"Why did you run off before answering my question?"
Daniel Taylor's eyes locked onto Emma Johnson's face, studying her with an unapologetic intensity. The heat in his gaze was impossible to miss.
"Let go of me."
Emma hadn't expected Daniel to be this audacious. For someone who was supposed to be the heir of Oasis Holdings, his behavior was utterly disgraceful.
"And if I don't? What are you going to do about it?"
Daniel suddenly yanked Emma closer, intending to force a kiss on her. He didn't care if she was supposedly involved with Liam Williams. If he wanted a woman, he'd find a way to take her.
Smack!
A sharp sound echoed through the hallway. Daniel felt a stinging pain on his left cheek. When he realized what had happened, he found himself staring at the seemingly fragile woman who had just slapped him.
"Who do you think you are to treat anyone like that? Even if Liam and I weren't together, I would never consider someone like you. You're not worthy."
What a disgrace! Flames of fury blazed in Emma's eyes.
Daniel was clearly enraged by her words. Ignoring her struggles, he easily pinned her against the wall. Her petite frame was trapped beneath his tall, muscular build, leaving her barely able to move.
"You—"
"What about me?"
Daniel's smile was arrogant, his eyes dark and dangerous. The faint scent of her perfume stirred something inside him, making him want to take her right then and there.
But for now, he just wanted to teach her a lesson. She needed to learn not to provoke him so easily.
His nose was almost touching hers. The anger in Emma's eyes was practically scorching. This arrogant man was nothing but trash.
"Daniel, if you don't let me go right now, I'll make you regret it."
Emma gritted her teeth as she spoke. Daniel's eyes flickered with amusement. He hadn't expected her anger to be so... intriguing.
Her flushed face made him want to bite her. He couldn't help but envy Liam even more. Such a beautiful woman, and he had her all to himself.
That only made him want Emma even more.
"Emma, you've got quite the mouth on you."
Daniel's tone was still condescending. What could a woman with no background or power possibly do to make him regret anything?
He leaned in closer, about to press his lips against hers—
"Ah!"
A deep, pained cry echoed through the hallway.
Emma had driven her knee straight into his groin with all her strength. There was nothing gentle about it.
Daniel staggered back several steps, his face turning an ugly shade of purple. He stared at her, unable to speak for a long moment.
"That's just a small lesson. If you ever try that again, I'll make sure you can't walk. Don't think I won't do it."
Emma raised her arm, making a chopping motion. She wasn't going to let anyone bully her.
She was even more grateful now that she had signed up for those taekwondo classes. She wasn't an expert, but it was enough to deal with scum like him.
"Oh my god, Emma, what happened?"
Emilia Clark had been worried when Emma didn't come back. As soon as she stepped out to look for her, she saw Daniel kneeling on the ground, his face twisted in pain.
Meanwhile, Emma was leaning against the wall, staring at the man on the floor with a cold expression.
"It's nothing. Is the show over?"
Emma's tone was casual, as if she had just swatted a mosquito.
"It's over. We don't need to go back in." Emilia glanced at Daniel, her eyes full of curiosity.
"Good. Let's head back to the hospital."
Seeing that Emma didn't want to talk about it, Emilia didn't push. She simply followed Emma out of the concert hall.
"Emma, no matter what, I'm going to have you."
Daniel stared at her retreating back, forcing himself to stand despite the pain. He swore under his breath.
This woman had successfully ignited his desire to conquer.
Emma had no idea that after she and Emilia took a taxi, a black car followed them silently all the way back to the hospital.
The man inside watched until Emma entered the hospital. He sat there for a moment, his sharp eyes lost in thought. He couldn't figure it out.
He couldn't tell if Daniel had a relationship with Emma. If he did, why would she treat him so mercilessly?
Finally, unable to make sense of it, he picked up his phone and reported everything he had witnessed to the person on the other end.
"I understand. Good work."
In a cream-colored room, Liam Williams ended the call with Alexander Wilson. He scrolled through his contacts until he found Emma's number. He hesitated for a moment but ultimately didn't dial.
Didn't that foolish woman know she was still supposed to be in the hospital? How dare she go out?
Liam's eyes darkened. The thought of her almost getting hurt by Daniel made him want to rush to the hospital and bring her home himself. He wouldn't rest easy until he had someone watching her 24/7.
Daniel had never paid him any attention before. But now he dared to provoke him. Fine. Liam would make sure Daniel learned that messing with his people came with consequences.
Oasis Holdings, was it? He'd remember that.
"Achoo!"
Emma sneezed suddenly while lying in her hospital bed. Who was thinking about her now?
Was it Liam?
Thinking of that overbearing, unpredictable man, Emma shook her head. It was probably just a draft. She hoped she wasn't catching a cold.
As Emma drifted off to sleep, the person in the bed next to her pulled out a phone and dialed a number.
"Boss, I've successfully approached the target as you instructed. Once she fully trusts me, I can proceed with the mission."
The girl in the white hospital gown spoke quietly into the phone, her voice cautious.
"Good work. Remember, don't make her suspicious. I'll inform you of the exact timing. Since I saved your life, I can just as easily destroy you—and your family. Do you understand?"
A hoarse male voice came through the other end, cold as a snake's tongue. The girl couldn't help but shiver.
"Yes, boss. I understand."