Chapter 62
Emma’s expression was so calm, it belied her age. Vere noticed her words, “change your mind.” He realized, So, she’s long seen through me, and knows I intended to frame her. Vere’s handsome face flushed slightly. “Kate called that night; I refused initially. I didn’t sleep, but at dawn, I still harmed you. Only when I saw you taken away did I regret it! You helped me, and I repaid your kindness with harm. I thought if I didn’t make amends, I’d despise myself forever.”
Emma pursed her lips. “Aren’t you afraid of jail?” She thought, I’m used to danger; I’ve even faced death. Jail wouldn’t break me. But Vere’s different; this would devastate him. Her question was both inquiry and test.
Vere was silent. “If I must go to jail, I accept fate. The data theft happened when I was young and foolish. I must take responsibility.”
Emma smiled—a radiant, captivating smile. “Good. Very good! Vere, I’ve never considered recruiting you; I’m not lacking in talent. But this incident revealed your character and loyalty!” She extended her hand, a black card resting in her palm. “Would you… like to join us?”
Vere was stunned. He saw the Octagram icon on the card, his eyes widening in disbelief. “This… this is…” He stared at Emma. “You are…” Octagram, the black market behemoth, influential even among nations! Only Stox, the renowned figure, can recruit! He stammered, “Could… could it be… you… you are…”
He was incredulous. Emma smiled, a mysterious, alluring smile. “That’s right. I am Stox.” He thought, The brainpower of Stox, the one I’ve striven to meet!
Emma looked at the astonished Vere. “No one in the country knows this; keep it secret.”
“I will!” Vere exclaimed. He’d always been insufferably arrogant, yet now he was utterly composed. She’s elegant, graceful, even without makeup in the rain! She’s Stox, my idol!
“Buzz…” Headlights cut through the rain. Emma turned to see a familiar Rolls-Royce. A man in a black suit approached, umbrella in hand. “Mrs. Hall, Mr. Hall awaits,” he said.
Vere was surprised. “You… you and Liam are…?” Emma and Liam’s marriage was a secret. Levi, acting under Liam’s orders, had deliberately revealed it.
Emma nodded. “Yes. We’re husband and wife. Remember what I said.”
“I will,” Vere replied solemnly. He watched Emma enter the car, the black Rolls-Royce disappearing into the rain.
Once inside, a soft towel covered Emma's eyes. A deep, attractive voice asked, “Are you cold?” Liam’s warm palm touched her skin. He instructed Levi to raise the temperature, carefully drying her.
Emma held his hand. “I’m not cold. Seeing you is more heartwarming.” Liam, initially bothered by her sharing an umbrella with Vere, softened at her words. He gently wiped her. “He shared an umbrella, yet you got wet. He’s useless.”
Emma, perceptive, blinked her large eyes sweetly. “Got it. His umbrella wasn’t as big as yours. I won’t share an umbrella with another man again.”
Liam stopped wiping. Their eyes met, his gaze intense. He tapped her nose with the towel. “Cheer me up,” he said.
Grinning, she tossed the towel aside, wrapping her arms around his neck. “Happier now?”
“Not enough,” Liam replied.
Levi, driving, felt like a third wheel. Mr. Hall’s quite the flirt…
Emma pondered, then lifted his jaw, giving him a quick kiss. “Happier now?”
Liam lowered his eyes. “Slightly.”
Emma smiled, dimples appearing. She kissed him twice more. “I won’t share an umbrella with another man,” she said, scrutinizing Liam.
“What about now?” Liam asked, a smile captivating Emma. He pulled her into his arms. “Don’t get caught in the rain again.”
“Okay,” Emma replied, leaning against him. She recounted the day’s events, her sweet aura filling the car, making Levi envious.
Liam said, “That guy has a conscience. If he’s jailed and can’t find work here, I’ll arrange a position for him at our Rusbanian subsidiary after he graduates.”
Emma chuckled. “Rusbania? You’re naughty!”
Liam said proudly, “Of course. Should I let him see you often?” She may not notice, but I saw Vere’s look—intense adoration, surpassing ordinary appreciation. My possessiveness is strong; that gaze offended me!