Never Late, Never Away (Vivian and Finnick)
Chapter 2290

Never Late, Never Away Chapter 2290

The moment Joan's words came out, the man instantly doubled over with laughter.

"Say, are you really that slow-witted or merely faking it? What the host meant earlier was that you've got to donate money since you're a tourist!"

Oh, so that's what happening here. Donating should be a voluntary choice. Why are they blatantly coercing me to do so? Ah, never mind. I'll just donate to avoid further trouble! Thus, Joan took out her purse at once and gave the host all the money she had left.

However, the host was abruptly irked.

"Don't you think this is too little? You've got to donate at least a thousand or so," the host chided tersely.

Even so, I've already donated all the money I have on me!

"I'm sorry, but... that's all I have on me," Joan explained in mortification.

"Ah, you've got no more money? Ask me for some, then. The amount you donated didn't even meet the minimum standard," the man beside her scoffed.

What? There's even a standard? At that, Joan's eyes promptly darkened. They aren't soliciting donations at all! This is blatant blackmail!

"Let's go. Come with me, and I'll donate on your behalf." The man then dragged her down the stage.

"Hey, what are you doing? Let go of me! I don't need your help!" Joan struggled wildly.

"Don't be shy. This is no big deal because it's entirely normal here."

Argh! This is not a matter of being shy or otherwise! Damn it, why is he so strong?

"Ahh!" the man screamed all of a sudden. Joan had clamped her teeth hard on him.

"Haha, you've been bitten by a woman!"

"How useless of you to be bitten by a woman! Hah! You're just going to be bossed around all your life!"

Everyone around them mocked and derided the man. Enraged, the man crouched and threw Joan over his shoulder before striding away. "Ahh! Let go of me! Help!" Joan shrieked.

"How dare you bite and rebuke me?" The man slapped her butt forcefully.

"Let her go!" A familiar voice was suddenly heard.

"Who the hell are you? How dare you give me orders?" The man placed Joan down and rolled up his sleeves as he took up a fighting stance. "I'm her boyfriend!" Caiden proclaimed loudly.

All at once, Joan was stumped. When did he become my boyfriend? And didn't I tell him to go back?

The man snarled. "Ah, so he's your boyfriend, huh? He's indeed quite handsome, but alas, he's just a pretty face!"

"Come here, Joan!" Caiden surreptitiously beckoned Joan.

Without the slightest hesitation, Joan rushed over to Caiden and ducked behind him. Then, she peeked at the menacing man in front of them.

"Don't be afraid. I'm here, so don't worry," Caiden whispered in consolation.

"How about we make a run for it, Caiden? They far outnumber us," Joan whispered into his ear.

How I wish! But that won't do us any good. This is their territory; where can we go even if we do make a break for it?

"When the fight breaks out later, seize the opportunity to escape. Do you hear me? Don't bother about me. I'm a man so I can easily take a beating."

Joan stared at Caiden; she was overwhelmed with gratitude.

Actually, that was also the first time Caiden uttered such a manly declaration. Throughout the years, he reserved all his devotion and heroism for her, and today, he could finally put them to use. "No way! I want to stay with you," Joan rebuffed vehemently.

Is she crazy? If she doesn't make her escape later, the consequences will be dire considering the sordid state of affairs here!

"Remember that you're a woman, so you're different from me. Do you get my drift? If they capture me, I'll only suffer a beating at most. However, it's different for you!" Caiden snapped in a low voice, truly incensed.

I'll never allow the woman I love to be sullied by other men!

"Well? Beat him up! What are you doing there, wasting time?"

"Hear, hear! Beat him up! Go on! Pummel him!"

"Quick! We still have to go home to eat!"

Several people around them started hollering, all wearing expressions of anticipation.