Liam Williams turned back to glance at the curious Emma Johnson, a faint smile playing on his lips before he headed upstairs, making his way directly to his father's study in the south wing.
"Dad, I'm home." As Liam pushed open the door, he found Henry Williams seated at his desk, reading glasses perched low on his nose as he studied some documents.
"Come in and sit down. I need to talk to you." Henry's tone carried that familiar weight, the one that usually preceded a lecture.
Liam pulled out the chair and sat across from him. Before he could utter a word, Henry cut straight to the point. "I've seen the papers. To be honest, Liam, I'm not fond of this girl."
Liam had already anticipated this reaction from his father.
Believing every lie those tabloids printed? What was the point?
"Dad, that's not fair. She's a good person. You're really going to trust those fabricated stories in the newspaper?"
Henry paused, removed his glasses, and fixed his gaze on Liam. "Where there's smoke, there's fire. You've never brought a girlfriend home before. I'm worried you're being taken advantage of."
Liam was speechless.
That was his reasoning? Because he'd never dated anyone, Emma was suddenly a con artist?
Just because this was his first serious relationship, his father doubted his judgment?
A flicker of frustration crossed Liam's face, but he remained seated, enduring his father's nagging. "With the influence and reputation of the Williams family, you could find a girl from a background that matches ours. Don't you think?"
"Dad, regardless of her background, shouldn't you at least meet her before passing judgment?"
Henry wasn't entirely unreasonable. It wasn't too late to have this conversation after he'd actually met the girl.
Despite his own lingering doubts about Emma's past, Liam knew her character better than anyone.
Even with all the negative press, he chose to protect her, to believe in her.
Seeing Liam's unwavering stance, Henry found it difficult to press the issue further and fell silent.
Downstairs in the living room.
Emma sat upright on the sofa, her posture rigid. The butler, Oliver White, had placed a cup of hot tea before her and then quietly withdrawn.
At this moment, she felt utterly alone in the vast living room. Occasionally, a servant would hurry past, casting a quick glance her way before lowering their head and disappearing.
No one spoke to her.
Emma gently reached for the teacup, taking a small sip. As she set the cup down, she heard footsteps on the stairs. She assumed it was Liam coming down.
But when she looked up, she saw a different man descending.
He was impeccably dressed, his gaze landing on Emma. For a moment, he seemed startled, as if lost in thought. Then, a wicked grin spread across his face. "So, you're my mysterious sister-in-law?"
Emma rose slowly as he approached.
She recognized him immediately. It was Benjamin Williams.
Everyone in the city knew this notorious playboy. His scandals dominated the headlines on a regular basis.
As he drew closer, Emma nervously touched the corner of her collar. "Hello, I'm Emma Johnson."
"Well, after reading the papers these past two days, I doubt there's anyone who doesn't know you. But all those reporters are busy chasing your story now, so I finally don't have to worry about being on the front page. I heard my brother went to great lengths for you?" Benjamin's smile was sly, his tone dripping with amusement. "Hmm... not bad. Delicate features. So this is the type my brother likes?"
Emma was at a loss for words.
Delicate?
Why did that word sound so strange coming from Benjamin's mouth?
She parted her lips, unsure how to respond, and could only stand there awkwardly.
Benjamin shoved his hands into his pockets, tilting his head slightly as he leaned in, studying her with a mix of mischief and curiosity.
Emma felt uncomfortable under his scrutiny. She subtly stepped back, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. Looking up at him, she realized how much the two brothers resembled each other.
They were both devastatingly handsome.
Their eyes and facial features were almost identical.
The only difference was that while Liam appeared carefree, his every action exuded a calm authority and an undeniable presence.
Benjamin, on the other hand, spoke in riddles, his words hiding a sharp edge. He seemed to see right through her, his frivolous demeanor earning him his notorious reputation across the city.
The distance between them was closing. Benjamin took another step forward, and Emma had no choice but to step back again.
"Sister-in-law, welcome to the Williams family. If you ever need anything, just ask me."
Emma was about to respond when she looked up and saw Liam and Henry descending the stairs. "Don't be rude. She's your sister-in-law."
Liam's face darkened at the scene before him.
"Brother, I was just greeting her. I wasn't trying to bully her..." Benjamin turned around, a sly smirk curling at the corner of his mouth.
"You're always messing around. It's been a while since I taught you a lesson." Liam's voice carried a sharp edge, his deep, dark eyes daring Benjamin to continue his antics.
Emma saw Henry and quickly walked over to him, bowing deeply. "Hello, Uncle."
Liam frowned, lowering his voice. "Uncle? At a time like this?"
What?
Not uncle?
So... should she call him Dad?
Embarrassment flooded Emma's face. She froze for a few seconds before correcting herself. "Hello, Dad. My name is Emma Johnson."
Henry looked at her and let out a curt snort.
Then, with an air of arrogance, he walked past her, his cane tapping against the floor. "Oliver, gather everyone. Let's eat."
With Liam's help, he made his way to the dining table. Benjamin made a polite, almost mocking, gesture toward Emma.
She nodded and followed them in.
Henry took his seat at the head of the table, with Liam and Benjamin on his left and right. Emma sat beside Liam.
A line of servants stood behind them, watching as they began to eat.
Seeing this formal setup only made Emma more nervous.
Henry hadn't said a single word to her. Was he displeased with her?
She sighed inwardly. They always said life in a wealthy family wasn't for ordinary people. She was beginning to understand why. The rigid rules and etiquette made her feel completely out of place.