Chapter 172

Emma had assumed the fireworks were merely a spectacle, never anticipating Liam's elaborate scheme. She was utterly stunned by his control over the venue's air, temperature, lighting, and even sound. "What other powerful abilities does Liam possess that I don't know?" she wondered.

"It's nothing," Liam replied calmly, privately thinking, "Because it's for you, I must proceed cautiously."

A knock came at the door. "Mr. and Mrs. Hall, someone claiming to be the president of the National Boxing Association wishes to see you."

Emma's exceptional international performance had drawn the association's attention, resulting in a personal visit from its president. Emma and Liam exchanged a glance before descending to greet their guest.

"Hello," the man said. "I'm Jenson Hart, president of the National Boxing Association. Jenson will do."

"Hi," Emma replied. She'd envisioned an elderly, white-haired president, not this handsome man in his twenties, with flowing white hair, who seemed to have stepped from a historical painting.

"You're very popular now," Jenson continued. "These are gifts from fans, sent to the association. Oh, and this is my gift for you."

Liam noticed Jenson's lingering gaze and felt a twinge of jealousy, instinctively pulling Emma close.

"Thank you, Mr. Hart," Liam said, aware that Jenson was a Hart family heir, the only explanation for his youth and position.

Sensing her husband's feelings, Emma kissed his cheek. "Hubby, would you mind helping me open this? My hand hurts from the competition." The wrist strain was minor, but she indulged Liam's possessiveness.

Liam's expression shifted immediately. He held her hand, concern etched on his face. "What's wrong? Let me see."

"It's nothing serious. Some medicine should resolve it in a few days," Emma assured him.

Liam remained serious. "I'll have the family doctor examine it later. Avoid using your hand for the next few days." Despite Emma's medical expertise, Liam worried she'd downplay the injury.

Emma laughed. "If I don't use my hand, how will I shower or eat, silly honey?"

Liam smiled softly. "I'll feed you and help you shower."

Jenson, witnessing their affection, felt a pang of loneliness. "Miss Emma, please take your time with the gift," he said. "I have some good news for you, which is why I came." His words subtly urged them to refocus.

Emma and Liam snapped back to attention.

"Oh? What good news?" Emma asked.

"You mentioned wanting to see the Krot Competition venue from five years ago," Jenson explained. "A friend of mine organized it; I've secured you advance access for inspection."

"That's wonderful!" Emma exclaimed, delighted. She could now investigate the accident site before the year's end, potentially pinpointing the cause – either the medicine or the venue itself.

They exchanged a meaningful look.

Liam hugged her waist. "We'll leave on a private plane tomorrow."

"Then I'll pack upstairs now," Emma replied.

Liam pulled her into his arms. "Your hand doesn't hurt anymore? You should rest."

"I can still pack," she insisted hesitantly.

He affectionately tapped her nose. "No need. I'll buy you new things in Yenovia tomorrow."

"Thanks, hubby," Emma said.

Jenson, witnessing another affectionate display, exchanged a knowing glance with Levi. His look silently questioned, "Are Mr. and Mrs. Hall always like this?"

Levi pursed his lips. "It only gets worse," he thought. "If you don't want to watch, avoid them."

Chapter 172

The next day, Emma and Liam boarded Liam's private jet at noon. Even accustomed to luxury, Emma was impressed by the opulence of Liam's plane.

Dressed in a gown, her long braid cascading down her back, Emma sat in a plush leather chair, gazing out the window. "Private planes are incredibly smooth," she sighed. "Minimal noise, and they fly much higher than commercial aircraft." And safer.

"Hubby, you're so rich!" she exclaimed.

Liam enjoyed her admiration, pulling her close and kissing her hair. "I've had the crew prepare your favorite foie gras and Cabernet Sauvignon. After you eat and rest, we'll be in Yenovia."

Emma chuckled, snuggling into his arms. "As you say."

Liam smiled, gazing at her meaningfully. Both the past and upcoming Krot Competitions were held in Yenovia, giving Emma an unexpected opportunity for early investigation.

Suddenly, Emma remembered something. "Hubby, is Bob in Yenovia too?"

A dark look briefly crossed Liam's face. "Yes. How did you know?"

"His friend told me… Erza Burnson, wasn't it?" she mused.

Liam calmly took a sip of water. Erza Burnson, the playboy; Liam had heard of him. He avoided mentioning his role in sending Bob overseas. "Do you want to see him?" he asked gently.

Emma considered this. "Not really. I just remembered he's here. I mostly want to see my husband. The rest doesn't matter."

Liam's thin lips curved into a smile, his earlier gloominess dissipating.

Liam thought, Emma is truly remarkable. I can't love her enough.

Nine hours later, they bypassed the hotel and headed straight for the Krot Competition venue. Emma's demeanor was shy, her face flushed, contrasting with Liam's radiant expression; the atmosphere between them was charged. Liam's usual gentlemanly manner was significantly different from their earlier intimacy on the plane.

He opened the car door protectively. "Careful."

Emma pouted. "If it weren't for you earlier... I wouldn't have sprained my wrist and waist."

"Sorry. I'll be more careful next time," he said.

"You want to do it again?" Emma started to scold him, then remembered the driver. Even if he didn't understand Chinese, she felt self-conscious. She poked Liam's face playfully. "Hmph. Since you're so handsome, I'll forgive you this time."