Chapter 85

Vere and Emma were furious. Vere retorted, "Who are you calling scum? What's wrong with our country? Aren't you here now? Stay abroad if you prefer it. Don't embarrass yourself."

Vere's sharp words angered Tess Curry. "Who do you think you are? How dare you speak to me like that? Deal with him," she instructed the two burly men from Prusialand standing behind her.

Before they could reach Vere, Emma intervened. The men attempted to use force against her, but Emma retaliated instantly. After a brief exchange, the initially fierce bodyguards looked shocked and ceased their attack, whispering to Tess.

Tess exploded, "Useless trash!" The men had confessed their inability to defeat Emma, leaving Tess humiliated and less confident. She sneered, "It's my misfortune to have encountered you two today."

Emma responded calmly, "You bumped into me first. How dare you call me blind? This is Rhinea; you're accountable for your words and actions. As a traitor, even without my intervention, the criticism of 1.3 billion people could destroy you. If you're not patriotic, don't return and squander the country's resources." Turning to Vere, she added, "Let's go."

Ignoring Tess, Emma escorted Vere through security, then exited the airport herself. Waiting for Liam's car, she heard a coquettish voice nearby: "I heard your legs healed; I flew back on the earliest flight. Ten hours of flying exhausted me. You must pick me up."

It was the woman in the pink hat. Tess, also noticing Emma, sneered, "What are you looking at, country bumpkin?"

Emma, dressed casually in understated sports brands, was dismissed by Tess as a poorly dressed peasant. Tess's disdain was evident in her tone and expression. "Fine, Liam," Tess giggled, "if you won't pick me up, don't even think about skipping our date again!"

Tess left her suitcase unattended while her bodyguards guarded it. She retrieved her bag, pulled out a stack of hundred-dollar bills, and tossed them at Emma. "Hey, country bumpkin, you're in my way. I've given you money. Get lost!"

Emma ignored her. Tess continued, "Can't you hear me? Or is it too little? You're an eyesore; this airport was sponsored by my great-grandfather."

Before Tess could finish, she spotted the Imperial Vest license plate. "Liam!" Her demeanor changed instantly; she assumed he was there to pick her up.

However, Liam exited the car and walked past her to the woman behind her. "Is it hot?" he asked.

"It's bearable," Emma replied, then glanced at the woman behind Liam. Only then did Liam notice Tess and the money in her hand. He frowned. "Tess, what are you doing to my wife?"

"What did you say?" Tess, believing she misheard Liam's claim of having a wife, was stunned. Liam had never been close to women; the idea of him having a girlfriend was inconceivable.

The shock was overwhelming. Tess watched as Liam and Emma held hands, Liam meticulously adjusting Emma's seat in the car. The realization that Liam's earlier excuse about not having time to pick her up was a lie struck her. Jealousy overwhelmed her. She shouted, "Liam, take me home!"

The only response was the car door slamming shut. The Maybach sped away. Tess watched it disappear, furious. "Damn it," she muttered, "How can that country bumpkin be Liam's girlfriend? What's her background? How did she beat me to it?"

In the car, Emma calmly asked, "Who was that strange woman?"

"Leo Curry's daughter, Tess," Liam replied.

Emma scoffed, "The Curry family has a prestigious history; Leo is a renowned painter. Yet, his daughter is so unpresentable."

Liam smiled. "Tess is certainly annoying. She's been pestering me since she heard my leg had healed."

Leaning on Liam's shoulder, Emma asked, "Will you pay attention to her?"

"I don't like unruly women," Liam stated.

Emma pursed her lips. "I'm quite unruly too. You don't like me either, right?"

Liam gently pinched her nose. "You're unruly and cute."

After returning home, Emma received a message before Vere's flight departed. She completed a social practice application for Vark College's two-week program at a five-star hotel, then went to bed. That night, Liam kept Emma busy.

The next day, she nearly arrived late for her hotel internship. The HR representative, after a brief tour, commented on Emma's image and suggested the front lobby or catering department.

Emma chose catering, a role involving serving private rooms, minimizing contact and reducing potential strange encounters. Vark College emphasized grassroots experience, but its students uniquely worked in top luxury hotels, interacting with high-profile individuals.

Emma's supervisor assigned her to Room 868, where several important clients needed assistance. While pushing a wine cart, she heard a familiar voice: "Hey, Tess, come sit. You've become prettier. Many are courting you abroad, right?" It was Simon.

Peeking inside, Emma saw Simon, other prominent figures, and Tess, who was hosting. Upon seeing Emma, Tess exclaimed, "Why are you here?"