Henry Williams had originally planned to discuss with Emma Johnson whether Charlie could come home for three days. But when he saw Emma leave, he had to abandon the idea. He could only console himself that whenever he wanted to see Charlie in the future, he would just go home and look for him.
Surely, Emma and her parents could understand how much he missed the boy.
When Emma arrived at the party, she ran into two people she least wanted to see. Both of them were there at the same time. It wasn't surprising, though—Amelia White always stuck to Liam Williams like glue.
"Emma." Liam looked up in surprise when he saw her approaching. His voice was soft.
He had sent her the dress, but he hadn't really expected her to wear it.
Emma felt his gaze sweep over her body. She wanted to explain that she hadn't meant to wear it—there had been a small accident when she left the house. But when she met his eyes, the words died in her throat.
What did it matter anyway?
She had to remember her mission tonight: to get through this smoothly, to accept that things between them could only be normal from now on.
Her face expressionless, Emma glanced at Liam and walked past him.
Given their current situation, not treating him with complete indifference was the best she could manage.
"Emma, can we talk?" Liam called out just as she was about to walk away.
She paused and turned back. Her voice was soft, almost like a whisper. "What is there to say between us?"
Liam was stunned. He had so much to say to her, but when she asked, he couldn't find the words.
"Emma, maybe we could start as friends." It was the only solution he had come up with after thinking for so long.
After all, they had gone from meeting to marriage in just one day. It had all been too rushed. If they wanted a fresh start, maybe they had to do it like normal people—from friends to lovers. And when their feelings were as strong as before, he would give her a grand wedding.
A new beginning for both of them.
But Emma cut him off without hesitation.
"Liam, you need to understand something. I gave up completely the day I decided to leave. I have no intention of starting anything new with you. So stop being sentimental and don't do those meaningless things anymore."
Her words were a clear reference to the umbrella and the dress he had sent her.
She might not be as wealthy as the Williams family, but she had built a good life for herself through her own hard work. She didn't need him to do these pointless things for her.
"Emma, don't go too far." Amelia had been standing quietly beside Liam, pretending to be well-behaved. But hearing Emma trample all over her brother's feelings was too much.
For her and countless other women, Liam's devotion was something they could only dream of. Yet Emma treated it like worthless trash. That infuriated her.
"Amelia, don't say another word." Liam's voice was low and sharp.
"Brother..." Amelia felt a pang of grievance. "This woman isn't worth all this."
Emma let out a cold laugh. "You're right, Liam. There are plenty of women who want to be with you. Why are you so stubborn? Is it just because I gave birth to your child?"
Amelia froze when she heard that.
She knew Emma was talking about her, but she didn't know how to respond.
"Emma, about what happened back then..."
"Save your excuses." Emma looked at him with disdain.
"I'm not making excuses. I was wrong at first, but later... I was sincere with you." Liam's gaze was earnest.
Emma's eyes lingered on him for a moment, then she looked away. "So what? It's already over."
"What are you all talking about? Sounds lively." A voice suddenly cut in, and Emma's face darkened.
Why was Isabella Miller here?
Without a word, Emma turned and walked away. Mia Lewis, who had been silent until now, followed her.
Isabella's eyes followed Emma, but her thoughts were far from simple. Fortunately, she had found a way to get here when she learned that both Emma and Liam would be attending. If they spent too much time together, they might get back together.
Given how things stood between her and Emma now, her situation was already precarious.
The last time she had gone back to the company to complain, Christopher Martin had happened to pass by and given her a harsh warning. That was when she learned that Liam wanted to remarry Emma.
She couldn't let that happen.
Olivia Davis was busy accompanying Ethan Davis. Emma and Mia stayed off to the side, chatting casually.
Emma felt the banquet was dragging on forever. Looking at the crowd of elegantly dressed people, she only felt bored.
"What's wrong?" Mia answered her phone, and her brow furrowed slightly.
"Okay, I'll be right there."
"What happened?" Emma watched Mia put her phone back in her bag, ready to leave.
"There's some trouble at the shop. I need to go check it out."
"I'll come with you."
"No, you stay here. If we both leave, it'll be rude. You can help me explain to Olivia." With that, Mia hurried off.
Emma didn't know how much time passed before the party finally ended. She went to find Olivia, said goodbye to Ethan Davis, and left.
She was one of the first to leave, so there were hardly any other guests outside.
Just as Emma was about to drive off, she noticed her tires were flat. She had no choice but to walk to the bus stop a kilometer away.
"Olivia, my car is parked outside the villa and won't start. I'll call someone to fix it later. You go ahead and drive back." She sent a quick text to Olivia.
As Emma walked toward the bus stop, a group of thugs suddenly appeared in front of her.
She quickened her pace, hoping to pass them quickly. But as she walked by, one of them grabbed her arm.