Chapter 146

Emma couldn't wait. Having been unable to spend time with her family for the past two lives, she cherished every moment with her uncles. Liam took her to Icovine Estate's underground warehouse. "While you were at the research institute, I had someone store all your belongings here. It's untouched, waiting for you to examine."

"Love you!" Emma tiptoed and kissed Liam's chin. She noticed his expression visibly brighten.

Icovine Estate's underground warehouse was vast, lavishly decorated, and even more grandiose than most mansion residences. In the center, numerous boxes of varying sizes sat on the ground, all shrouded in black cloth, their contents a mystery.

Emma lifted the cloths one by one, revealing black leather suitcases. Opening one, she gasped. "It's the latest mecha device in the world!" she exclaimed, "Oh my god, that's amazing!" Emma had previously learned that Richard was a high-ranking army officer.

In other boxes, she found modified civilian drones and an array of self-defense equipment custom-made for her height and weight, each crafted with the newest materials and cutting-edge technology. Each item was priceless; only Richard could have sent such gifts.

Excitedly, Emma opened a postcard from Richard:

[Emma, I'm Uncle Richard. I heard you like wrestling, so I prepared some gifts for you. I hope you like them. We'll meet soon. I look forward to it!] Below was his signature.

When Emma saw "Richard Rivera," her heart inexplicably soared. She knew Richard was a great hero. Thrilled to receive a gift from him, she longed to see him and tell him she aspired to be a hero, too.

Liam cared for Emma in the morning, returning to work in the afternoon after lunch. After examining her gifts, Emma freshened up, changed clothes, and prepared to go out. Lane's grandfather, Harry, needed a hospital checkup that day, and Emma, Lane, and Ida planned to visit him.

When they arrived, the doctor reviewed Harry's vital signs; his recovery from surgery was excellent, and his cancer was under control. Lane showed Emma the report.

Emma nodded. "Good, his condition is quite stable. You can relax and stop worrying."

"Emma, thank you!" Lane said emotionally.

Emma patted her shoulder. Ida, also present, offered Harry flowers. "Emma, you're truly amazing," she said playfully. "We grew up together, eating the same food. How are you so outstanding?"

Emma, treating Ida like a younger sister, affectionately ruffled her head. "You're amazing too. I heard you won another essay award."

Ida shook her head. "I'm not as accomplished as you, but I recently met a boy. He's so sweet…"

Lane interjected sharply, "Wow, Ida's in love!"

"No, no, don't be silly!" Ida denied, her face reddening.

Emma smiled. "Which boy? Show us next time!"

"Okay!" Ida exclaimed, then hesitated. "But I haven't actually met him yet…"

Lane asked, "You're in love without meeting him? Did you meet online?"

Ida clarified, "I didn't say I was in love… I just have a crush."

Lane cautioned, "Be careful. There are many unscrupulous people online. Don't get scammed."

"I know. I'm not a child," Ida replied, pouting slightly before running to Emma. "Emma, I'll show you next time. You'll be great at judging people."

"Sure," Emma replied with a smile.

"Emma, now that you've graduated early from Vark College, what are your future plans? Will you pursue further studies?" Lane asked. Vark College's system differed from typical public schools; high school and university were integrated, eliminating the need for entrance exams. Emma already held a bachelor's degree.

While further studies weren't crucial given her abilities, Emma didn't intend to stop there. She felt it was time to investigate Charon Military School and uncover the truth behind Justine's death.

"I've chosen a military training school. I'll enroll in a few days," Emma announced.

Lane showed interest. "Are you talking about Charon Military School?"

"Yes," Emma confirmed.

Lane straightened. "That's my dream school! It's a pity that…" She hadn't yet graduated.

Emma glanced at her. If Lane wished to attend, she could help. For instance, a year as an exchange student at Charon would transfer credits to Vark College, granting her official graduation. However, it was best not to discuss it in front of Ida.

As the three girls walked, Ida suddenly exclaimed, "Emma, isn't that your boyfriend? Did he come to pick you up? But who's that woman?"

Emma saw a man in a dark blue suit at the corridor's end, leaning against the wall with a cool, languid expression. A woman in revealing clothing and heavy makeup was flirting with him.

"Hey, handsome," the woman purred. "Want to chat on WhatsApp? I'm here with a friend; I'm not sick." Emma noticed a nearby gynecology department sign. Liam had come for Emma; Lane's grandfather's ward was close to the gynecology department. His proximity to the waiting area naturally attracted attention.

Ida looked at Emma worriedly, knowing her friend's temper. How would she react to this blatant flirting?

As expected, Emma approached. She wore no makeup, her hair loose around her shoulders, her demeanor subtly scholarly yet elegant.

"Madam, you're bothering my husband."

The woman's face darkened. "Who are you, young lady?" she sneered, appraising Emma's seemingly student-like appearance. "Is this your girlfriend?" she asked Liam charmingly. "No way, handsome. You like a flat-chested girl? Aren't younger girls boring?"

Her loud voice drew onlookers; the woman was mocking Emma's figure, though Emma simply didn't favor tight clothing. Many watched with amusement.

"Watch your mouth," Liam warned coldly, pulling Emma into his arms and pushing the woman away. "Let's go. Ignore her." Had they not been in a hospital, he would have dealt with her more decisively.

Emma snuggled against Liam, maintaining an elegant composure. Before leaving, she turned to the woman. "Seductive and vulgar are different. No one likes cheap women."