face here.
As he passed the receptionists at the entrance of the club, they simultaneously bowed and greeted, "Good evening, Eric!"
With a gratified nod, Eric acknowledged them.
The envious glances from the students behind him filled him with an immense sense of satisfaction.
"This is the most upscale private club in the city. It operates on a membership basis. Many tycoons host their guests here; average people don't stand a chance of getting in," he explained while walking.
He continued, "It was only after accompanying my father here once that I discovered such a place existed atop the Graceful Waters Hotel... I believe you've heard of the Taylor Group, the powerhouse behind Graceful Waters?"
Several students immediately nodded in recognition, gasping in amazement, "Taylor Group? My god, they're the leading conglomerate in our city! So, the Graceful Waters Hotel is one of their properties? No wonder they could afford to erect such a massive building in the heart of the city..."
Eric, beaming with pride, added, "Our family has some business ties with the Taylor Group. My father has dined with their chairman on several occasions."
His voice brimmed with an unmistakable pride, as if collaborating with the Taylor Group was a matter of immense honor.
None of the students found Eric's tone off-putting.
After all, the facts were undeniable.
The Taylor Group wasn't just a leading firm in the city but also a paramount titan on a national and even global scale.
Such a commercial behemoth, any association with it would undoubtedly be seen as a badge of honor, wouldn't it?
Following the attendant, the group was led to the largest room.
There was no denying it: you get what you pay for.
In such a high-end private club, the decor and design were impeccable.
Inside the vast room, lights flickered without being blinding, exuding a gentle ambiance.
The wall directly ahead showcased a screen that took up its entire expanse.
An adjacent karaoke system oozed luxury.
The room featured its own private bathroom, a billiard table, and even a gaming platform.
A massive genuine leather sofa dominated the space, tables laden with a variety of beverages, and an array of appetizing snacks and fruit platters.
Eric sank comfortably into the sofa, took a deep breath, and said with a smile, "This is the largest room in the club, with a minimum spend starting from fifty thousand..."
The figure evidently astounded most of his peers.
Expressions of amazement were evident everywhere.
Eric waved his hand dismissively, "Everyone, make yourselves at home. Eat, play, sing. Don't worry about the bill tonight..."
No sooner had he spoken than a few exuberant classmates cheered, rushing straight to the karaoke booth.
Soon, a cacophony of enthusiastic singing filled the room.
After all, in such a setting, who wasn't there to let loose?
The room's purpose was entertainment.
As a medley of various songs and playful banter echoed, the atmosphere grew increasingly lively.
The dim setting, combined with flickering lights, naturally stoked the hormones of the young crowd.
With alcohol flowing, the behavior of these young men and women naturally grew more unrestrained.
Emma sat at the edge of the sofa, trying her best to remain inconspicuous.
The surrounding clamor occasionally caused her to furrow her brow; she genuinely disliked such boisterous environments.
Had it not been for Fiona's persistent pleas, she wouldn't have attended this gathering at all.
Perhaps a year ago, Emma might've shown a fleeting interest in such a venue.
But after accompanying John to a banquet at the Taylor's and encountering the true elites, her perspectives matured considerably.
Places like this held little allure for her now.
However, Fiona beside her was thoroughly exhilarated, occasionally clinking glasses and drinking with a few close girlfriends, reveling in the moment.
Fiona quickly noticed Emma's discomfort and, embracing her, said with a playful laugh, "We're already here, when in Rome, right? Why are you hiding away, silent in this corner?"
Emma softly shook her head, replying with a hint of detachment, "It's okay. You enjoy yourself. I'm here to keep you company..."
A look of surprise flashed across Fiona's eyes.
She remarked, somewhat incredulously, "I remember you being quite lively. Since dating, you've become so reserved. Does that man possess some magical charm that's caused such a profound change in you?"
A serene smile danced on Emma's lips.
While she disliked the setting, the mere mention of John always warmed her heart.
The girls initially retained some modesty, but over
on the boys' side, inhibitions were completely cast aside.
A group of them huddled, whispering among themselves, erupting into sporadic cheers.
Moments later, several boys, emboldened by the alcohol, ran over and confessed their feelings to the girls they had affections for, leading to playful teasing and uproar from the crowd.
The atmosphere grew more fervent until Emma's brows furrowed in irritation.
Eric, now on his feet and visibly inebriated, stumbled over to her.
He leaned down, hands bracing against the coffee table in front of her, his gaze piercingly direct.
"Emma, so you're dating someone now? How could you? Why isn't that person me?"
With bloodshot eyes, Eric shouted, his voice a mix of anger and desperation.
The alcohol, having fully clouded his judgement, probably gave vent to his suppressed frustrations in this outburst.
Emma folded her arms, her demeanor cold.
"Eric, let me remind you again: just because you're wealthy doesn't mean the world revolves around you. Who I choose to date is my business, and it has absolutely nothing to do with you."
Eric let out a sinister chuckle, his usually handsome face now slightly contorted.
"Nothing to do with me? You can actually say that? I've pursued you for so long. Do you have any idea that no woman has ever dared reject me like this? You're the first."
He continued, bitterness evident, "Now, you're ambiguously living with another man. Have you ever considered how I might feel?"
A mocking smile tugged at Emma's lips.
"Why should I care about your feelings? I've never accepted any of your immature advances and have made it clear I'm not interested in you. So, respect yourself and move on." With that, Emma stood up, ready to leave the scene.
At this moment, the laughter and chatter of the party ceased.
All eyes were drawn to the tense exchange unfolding in the corner.
The expressions of the onlookers varied — some were envious, others confused, and a few merely awaited the drama to unfold.
Suddenly, Eric shot up from his seat, reaching out to block Emma's path.
Emma's face darkened, her eyes icy. "Eric, what do you think you're doing?"
Eric's face contorted with rage, shouting defiantly, "What do I mean? Just because I have feelings for you, Emma, doesn't mean you can act all aloof and superior in front of me. Do you think I have infinite patience?"
He spat out, "Let me tell you, I'm not in a good mood today. You refused to drink with me, and you've been ignoring me. You want to leave? Fine. Drink this glass of wine on the table, and I won't stop you."
With that, he thrust a full glass of wine towards Emma, a mocking smile on his lips.
Emma met his gaze, expressionless, "I told you, I'm not drinking tonight."
Eric's anger surged even more palpably, a foreboding aura that everyone in the room could sense.
A suffocating silence descended, no one daring to break it.
Eric, continuing to block Emma's path, locked eyes with her.
Emma, undeterred, returned his gaze, her eyes as cold as ever.
Fiona, sensing the escalating tension, interjected in an attempt to mediate. "Hey, what's going on? We're all friends here. Why turn the atmosphere so sour?"
She continued, "Eric, love isn't something you can force. Emma has always been this way — she responds to kindness, not force. Why push her?"
Eric waved her off dismissively, cutting her off, "Did I ask for your opinion? Just because I address you as a senior doesn't mean you have any say here."
Fiona, taken aback, huffed and turned away, choosing silence.
Seeing Emma's refusal to yield, Eric's anger blazed.
His voice dripping with menace, he reiterated, "I'll ask one more time, will you drink this wine?"
Emma's response was filled with disdain as she succinctly shook her head, "No."
Blinded by his seething anger, further fueled by alcohol, Eric lost all semblance of reason.
In a swift, unthinking move, he hurled the wine glass towards Emma.
A collective gasp filled the room.
Wine splashed everywhere, and the girls nearby recoiled in shock, their faces pale as they scurried to avoid the spill.
Almost the entirety of the glass's content drenched Emma.
The liquid cascaded down her hair and quickly soaked her long dress, leaving her in a rather disheveled state.
"Eric! What the hell are you doing?" Fiona erupted with fury, immediately standing up and shielding Emma, her words laced with condemnation.
Wiping the wine from her face, Emma remained expressionless.
With a sinister smile, Eric sneered, "Don't want to drink? I decided for you. If you're so eager to leave, let that wild man of yours come and get you. Playing the pure and aloof card in front of me? Just who do you think you are? I'm curious to see which man can possibly be better than me, Eric."
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