"It wasn't like that at all. Back then, the young master was incredibly calm. The second young master, on the other hand, saw his brother covered in injuries and started crying. In the end, it was the young master who had to comfort him. Even when I was treating his wounds, I knew it must have been excruciating, but he just gritted his teeth and endured the entire procedure. At that moment, I thought to myself, he truly is a soldier's son. But only he could be so composed in the face of danger, especially at only eight years old. That's why I say you're the only one who has been able to bring out this different side of him over the years. Miss Emma, the young master truly cares about you."
Dr. Moore let out a sigh after recounting the story of Liam's childhood. Emma's heart was pounding in her chest.
How could that be?
Maybe it was just because Dr. Moore was seeing it for the first time. It didn't necessarily mean Liam had acted that way because of her.
Emma tried to deny it in her mind, but her heartbeat refused to slow down.
Even so, Emma didn't want to get swept up in her emotions. She had learned her lesson the hard way with Noah Taylor. Once a person let their feelings take over, they always ended up heartbroken in the end. That kind of lingering, gut-wrenching pain was something she had no confidence she could endure again.
Only by keeping others at arm's length could she protect herself. She wouldn't have to experience those midnight dreams, lying in bed crying until dawn in the dead of night.
Only then could she face divorcing Liam with a clear head.
After Dr. Moore left, Emilia Clark came to Sunrise Manor to see Emma. Emma was a bit surprised. She knew the people in the Executive Secretariat were incredibly busy every day. It was rare for Emilia to spare half an hour to chat in the tearoom. Especially since Emilia hadn't graduated from a prestigious university. She usually had to work twice as hard as everyone else just to keep the position she had fought for.
Emilia looked at her slightly surprised expression and couldn't help but laugh.
"I think the CEO was worried you'd be too bored at home, so he gave me permission to come keep you company instead of going to work."
Emma hadn't expected Liam to specifically arrange for Emilia to come home and stay with her. She felt a little embarrassed as she looked at Emilia.
"There's so much going on at the company. Won't coming here like this delay your work?"
"Don't worry, Emma. Since the CEO allowed me to come see you, he must have assigned my work to someone else for today. I should be thanking you. If it weren't for you, how could I get half a day off? They say I'm here to keep you company, but really, it's giving me a rare break."
Hearing Emilia say this, Emma felt a little relieved. Otherwise, if she had delayed Emilia's work, it would only add to her workload later. That would have made her feel guilty.
"Emma, you were in such danger yesterday. You have no idea. I went to the Grand Orchid Hotel too. I was terrified when I saw you unconscious. But luckily, you weren't hurt. Otherwise, I think the CEO would have been ready to kill someone."
Emilia recalled the situation from the day before and described it to Emma.
"I never thought I'd run into such a dangerous situation just by accompanying Isabella to the press conference. I'm glad it all worked out in the end, but I worried you again."
"As long as you're okay, Emma. By the way, have they identified the suspect yet? I know the CEO won't let the people who took you get away."
Emilia asked, a hint of barely perceptible eagerness in her voice as she looked at Emma.
"They've confirmed the appearance of the man who took me. But I haven't asked Liam about the information on that man yet, so I'm not entirely sure right now. I think they're still pursuing it."
As Emma's voice trailed off, a flicker of disappointment flashed in Emilia's eyes. But she quickly smiled again and started talking about other things with Emma.
Chatting with Emilia made the day pass by quickly. In the evening, Emma warmly invited Emilia to stay for dinner. After all, she had kept her company all day. Emilia hesitated for a moment before agreeing.
Liam came back soon. Seeing that Emma's complexion was much rosier than it had been in the morning, he couldn't help but feel relieved.
"CEO, have you caught the man who kidnapped Emma? It's too dangerous to let that person go unpunished."
Emilia barely dared to ask Liam.
Liam looked at Emilia in surprise. He figured she was Emma's friend, after all, so it was natural for her to worry. He nodded at her.
"Don't worry. The man has been arrested."
"Really? That's great."
Emilia was stunned for a moment, then immediately broke into a happy smile. She said some lucky words to Emma.
While Emma was in the kitchen arranging dinner, Emilia sat alone in the living room watching TV. She looked around. The servants were busy with their own tasks, and Liam was in his study dealing with some matters, not coming downstairs immediately. So she took out her phone and sent a text message to a number.
After a tense wait, a reply came quickly. Emilia quickly pulled out her phone to read the message. Her originally tense expression relaxed a little.
"Emilia, dinner's ready."
Emma came out of the kitchen and said to Emilia with a smile. Emilia put away her phone and looked up at Emma as if nothing had happened. She nodded with a smile.
"Okay, Emma. I'll be right there."
After dinner, the driver, Matthew Clark, drove Emilia home. Liam also picked up his car keys, planning to leave.
"What are you doing?"
Emma looked at the keys in Liam's hand and asked curiously. But as soon as she asked, she regretted it. It was only natural for Liam to go out if he had something to do. Her question seemed unnecessary. It made her sound like a nagging wife, trying to keep track of her husband's whereabouts.
"I'm going to the police station. Captain Reed has brought the suspect back. I'll go see if there are any new clues."
Liam was very patient, even though he was still hiding part of the truth from Emma.
"I see. Then come back early tonight."
Emma said it subconsciously. Liam smiled and reached out to gently tap the bridge of her nose.
"Don't worry. I'll come back early to keep you company."
That's not what I meant. Emma tried to explain, but Liam had already turned and walked away.