"She's my wife. Isn't it only natural for me to be close to her? What, do you see a problem with that?"
Liam Williams replied without missing a beat.
His burning gaze swept over Elijah Clark in a flash, so quick it was like a shooting star streaking across the night sky.
"No problem at all. Of course not."
Elijah, usually so gentle, barely managed to force those words out through gritted teeth. A cold glint flickered in Liam's eyes as he watched Elijah, a chilly smile curling at the corner of his mouth.
Throughout the movie, Emma Johnson laughed heartily, releasing the pent-up gloom of the past several days. Liam didn't care much for the film itself, even though the rest of the audience was roaring with laughter, nearly breathless.
He simply watched Emma quietly from the side. In this moment, she was as carefree as a child—clean, pure, as if all the world's sins had nothing to do with her.
But when his gaze drifted to the seat in front of them, Liam's cold eyes darkened abruptly. He had never been naive, and he never indulged in wishful thinking. So no matter the outcome, he would not show any mercy.
When the movie ended, Emma said goodbye to Mia Lewis and Elijah. Mia looked at Elijah, then in the direction Emma had gone, her eyes clearly filled with reluctance. A bitter smile touched the corner of her mouth before quickly fading back into her usual cheerful expression.
"Elijah, thank you for inviting me to the movies. I had a wonderful time today."
"I should be the one thanking you. If you hadn't risked your life to save Emma, she'd be lying in a hospital bed right now. This movie is the least I could do."
The handsome man replied with a gentle smile.
"Emma is my good friend too. If she were in danger, she would have saved me without a second thought."
Mia smiled, a little sadly, but still optimistic. Emma was married now. So she believed that sincerity would eventually win Elijah over, and one day he would come to like her.
I'm late. I'm so late.
When Emma finally climbed out of bed, she found the spot beside her had long gone cold. Liam had already left for the company without even waking her.
Charlotte told her it was already noon, and Emma was furious. That Liam was so infuriating—he had kept her up all night, unable to even get out of bed yesterday, and yet he had cheerfully gone off to work.
As if she hadn't delayed him by even half a day.
"You're late. Make sure you finish reading all these documents today."
When Emma arrived at the office, Liam didn't even look up. He just spoke slowly, his tone flat.
Emma wanted nothing more than to smash her bag over his head.
At this rate, when would she ever have time to go see the designer?
In the afternoon, after Emma finally finished reading and organizing all the documents, she refused to go back to Sunrise Manor with Liam.
"I have a dinner date with my former colleagues. Mr. President, surely you're not going to deny me this little bit of time?"
Liam went back to Sunrise Manor alone.
Emma's dinner date was with Ava Brown.
"Emma, why did you resign? You didn't even say goodbye. We all miss you so much."
Ava looked excited to see Emma. Then she launched into a long complaint about how unreliable the new editor was. Even though he had just returned from France, his skills were nowhere near Emma's.
Emma listened to her grumble, and finally got to the point.
Ava handed a folder of information to Emma.
"This is a rising star in the domestic fashion design scene over the past two years. I'd say she's the most talented one out there. If Milan Fashion House wants to hire her, she'd be thrilled."
"I hope so."
Emma flipped through the pages, page by page, and said to Ava.
As one of the top clothing brands in the country, Milan Fashion House was notoriously difficult to get into unless you were exceptionally skilled.
Emma returned to Sunrise Manor and began studying these fashion designers in depth.
When Liam came out of the bathroom, Emma felt that since he was the president of Pinnacle Corporation, he should be the one to choose the best designer. That way, they could just hire them directly.
"This one."
Liam barely glanced at the materials before pointing to one at random. Emma took another look. The designer had studied in Italy and won numerous awards in fashion design competitions. Although she was only twenty-six, she was a true genius.
Emma had thought Liam was just pointing randomly, but he had actually picked the best one. With that, Emma had her target, and she felt it could be done in just a few days.
"Sign a contract with her tomorrow. Then you're coming with me on a business trip the day after."
"Huh?"
Emma had no time to process this. She stared blankly at Liam.
Seeing her like this—so adorable and charming—Liam couldn't help but lean down, lift her chin, and press a hot kiss to her soft lips. He didn't let go until Emma was almost breathless from his kiss.
"Didn't you say you'd give me ten days? What if I can't sign the contract tomorrow?" Emma said, exasperated.
"No problem. As long as you mention the Milan Fashion House name, no designer will be unmoved."
Liam answered matter-of-factly.
"But don't forget, because of Jameson, Milan Fashion House's reputation has taken a serious hit."
Emma looked at him helplessly.
"Don't worry. That's only temporary. The reason Milan Fashion House has been famous in this country for so many years isn't something that Jameson's plagiarism scandal can bring down."
Although Emma was still worried, Liam's confidence gave her some reassurance. Thinking it over, she had to admit he had a point.
The next day, just as Liam had predicted. As soon as the Milan Fashion House name was mentioned, the young, talented designer readily agreed to sign the contract. It seemed the problem was far too simple for her.
On the third day, Emma packed her bags and went to Silverdale with Liam.
"Brother, sister-in-law, are you going on a trip abroad?"
At breakfast, seeing the servants carrying their luggage to the car, Amelia White asked curiously.
"Your brother and I are going on a business trip, not a vacation."
Emma explained to Amelia.
"Where are you going?"
"Silverdale."
"Silverdale? Lake Serenity there is really famous. I want to go too! Brother, sister-in-law, will you let me come along? I want to play."
Amelia looked at them expectantly. Emma had no way to answer her. After all, Liam had forbidden her from taking Amelia out. His doubts about her not taking good care of Amelia were obvious. So unless Liam agreed, she had no say in the matter.