"What? She's that awful?"
Emma was genuinely shocked by Olivia's words.
"I can hardly believe it."
Emma nodded firmly, then launched into an animated discussion with Olivia about Scarlett Martinez's personality and her so-called "rising star" journey.
As their meal wound down, Liam received a call from Amelia.
"Are you done eating?"
"Almost."
"Good. I'll be waiting in the car outside. Just come find me when you're ready."
Liam stared at the phone in surprise after she hung up. He'd assumed Amelia would be swamped with work, never expecting her to come pick him up in person.
After dinner, Olivia said goodbye to Emma. Sure enough, she spotted Liam's Land Rover parked nearby. She walked over and opened the car door, relieved to see it wasn't Liam behind the wheel. Otherwise, she'd have been furious.
After all, Liam's shoulder still hadn't fully healed.
"Is everything arranged?"
"Starting tomorrow, you'll be in the clear."
Even though Liam hadn't told Emma about his arrangements, she'd guessed she'd be able to return to work in a couple of days.
So she left with Liam in high spirits. They headed back to their apartment, planning to get some good rest. But when they reached the door, she froze.
If she wasn't mistaken, the person standing next to the wine-red suitcase was none other than Amelia.
"Brother, I thought you'd be back late tonight. I didn't expect we'd be so in sync—you came home early."
Amelia excitedly dropped her suitcase and ran to Liam, throwing herself into his arms. She was sweet and clingy, like a couple reunited after a long separation.
Emma felt a headache coming on. She thought Amelia was truly relentless. She'd already left Sunrise Manor, so how could she still be following them around like a stubborn shadow?
How many days had she been here?
"Why are you here?"
Liam gently pulled Amelia out of his arms, placing his hands on her shoulders with a serious expression.
Amelia pouted, her voice dripping with sweetness.
"It's all Dad's fault. He wants me to go on a blind date with the youngest son of some shipping conglomerate. I'm only in my twenties, and he can't wait to marry me off. So I ran away from home."
Amelia looked rebellious, but Emma suspected it was just an excuse.
Judging by how she'd shown up with her luggage, she had no intention of settling down quietly.
Liam frowned, about to say something.
"Well, brother, I've been here since morning and haven't eaten a thing. Even if you want to scold me, at least let me have a meal first."
Amelia grabbed Liam's arm coquettishly. He had no choice but to take out his keys and help her bring the suitcase inside.
"Wow! Brother, is this your apartment? It looks just like the style at home. I thought my sister-in-law would have decorated it to her taste."
Amelia exclaimed, then turned to Liam with a smile.
"We've only been here a few days. I'll fix this place up once we've settled in."
Emma took off her high heels and spoke coolly to Amelia.
Amelia's face stiffened slightly but quickly recovered. Seeing Liam about to order food, she quickly reached out to stop him.
"Since I'm here, let me handle it. I'll order some takeout."
Amelia walked to the refrigerator and opened it, only to find it stocked with fruit but no fresh vegetables. That was because Liam's arm had been injured these past two days, and Emma couldn't cook. Plus, they'd been so busy they hadn't had time to go to the market. Emma had planned to make noodles for Liam tonight, but with Amelia here, that plan was clearly out the window.
"Brother, why is there so little in the fridge? Sister-in-law, don't you cook for him? Don't you know his shoulder is hurt right now?"
Amelia shut the refrigerator door, her beautiful almond eyes filled with blame.
Emma didn't want to engage with her at all. Ever since Amelia showed up, she'd been mentally prepared. She knew Amelia was here to pick a fight and rub salt in the wound. The more she reacted, the more Amelia would keep at it.
"Amelia, have you forgotten that I can't cook? Usually, your brother cooks for me. Now that his shoulder's injured, no one's been to the market."
Emma made tea for everyone, looking at Amelia innocently.
Amelia's heart burned with resentment. She knew her brother could cook, but she'd never tasted his food. After all, she'd been abroad for eight years without coming home.
Thinking about it now, it was all a loss.
"Amelia, let's go out to eat. Where would you like to go?"
"You can go with Amelia. I just finished lunch and can't eat another bite."
Emma took off her coat, sat down on the sofa, and leisurely sipped her tea.
"Sister-in-law, do you dislike me so much that you won't even eat with me? Brother, I think you'd better send me to a hotel. I don't want to be a burden here."
Amelia looked hurt, her expression full of grievance.
"Your sister-in-law doesn't think that way about you. I just picked her up from the hotel, and she's telling the truth. Besides, I'll arrange accommodation for you after dinner. There's only one bedroom here, so it's not convenient for you to stay."
Liam's words seemed to pour cold water on Amelia's head. Emma thought that idiom was perfect for this situation.
"Brother, I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying here."
Seeing that she wasn't getting her way, Amelia simply played her stubborn, domineering side and refused to leave. She even refused to go to a restaurant, preferring to go hungry rather than leave the apartment.
Liam felt helpless. He couldn't just drag Amelia away. After all, she was his sister, even if they weren't related by blood.
Emma smiled, stood up, and took Liam's arm. Her voice was clear and pleasant.
"Liam, let Amelia stay here. Isn't a brother like a father? Just let her share the room with me. As for you, you can sleep on the sofa or in the study."
Liam looked at the little woman with a happy smile. He thought she was pleased because she wouldn't have to sleep with him.
"It's settled then, big brother."
It was rare for Amelia to agree with Emma on anything. Regardless of their motives, the end goal was the same. Amelia thought Emma was making a mistake, but she didn't realize this was exactly what Emma wanted.