Chapter 72

When Sean thought of Liam, his anger flared. "Emma, does Liam treat you well? Why didn't he intervene when you were insulted?"

Emma remained silent, thinking, "I believe he would have, but he wasn't there! How could he react if he didn't see or hear anything?"

"Sean, he treats me very well. Don't worry," she finally replied.

As they talked, rain began to fall. Neither had an umbrella, and the alley offered no shelter; a casual stroll was impossible. As the rain intensified, Sean instinctively removed his coat and covered Emma's head.

"Don't worry, I'm here to shield you. I'll never let you suffer."

Emma was touched. His words, and the sight of him, warmed her heart. Sean, usually so carefree, revealed a surprising gentleness and consideration; he was using an expensive coat to protect her from the downpour. Emma remained mostly dry, but Sean was soon drenched.

He continued to comfort and shield her, but his face was grim. "What is Liam doing? Why didn't he pick you up? He wasn't there when you needed him. How can he care for you? With his cold personality, does he even know how?"

Emma, sensing his concern, said, "Should I call him now?"

Just as she reached for her phone, two headlights appeared at the alley's entrance. The large, black luxury car struggled to navigate the narrow space, but it slowly advanced. Emma shielded her eyes from the glare. It was Liam's car. He had actually come.

"Damn... that can't be a coincidence, right?" Sean murmured, watching the car approach.

The door opened and closed. The driver emerged with umbrellas, and Liam, in his wheelchair, personally came to collect Emma.

"Emma, come here." Liam offered a long-handled black umbrella. The driver gave one to Sean.

Emma slipped under Liam's umbrella. "How did you find me?"

Liam gently wiped the raindrops from her face. "I've been here since you arrived. I saw you leaving the restaurant and drove in when I saw you were alone." He had been waiting since she ate the lobsters. He had always cared for her.

"Your shoes are wet. Let's change them." He produced a pair of flats from the backseat.

"You brought shoes?"

"I thought you'd be uncomfortable in heels. I didn't expect you weren't wearing a gown. Let me help you change them."

Emma was deeply touched by his tender care. "I... I can do it myself."

Liam smiled, took her hand, pulled her onto his lap, and patiently changed her shoes. The warmth of his touch sent a thrill through her, recalling their past intimacy.

"Done." He tied her laces and draped a jacket over her shoulders.

Liam's attentiveness surprised Sean. He'd always assumed the ruthless Liam wouldn't dote on anyone, let alone his niece. Now, he saw the truth.

After Emma left with Liam, Simon Hall returned to the country the following day. The charity banquet had significantly altered the Hall family's situation. Simon summoned Emma and Liam to his study.

As soon as they entered, a cup flew towards them, shattering on the floor. Liam, unable to move quickly, ducked; Emma instinctively shielded him. He reassured her, "Emma, it's fine."

Emma glared at Simon as he slammed his hand on a newspaper displaying headlines about Elsie's arrest, imitation designer dress, and rejection by Theo Golden. Elsie's humiliation reflected poorly on the entire Hall family.

Simon raged, "Emma, I thought you were intelligent! You've been so reckless!"

Emma retorted, "If Elsie hadn't attacked first, I wouldn't have stooped to her level!"

"But consider the bigger picture!" Simon's frustration grew.

Emma started to explain, but Liam stopped her. His voice was calm and low. "Emma is acting in my best interest. This is my plan. Don't blame her."

Simon's anger exploded. "Nonsense! So it's your idea? You plan to return to the company? Fine. I'll give the Vark College project to Brad."

Half an hour later, Emma and Liam left. Outside, Emma sighed, "Your father will never like me. What did you mean about the school?"

"The Halls Group and Vark College are expanding overseas education projects. It's a large market."

"But your father gave the project to Brad."

Emma mused, "Elsie is under investigation; even your father can't easily help her. Brad must be furious. Your father wants to punish me..." She whistled, enjoying the situation. She was now entangled in Liam's family affairs.

Liam squeezed her hand. "He's suppressing us both. Give me time. I'll get the Vark College project."

Emma touched his face. "My husband has spoken; Brad won't be smug for long."

Liam's eyes lit up. "What... did you just say?"

"I said, Brad won't be smug for long!"

"The previous sentence."

"Oh, I said, 'my husband...'"

Liam kissed her. As they stood at the villa's entrance, preparing to leave, Emma noticed some servants and, unexpectedly, Brad's car entering the gates. Liam was kissing her in public!

Emma tried to pull away, but Liam held her close, deepening the kiss. Brad, seeing them, honked angrily. Liam ignored him, pecking Emma's lips twice more.

"Your face is so red," Liam said, pinching her cheek. "Nervous about making out outside my house?"

Emma thought, You're stating the obvious! Brad was still honking, but Liam continued his display of affection. It was deliberate.