Liam didn't bother with a robe. He had nothing but a towel wrapped around his waist, showcasing a lean, model-like physique. The sight of his toned body was enough to make anyone's heart race. Emma instinctively turned her head away, trying to calm her fluttering pulse.
"What's wrong with her?"
Liam casually dried his hair and asked Emma.
"Nothing. I just wanted to talk to you."
Emma was sitting at the vanity, applying her serum, when she answered him. Suddenly, a shadow loomed over her. Before she could react, Liam had wrapped his arms around her from behind, resting his chin on her shoulder. They both stared at their reflection in the mirror.
"Then there's no need to go back. I have something more important to do right now."
"What are you going to—ah, put me down, Liam!"
Liam scooped her up without warning. Emma gasped and instinctively grabbed his arm to keep from falling. Moments later, he laid her down on the bed and leaned over her.
"Liam, I need to talk to you about Amelia. She's your sister, after all. You should at least call and check on her."
Emma pressed her hand against his chest, frowning at him.
A charming smile spread across his face. He raised a slender finger and placed it gently on her lips.
"You can call her anytime. But there are some things that can't wait any longer."
The truth was, he hadn't touched her in days. He'd held back because he was worried about her health. But he wasn't a saint. Now that he was sure she was fine, there was no way he could keep his distance.
For Liam, if he could have the real thing, he'd never settle for less. Ever since his relationship with Emma had taken off, this had become his golden rule.
Emma tried to argue, but her words were swallowed by his lingering kiss. Before long, she was completely swept away, surrendering to him completely.
A nurse with blonde hair and blue eyes stood outside a room in a Swiss restorative clinic. She listened to the sound of various objects crashing to the floor inside and decided not to enter with the medication just yet. She figured the delicate Oriental girl was throwing another tantrum. If it weren't for the fact that the girl paid double for every item she broke, the director would have already called her family to complain.
Only when the noise inside finally died down did the nurse, sure that the patient had calmed down, enter with the tray of medicine.
"Miss White, it's time for your medication."
The nurse spoke in English to Amelia, who was sitting by the bed. The floor was a mess, covered in broken glass and scattered items, making it nearly impossible to walk.
"Leave it there and get out."
Amelia's voice was cold, her chest still heaving slightly. The nurse didn't argue. She set the medicine down and, after finishing her task, quickly left the room. She had no intention of being the target of this unruly young lady's anger for no reason.
Amelia picked up all the white pills and dropped them into a glass of water beside her. She watched them slowly dissolve until the water turned cloudy. Then, she picked up the glass and slowly poured the liquid onto the floor.
Why would she ever take those pills?
Amelia thought bitterly. She knew that no matter how much she took, it wouldn't do any good.
Her eyes darkened as she thought about the phone call she'd received.
Luckily, it was less than a month away. She could go home soon. Then, she'd be able to see her brother every day.
Amelia stood up, ignoring the mess on the floor. She walked over to a full-length mirror and studied her face. A flicker of disappointment crossed her features. She still wasn't thin enough. That wasn't good. She needed to look more haggard.
The woman in the mirror, beautiful as an angel, suddenly curved her lips into a strange smile, her eyes unreadable.
The next morning, Emma and Liam flew to Silverdale. This time, they didn't stay in a hotel. Because of the project in Silverdale, Liam had bought a villa there. The renovation had been completed quickly, so they moved in directly.
Emma looked at the villa in front of her. It wasn't as grand as Windsor Manor, but it was still luxurious and spacious. She couldn't help but marvel at the power of money.
They say money can't buy everything, but it's impossible to live without it. Emma remembered what Olivia had once told her: Liam's wealth was enough to buy a small country. It wasn't an exaggeration; it was the truth. No wonder her marriage to Liam had attracted so much jealousy.
Sometimes, Emma even wondered if the dangerous incidents she'd encountered were the work of some woman who was jealous of her and deeply in love with Liam. But Liam had probably guessed who it was. He just didn't want her to know, so he chose to keep it from her. In the end, they hadn't pursued the matter. She really doubted that, with Liam's abilities, he couldn't find the mastermind behind it all. So, even though she had her suspicions, Emma felt that her guess might be right.
That was why she hadn't insisted that Liam find out who was behind it all.
She just didn't want to face the truth. It was like a thin piece of paper that no one wanted to tear. That was the least hurtful way to handle things.
After all, she was still safe now, so some things could only be left as they were.
"Get some rest first. Later, we'll go to Uncle Theo's restaurant for dinner."
Liam noticed the tiredness in Emma's eyes, and his voice unconsciously carried a note of concern.
It was just past ten in the morning. So it wouldn't be too late to go to dinner after Emma woke up.
"Okay. I've been craving the food at their restaurant."
Emma hadn't slept well the night before, because Liam had been a bit too rough with her. In the morning, they had to catch a flight, so she couldn't sleep in. She was still sleepy. She went upstairs, found her bedroom, and collapsed onto the bed.
Meanwhile, Liam called Christopher, who was staying at the hotel, and asked him to arrange the time for tomorrow's meeting. Today, he was going to spend the day with Emma.
He didn't go upstairs until he had given all the orders. He looked at the sleeping woman on the bed, and a thin, cool smile of affection tugged at the corners of his lips.
Then, remembering the phone call Emma had mentioned last night, he thought it had been a while since he'd called Amelia. So, he went downstairs and dialed her number.