She had spent a full day and night preparing herself, yet when the moment finally arrived, a flicker of nervousness still crept in.
Even though she had crossed paths with Liam Williams several times before, this was the real turning point. After today, she would no longer need to avoid him. They would simply be strangers.
But because of Charlie's matters, she would inevitably have frequent contact with him. She had to learn to interact with him without stirring any waves.
"Charlie, Mommy's leaving." The banquet was scheduled to officially start at 10 a.m., but Emma Johnson wasn't in a hurry. She didn't leave home until almost 8:30.
Charlie had just woken up. Seeing Emma's simple dress, he asked with confusion, "Mommy, Daddy sent so many beautiful dresses yesterday. Don't you like them?"
Among all those gorgeous gowns, Emma had chosen the one she bought herself—plain, uninspiring, a dress even she didn't particularly like.
But she didn't need to be dazzling at the party. She didn't need to bother dressing up.
Besides, she didn't want to owe another favor. She had accepted the dresses, but she would never wear them.
Emma didn't explain much. She bent down, pressed a kiss to Charlie's forehead, and left the house.
But the decision she had made earlier—she regretted it before she even walked out of the neighborhood.
Yesterday's heavy rain had left the roads in the residential area full of potholes. As Emma walked along the roadside, a car sped past, splashing muddy water all over her.
Seeing her dress ruined like this, Emma frowned and had to go back home first.
"Mommy, what happened to you?" Charlie asked suspiciously. Sophia Johnson, who had just come out of the kitchen, also looked at Emma with doubt.
"Some car in the neighborhood splashed me," Emma explained briefly, feeling dejected. She went back to her room and stared at the pile of dresses, lost in thought.
She had finally made up her mind to formally learn how to get along with Liam. How could she let a dress frustrate her? But it was too late to buy a new one. The mall wouldn't open until 9 a.m., and Ethan Davis's banquet started at 10 a.m. His private mansion was in the suburbs. Even without traffic, it would take nearly an hour to get there.
Anyway, she had to try to get along with him. She might as well just wear it.
Emma didn't have time to overthink. After making her decision, she put on the dress.
"Wow! Mommy, you're so beautiful!" Charlie exclaimed excitedly when he saw Emma come out of the room.
Emma glanced at him. "That acting is a bit over the top. If you want to say something nice to your father, you don't have to do that."
Seeing himself so easily exposed by Emma, Charlie's little face drooped slightly, and he stuck out his tongue. "What's wrong with that..."
Emma smiled and shook her head. "Be good and listen to your grandparents at home. I'll be back soon."
"I know, Mommy! I'll be good!" Charlie pursed his lips and laughed, his face bright as a flower.
This time, Emma was very careful. Once she got out of the neighborhood, she quickly got into her car and drove straight to Ethan Davis's private mansion.
By the time Emma arrived, many people had already gathered. Olivia Davis was waiting for her early.
"With so many people here, I thought you wouldn't come," Olivia said as she approached.
"Why? I said I was coming, so of course I'm coming." Emma smiled and followed her inside.
"You look great today. It seems those years studying fashion abroad really paid off. Your taste is getting better and better." Olivia meant to compliment Emma, and she was telling the truth. But she didn't expect her words to make Emma's face instantly darken.
"What's wrong? Did I say something wrong?" Olivia looked at Emma's reaction, confused. How could a compliment like that be wrong?
Olivia took a closer look at Emma's dress. Although the style was simple, the cut was perfect. The pearly fabric, with some pearls inlaid at the waist and hem, brought out her entire temperament.
It was flawless. It looked perfect on Emma.
She didn't know what else Emma could be dissatisfied with.
Emma didn't say anything more. After recovering her previous expression, she walked inside.
Olivia, acting as a half-host, gave Emma a brief introduction after leading her in. Then she took the opportunity to leave and went back to the entrance to greet Ethan Davis.
In fact, Ethan had asked Olivia to introduce him to his relatives and friends.
Standing together, they looked like a perfect match—a talented woman and a handsome man.
Emma wandered around without much interest in eating. She picked up a glass of red wine from the table, swirled it, took a sip, and savored it.
"Emma."
Henry Williams's voice suddenly came from behind. Emma turned around hurriedly. It was him.
"Hello, Uncle." For a moment, Emma didn't know what to call Henry. After all, she had rarely seen him since her divorce.
Henry had come early in the morning, hoping to see Charlie as soon as possible. After spotting Emma, his eyes scanned the area around her.
Emma understood his intention. Without waiting for him to speak, she explained, "Charlie didn't come."
Henry remained calm on the surface, but the disappointment in his eyes revealed his feelings.
He had come to see Charlie, only to find he had rushed here for nothing.
Earlier, the elders of the family had also asked Emma why she didn't bring Charlie with her.
Emma really didn't want Charlie to come to such an occasion. Even she didn't like it, so she certainly didn't want Charlie to be here.
Besides, Charlie was still young. It really wasn't suitable for him.
Emma smiled politely, with a hint of apology. "Charlie will be going to Windsor Manor soon. Don't worry, Uncle."
Emma wasn't used to calling him "Uncle," but since she and his son had been divorced for so many years, it was only right to address him that way. He couldn't say anything and could only silently accept it.
In the corner of her eye, Emma spotted Mia Lewis standing alone. She was ready to leave. "Uncle, I have something to attend to. I'll take my leave now. Feel free to look around."
With that, Emma nodded, smiled, and walked away.