Emma had barely stepped out when she found herself walking alongside someone.
"What's going on here?"
The site supervisor glanced at Emma Johnson as she approached. Some trouble had erupted, and unfortunately, the boss's wife had shown up in person. This was no place for a woman. Perhaps the boss was tied up with something else?
That must be why his wife had come down herself.
"These people are the village relatives of one of our workers. They claim he fell ill, but we fired him without paying. They say it's outrageous, so they came to cause a scene."
The supervisor explained the situation to Emma.
"Is that what really happened?"
Emma fixed her gaze on the supervisor.
"Not exactly. The worker they're talking about is named Li. He showed up about ten days ago. But he never actually worked. He always made excuses to avoid labor. He'd often claim he was sick, lie around, and not get up until noon. We couldn't use someone like that. A construction site isn't a charity for lazy people. Why should everyone else carry his weight? So I gave him half a month's pay and sent him packing. I didn't expect him to leave just yesterday, and today a whole mob shows up. They're just being unreasonable."
The supervisor sounded both angry and helpless.
Emma pieced together what had happened. It was a bunch of thugs trying to squeeze out more money. While paying an extra month's salary wouldn't break the bank, it would only encourage their arrogance. There was no way they could give in.
"I've already called the police. If you don't leave immediately, you can go plead your case at the station."
Emma's face hardened as she spoke bluntly to the people across from her.
"Oh, you dare call the cops? You must have a death wish."
One of the men, gripping an iron rod, raised it and glared at Emma with malicious intent.
Emma wasn't scared deep down. People like that were beyond reason. But she couldn't show weakness, or this kind of thing would never end. Still, she couldn't help feeling a bit anxious. Why hadn't the police arrived yet?
Suddenly, someone shoved her from behind. The push was strong, and she stumbled forward uncontrollably, moving closer to the man with the iron bar.
"What, you want to fight me? Don't think I won't hit you just because you're a woman. If you don't hand over the money, I'll beat anyone who gets in my way."
The man raised the iron bar to strike Emma. Behind her, Emilia Clark let out a terrified scream. Emma stared at the bar, as thick as her arm, and instinctively closed her eyes.
A scream. A thud. The heavy clang of the iron bar hitting the ground.
The expected blow never landed. Emma opened her eyes and saw a figure standing in front of her. For a moment, he looked familiar, but she didn't recognize him immediately.
"Ah, that hurts! Let go, let go!"
The man who had been so arrogant a moment ago now had his right wrist twisted painfully. He was shoved aside roughly and caught by his companions behind him.
"Attacking a woman? You're no man at all."
Hearing the voice, the man slowly turned around. Emma finally recognized him.
How did he show up here?
Grateful but also puzzled, a flicker of doubt crossed Emma's eyes.
At an upscale restaurant, Liam Williams sat on a plush sofa, listening to the man across from him discuss the cooperation plan. The more he listened, the more he felt this project wasn't worth pursuing. He excused himself to the restroom midway, signaling Christopher Martin to continue listening.
Christopher was still in the probationary stage. After all, the boss hadn't fully forgiven him for what happened in Silverdale. So he naturally played along. But he could tell the boss had lost interest in this project and regretted coming to meet this person.
When Liam came out of the restroom, Kennedy Taylor stood in the hallway, wearing a sexy black dress with long, wavy hair. One look told him she was waiting for him.
"What is it?"
Liam knew exactly why Kennedy was there. She had something to say.
"Mr. Williams, don't you think today's partner is a bit disappointing?"
Kennedy smiled at Liam, her words laced with meaning.
Liam looked at her coldly.
"What are you trying to say?"
"He talked your ear off for so long, but at least half of it was nonsense. Why would he do that? Maybe you don't know, but your wife should be at your company's project site in Ridgefield District right now."
Kennedy mentioned two completely unrelated things, but Liam saw the connection. He ignored her, walked past, and pulled out his phone to call the company's executive secretariat.
After hearing what the secretary told him, he confirmed it matched Kennedy's words. He realized he had been set up.
"Mr. Williams, consider this my atonement. I hope we can work together again in the future."
Kennedy called out behind him, a hint of hope in her voice.
"Atonement for what?"
Liam turned around sharply, his gaze piercing.
"You're only looking out for yourself. Becoming the next heir of Oasis Holdings isn't that easy. What I hate most is being used. If anything happens to Emma, don't think you'll get off lightly."
Liam's angry words made Kennedy's face pale. She stood frozen, watching the man disappear down the hallway. A bitter, self-mocking smile curled at the corner of her mouth.
Why did a man with such a cold heart leave all his tenderness to that woman?
She really couldn't accept it.
"Why are you here?"
At the construction site, Emma looked at Daniel Taylor in front of her, utterly surprised.
"I happened to be working nearby and saw your car. What a coincidence. I wanted to see why you'd come to a place like this. I didn't expect you to be so brave, not afraid of getting beaten up."
Daniel's tone was teasing as he smiled at Emma. Emma was speechless. But now, she felt a chill of fear. With so many people, she couldn't fight any of them. This wasn't bravery—it was foolishness.