Chapter 71

After Elsie's departure, the charity banquet concluded swiftly. Following the closing ceremony, Sean enthusiastically suggested a renowned seafood restaurant, hoping to treat Emma to a meal. Finding herself hungry, Emma readily accepted her uncle's invitation, subsequently informing Liam.

“I already stood Sean up once. If you want to come, let's go together.”

Liam arrogantly replied, “I dislike seafood. I’ll wait for you at home.”

Emma pursed her lips, finding Liam's reluctance fussy. Did he not appreciate the world's culinary delights?

At Chevy's Seafood Place, Sean explained, “This restaurant boasts a three-generation legacy. If Sean hadn't had his agent queue up in advance, we wouldn't have secured a table.” The restaurant's simple décor belied the delicious aroma of seafood that wafted even from the street. Sean's agent, who had patiently waited for a table, was unfortunately unable to partake in the meal; the superstar had specified a private dinner with Emma.

Before leaving, the agent humbly said, “Sean, be mindful of the crowd,” then turned to Emma, adding, “Miss Emma, please… look after your uncle. I truly need your help.”

“Certainly, don't worry,” Emma reassured her, quickly pulling out a chair. The dishes arrived promptly – an array of side dishes, soups, and various seafood preparations. The sight alone made her ravenous.

Sean sat with his back to the main dining area. Emma, leaning against the wall, eagerly reached for a freshly baked lobster, only to be scalded.

“Silly girl! Sit comfortably. Let me peel and cut it for you,” Sean offered, his suit and sunglasses attracting considerable attention. Even the sunglasses couldn't conceal his handsome features. Combined with his wealth, it was quite the spectacle.

Emma, watching him peel the lobster, felt incredibly fortunate. Overhearing nearby conversations, she discerned the speakers' ages to be similar to her own.

“Hey, look! The man at the next table is so handsome. Is he her boyfriend? He looks more like an older brother… Oh my god, he's dating material!”

“Why do I feel like he resembles a celebrity?”

“If only I could eat crayfish with my idol once, I wouldn't mind peeling lobster for him!”

Emma remained silent, thinking, Your idol is peeling prawns for me right now…

Sean, seated nearby, clearly overheard. A smug satisfaction settled upon him.

“What do you think, Emma? I’m still popular, right?”

“Yes, yes, Uncle, you’re the most popular, but Jessica reminded us not to reveal our identities.”

“Of course, my identity won't be exposed…” Sean began, only to hear the girls continue their discussion.

“If you’re a Sean Rivera fan, you should find Emma Wilson! She’s his niece and probably very close to him.”

“Damn! Why is Emma so lucky? Sean is her uncle and Liam Hall is her boyfriend!”

“God… Liam Hall, we can’t afford to offend him, but he’s really handsome. Damn it! He’s so handsome!”

“I also think Liam Hall is more handsome. He has more of a mature aura than Sean; Sean’s features are too… delicate.”

“But Liam’s confined to a wheelchair! He can’t…”

Emma saw her uncle's face flush crimson.

“Uncle, don’t be rash…” she warned.

The discussion continued, growing increasingly absurd.

“Emma Wilson is so lucky! God sent these two handsome men to be by her side!”

“Although she’s quite beautiful, she seems vain. She’s not adorable.”

“Don't all men like adorable ones? Could it be that she’s… skilled in bed?”

Emma fixed them with a cold stare. They were, she surmised, fellow students from Year Vark College.

“Living well has its drawbacks. For example, she might die younger?”

Sean, enraged by this comment, calmly placed a plate of peeled lobster meat before Emma.

“Emma, eat slowly,” he said, before swiftly turning and lifting the entire table belonging to the offending girls.

“Whoosh!” The table overturned with a crash, scattering lobster shells and containers. The restaurant erupted in shocked silence as the girls screamed.

“What are you doing?” someone demanded.

Sean’s voice, though muffled by his sunglasses, was instantly recognizable.

“If you're here to eat, eat. Otherwise, leave!” he roared, his usually gentlemanly demeanor shattered by their cruel curse on Emma. This crossed a line, even for him. This anger stemmed not solely from his own feelings but also from the deep-seated grief still felt by the Rivera family over Stella's suicide and their profound love for Emma, her only daughter. Sean felt the chilling proximity of cold-blooded rage at that moment.

The terrified girls fled. Other diners, recognizing him, murmured, “That appearance… that voice… Is it really him? Sean Rivera?”