Chapter 121

Bob looked at her. Then, he said, "Okay." He carried pitons in his backpack. As he descended, Bob reinforced the rock points and slabs Emma would use. Each time Bob secured a point, Emma stepped onto it. One by one, she followed him down slowly. Bob, aware of her limited stamina, mentally plotted the shortest, safest route, minimizing the risk of accident.

Someone observed their collaboration, exclaiming, "Bob is incredible! I was exhausted after climbing just two points! He's reinforcing them while climbing!" Another added, "Didn't you see Emma? That woman is terrifyingly strong!"

Indeed, Emma's strength was intimidating. She descended sixty-five feet without safety measures, a feat that would terrify most. Yet, she moved freely along the rock face, her bare hands her only support. Her face was pale, sweat beaded on her forehead, but her expression remained resolutely determined. She had entrusted her life to Bob; a failure of his reinforcements would send her plummeting to her death.

Fortunately, Bob didn't fail her. Every rock slab and piton held firm until the last. Emma stepped onto each one, and they reached the ground safely. The teachers and students, drenched in cold sweat, only breathed easy upon seeing them unharmed.

Lane rushed forward, hugging Emma. "I was so scared! Emma, I'm glad you're okay!" Emma, exhausted from the mental strain and physical exertion, breathed unevenly, but thankfully, uninjured. After resting, she gradually recovered.

Bob's friends approached to check on him. Emma looked up, meeting his gaze. Two seconds later, he smiled. She returned the smile. "Thank you."

Bob replied, "I should thank you for your faith in me." She could have used his safety rope, ensuring her safety, but she chose to descend with him, step by step. His admiration for her had deepened into a powerful, indescribable emotion, stirring his usually cold heart.

That evening, Liam arrived at the summer camp to find Emma ravenously eating in the canteen. His striking appearance immediately drew attention. "Look, he's so handsome!" one student exclaimed. Another asked, "Is he a new teacher?" "No way!" a third student said, patting the other's head. "That's Liam Hall of the Halls Group! Our camp couldn't afford him as a teacher!"

Emma and Liam had agreed he wouldn't interfere, but the gravity of the situation, involving her safety, compelled him to come. As she saw him, Emma exclaimed, "Hus, darling, you're here!"

She rose to greet him, but he gently pushed her back down, ignoring the activity around them. He wiped the corner of her mouth. "Slow down. Don't choke." His gentle tone soothed her. The day's dangers seemed to recede as she felt the weight lift from her. She smiled brightly. "Want to try our canteen food? It's good."

Liam, deeply worried, was astonished by her nonchalance. His love for her deepened. "Call them all in," he said. Levi promptly brought in a group of people.

Emma looked up at the assembled individuals—heads bowed—the water polo coach who'd favored the female athletes, the teacher who'd sided with Abby, and the rock climbing coach. Leroy, the camp director, was also present.

Emma murmured, "This is…"

Liam's expression was serious. "I've been monitoring the situation. Before Mr. Quinn and all the students, I want explanations."

Leroy said softly, "Emma, you're a remarkable talent. The camp will take full responsibility for what happened."

Though the canteen was relatively quiet, nearby students overheard their conversation.

"I confess," the camp teacher began. "I'm Abby's aunt. Her parents asked me to look after her, but I never intended anything malicious. Investigate me; I'm innocent." Emma realized this explained the teacher's hasty expulsion attempt.

Leroy's face hardened. He turned to the water polo referee. "And you?"

"I favored Emma's opponent in the first match," the referee admitted. His bias was understandable, but he insisted, "But I had nothing to do with today's climbing incident."

Both admitted self-interest but denied involvement in the sabotage. Only the rock climbing coach remained. Leroy's expression grew ever more serious; this was unprecedented in his years running the camp. The referee and teacher's actions had severely damaged the camp's reputation, embarrassing him before Liam. He stared coldly at the rock climbing coach. "So the safety rope failure was your doing?"

The coach was stunned. "Me? Impossible!"

Leroy pressed, "You were solely responsible for this year's competition, including the pre-competition inspection. Dare you deny involvement in today's accident?"