"Alright, go ahead and let everyone know that overtime is officially over for today. Once it's done, take all the employees who stayed late out for a late-night meal. Their pay will be doubled for the extra hours. It's been a tough day." Liam Williams had always been clear about rewards and punishments, which was exactly why his employees held him in such high regard.
"And you? You're not going to eat?" Christopher Martin glanced at the empty takeout boxes in the trash can. Wasn't that enough for him?
"I'll figure something out when I get home. You handle it."
With that, Liam stood up, slipped on his coat, and walked over to the sofa. He frowned slightly as he removed the jacket he had just put on, using it to cover Emma Johnson instead.
He gently lifted Emma into his arms, careful not to wake her as he headed downstairs. Even his footsteps became cautious, as if the slightest sound might disturb her.
Christopher quickly moved to the elevator, pressing the button to open the doors. "Sir, please get some rest early," he said politely.
Christopher had been with Liam for a long time. He knew his boss's temperament and character inside and out. He used to believe that Liam's arrogance and indifference were simply part of who he was—something that would never change in a lifetime. But ever since Emma Johnson came into the picture, Christopher had witnessed a side of Liam he never thought existed: genuine care, tenderness, and a heart that couldn't be faked.
It was only when you truly met the right person that you became so completely devoted to her. Maybe Liam himself hadn't even noticed these subtle changes.
It seemed that this time, his boss was serious.
Windsor Manor.
It was late into the night when Liam carried Emma through the front door. All the servants were taken aback, especially Oliver White, the butler. Just a few days ago, he had seen the couple locked in a major conflict. And now the young master had brought her home?
Henry Williams came down from upstairs and glanced at Liam, a strange look in his eyes. "Back so late?"
"Yeah, I was working overtime today. Dad, you're still up?" Liam kept his voice low, afraid he might wake her.
"Come to my study later. I have something to discuss with you."
"Of course, Dad."
Liam didn't say it out loud, but he could already guess what the old man wanted to talk about.
Regardless, Henry Williams knew everything that happened. The butler and the driver reported their daily activities to him without fail.
"Dad, let's talk after I put her down." After gently placing Emma on the bed, Liam made his way to his father's study.
"Not yet? I hear from the butler that you two just got married and are already having conflicts?" Henry was most concerned about his son. He didn't want to bring these things up, but he had noticed that ever since Emma came into the Williams household, she hadn't been taking proper care of Liam. And now, with his son injured, things weren't getting any better.
What kind of behavior was this?
Henry didn't necessarily object to them being together, but Emma should at least fulfill her duties. After everything that had happened, it wasn't his son who should be getting hurt.
"It's fine, Dad. My hand is almost healed. There's no major conflict between Weiwei and me. Just a little disagreement."
Liam looked down at his right hand. The wound had basically healed. His recovery ability was strong now.
As long as the bone wasn't damaged, the other problems were minor.
"I called you here to talk about three things. First, I'll tell you my stance. I have no objection to whatever woman you choose. I trust your judgment. I just hope she takes good care of you and handles things properly, so as not to damage the reputation of our Williams family. Second, I heard the preparations for the Milan Fashion House press conference are almost complete. The company's affairs will be handed over to you. I'm not worried about that, so I won't interfere. You make your own decisions. Third, you should pay more attention to your brother. The butler says he's been locked in his study these past few days. It seems like he's planning something. Help him out as much as you can..." Henry took a sip of the hot water on the table and looked up at Liam.
These three things were exactly what Liam cared about most. He hadn't expected to be on the same page as the old man.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll handle the company and my brother's affairs. But I need you to meet Weiwei's parents in a few days. We're planning a wedding, and we still need to discuss these things. Don't you think so, Dad?"
After all, he had been with Emma for so long, and the two families still hadn't met. It seemed inappropriate to just go ahead and hold a wedding without that.
"You can arrange it. I'll be there for sure. You've grown your own wings, but you can't keep everything from me, can you? I was the last to know about something as big as your marriage. I used to see you handling things in an orderly manner. Why couldn't you wait a minute?"
He was still unhappy about Liam getting the marriage certificate without telling him.
After all, he was the president of Pinnacle Corporation. Could marriage be treated as such a joke?
He knew that every move he made, every direction the media focused on, would directly affect the reputation and status of the company.
Henry had worked hard in the business world for most of his life. What he valued most was his reputation. Money meant nothing in his eyes. Of course, that was also the main reason he had achieved what he had today.
"Dad, I had my reasons for getting married. Haven't you gotten to know Weiwei's character after spending so many days together?" A faint smile spread across Liam's face as he said this.
He was sure of it. Although Emma was a bit scatterbrained and often caused trouble, her heart was in the right place. She had no hidden agenda. Her beautiful eyes were the clearest and purest Liam had ever seen, without a trace of impurity.
But, when he thought about it, she had spent very little time with the old man.
It was only natural for Henry to have doubts.
It would probably be fine after a while.
Liam thought this as he looked at his father's solemn face and continued, "Her parents are also very good people—simple and kind. They've been very good to me, Dad. Are you worried?"
"I won't know until I see them... Alright, you've been tired all day. I've said what I needed to say. Go get some rest."
Henry had always thought his son was cold-blooded, rarely paying attention to family matters. But who would have thought that his mind was actually very delicate, completely different from the Liam he used to know.
Early the next morning, Emma was woken up by hunger. She got up lazily and noticed that Liam was no longer in sight. He was probably downstairs by now.
But she had been in Liam's office last night. How did she end up at home when she opened her eyes?
Emma scratched her head. Knowing Liam's temper, he should have left her in the office for the night. How could this have happened?
Oh well, at least she was home. She decided not to think about it anymore.