It wasn't until ten o'clock that evening that Liam Williams realized he had celebrated too soon. Emma Johnson hadn't contacted him as he'd anticipated, because he hadn't returned Charlie. Instead, there was complete silence.
Charlie had already been sent back to his room to sleep. After watching Liam come out of Charlie's room, Henry Williams had remained in the living room, already guessing most of what was happening. Seeing the impatience flickering in his son's eyes, he couldn't help but curl the corner of his mouth.
It seemed his son still had a long road ahead in winning back his wife.
Liam stayed in the living room until midnight. When Emma still hadn't called, he silently retreated to his room.
Just as he finished washing up and climbed into bed, the phone on his nightstand suddenly vibrated.
Liam grabbed it quickly, his heart racing with excitement.
A single glance sent a surge of joy through him—it was a text message from Emma.
But just as Liam's spirits soared, the message's content sent them crashing from the sky straight down to the depths.
"Send Charlie back first thing tomorrow morning, or you'll face the consequences."
Liam's carefully laid plans had completely failed. He had no choice but to set down his phone and lie back.
The next morning, Emma looked out the window and spotted Liam's Land Rover parked in the courtyard. She immediately headed downstairs.
Seeing Emma appear before him—that delicate, beautiful face he'd been missing for so long—Liam quickly opened the car door and stepped out.
But a small figure moved faster than Liam, darting past him and rushing straight into Emma's arms.
"Mommy, Charlie missed you so much."
Emma hadn't seen Charlie for two days, and she'd truly been worried sick. Although she hadn't said anything different from the old man at home, who'd talked about Charlie all day, she had been with him for five years. Suddenly being separated for two days was harder on her than anyone else.
"Mommy missed you too." Emma smiled, two small dimples slowly appearing on her cheeks. They were so sweet they could captivate anyone—just looking at her was like tasting a clear spring, refreshing and delightful.
Liam, who had come out behind Charlie, watched as Emma bent slightly to tap Charlie's little nose. Sunlight poured down just then, casting a bright golden halo around them, making the scene feel incredibly warm.
Just as Liam was enjoying the moment, feeling completely mesmerized, the gentle woman from a second ago lifted her head. The tenderness in her eyes instantly turned to cold indifference as she said harshly, "If you don't send Charlie back on time next time, the extra days will be deducted twice from next week's schedule."
Caught off guard by Emma's move, Liam was stunned for a moment before quickly responding.
"Brother, are you done yet? Isn't Father still waiting for us to go back to Sunrise Manor for dinner?" Just as Liam was about to speak, an elegant woman stepped out of the car. She was dressed in a light blue short cardigan dress, looking pure and charming. Her light pink lips were slightly pouted, making her seem both adorable and pitiful.
But this delicate, affected Amelia White couldn't stir any good feelings in Emma. Although she didn't know why Amelia had come along, seeing her appear made Emma's expression stiffen as she stared at her coldly.
Liam seemed displeased with Amelia's sudden interruption. He frowned slightly. "I know my own business well enough."
Amelia looked at Emma unhappily.
Her brother had been so worried that Emma would be angry that he hadn't even eaten breakfast before bringing Charlie over. To keep her brother from being alone with Emma, she had convinced Charlie to persuade their brother to come back with him.
Although she knew her brother would be angry at her sudden intrusion and interruption, he hadn't said anything about her so many times before. This time, Amelia wasn't too worried.
After all, the best way was to eliminate any connection between Emma and her brother.
Until the very last moment, no one knew who would be the winner.
Emma looked at Amelia disdainfully. Amelia clearly wanted to show off and keep an eye on her. But Emma truly didn't understand—she had been gone for five years, and there was no possibility between her and Liam. It wasn't worth Amelia's effort.
"That's it. I'll take Charlie home now." Emma said calmly.
"Emma."
Hearing her name called from behind, Emma turned her head to look, then immediately turned back.
It wasn't because she wanted to see Liam again—she had only glanced at him out of curiosity.
Liam stood still.
Seeing that Liam didn't speak, Emma had no patience left. After giving him a brief look, she turned and left decisively.
Liam hesitated for a moment, and finally, a thousand words condensed into the most useless one: "Emma, take good care of yourself and Charlie."
After all, before they returned to Sunrise Manor, there was nothing he could do on his own. Although Emma didn't have to listen to them or take them seriously, Liam still wanted to say it.
Amelia watched Liam, then looked at Emma from a distance. When Emma's figure disappeared around the corner, she finally withdrew her gaze, feeling a gnawing hatred.
It seemed she needed to speed things up. If she slowed down, it would be too late before Emma stepped through the doors of Sunrise Manor.
Back at Sunrise Manor, after Liam had breakfast with Henry and left, Amelia immediately excused herself, claiming she had things to do.
Meanwhile, Benjamin Williams, who had just arrived at the company, unexpectedly received a phone call.
Seeing that it was Amelia calling, even though he knew she must need his help, he was so excited that he couldn't help but show a strong smile on his face.
He hadn't heard from Amelia in a long time. In the years after Emma left, their contact had gradually dwindled. Before, Amelia would symbolically invite Benjamin out for walks or come to the company when she was free.
Later, even when Benjamin took the initiative to call, Amelia would always refuse with various excuses.
After so long, Benjamin had already become dejected. Seeing Amelia calling him now, his voice couldn't help but perk up. "Amelia, what's the matter?"
There was silence on the other end of the phone. After a long pause, the woman's shallow sobs came through.
"What's wrong, Amelia?" Hearing that Amelia wasn't happy, the joy in Benjamin's words immediately vanished, and his eyebrows furrowed slightly.
The news of Emma's return to the country had reached him two days ago. People from Sunrise Manor said that Emma had come back with a child and had been brought into the manor. She was very popular with Liam and Henry, and Liam still seemed determined to win her back.
It seemed Amelia's crying must have something to do with that woman. He couldn't let his beloved woman be bullied by others.
"Amelia, don't cry. Where are you? I'll come to you right away. Let's talk face to face."