Chapter 63
Emily had never been intimate with anyone except Alexander.
She had no way of knowing what a kiss filled with genuine affection should feel like.
But remembering how he could make love with Sophie in the lounge and then return to her as if nothing had happened, a wave of physical revulsion surged through her.
She pressed her hands against his chest and shoved him away forcefully.
Whether because he wasn't expecting it or for some other reason, he actually stumbled back.
Steadying herself against the sink, she wiped her lips with the back of her hand, making no attempt to hide the disgust in her eyes.
"Alexander, weren't you always the one who thought I was embarrassing? What's this now? Aren't you afraid someone might see us?"
He took an unsteady step backward. As he lowered his head, his hair fell across his eyes, momentarily concealing the flash of fury that crossed his face.
"Is it me who's afraid of being seen, or are you worried Matthew might find out?" Alexander said coldly.
She could barely contain the anger boiling in her chest, ready to confront him directly.
But thinking about how, after the divorce, she would never have to interact with him again or be mocked by people in his circle, Emily suppressed those emotions.
"Whatever the reason, intimacy between us is no longer appropriate." She straightened her posture and noticed someone appearing behind him. A mocking smile curved her lips. "Ms. Laurent is looking for you, I presume? I won't intrude any further."
She walked past Alexander, her waist barely a fist's width from his hand.
He could have easily pulled her into his embrace, but he restrained himself.
"Alexander," Sophie's gentle voice broke the silence, filled with apology. "I didn't mean to interrupt, but you'd had a few drinks and were gone so long. I was worried something might have happened."
She sighed softly, but as her eyes swept over Emily's retreating figure, they flashed with hidden malice.
"I mentioned earlier that I was concerned about you being pressured to drink. Did I cause Ms. Ward to misunderstand? I could explain if needed, though I'm afraid she..."
Their strained relationship was common knowledge, requiring no concealment.
But she was willing to humble herself before Emily for Alexander's sake.
Alexander was agitated, tugging at his collar and stepping back to distance himself from her.
"There's nothing to misunderstand," He said with a cold laugh. "She came with another man, didn't she?"
The thought of Matthew intensified the knot in his chest.
Sophie lowered her eyes, hiding the calculation within them. "Speaking of which, Mr. Richard Thompson once wanted Ms. Ward to marry Mr. Matthew Thompson ..."
She met his gaze, then apologized as if catching herself. "Why do I always say whatever comes to mind? You know how elders like to play matchmaker. If they truly had something, she wouldn't have married you. Don't overthink it."
Others might not know, but Alexander knew perfectly well.
The reason Emily had married him was because Eleanor had arranged it, and the reason...
His expression darkened further, his voice turning icy. "I'm leaving."
Her eyes shifted subtly as she quickly followed. "You've been drinking. It's not safe to drive. Let me take you home."
"No need. I'll call my driver," He replied, striding forward with no patience for Sophie. "I'll have James pick you up later."
At the mention of James, Sophie hesitated, then formed a new plan. "Alright. Don't forget to drink some hangover soup when you get home."
As a woman who understood men, she knew better than to become irritating.
Besides, with James coming, she'd have other entertainment.
Emily was surprised to see Sophie return alone.
Noticing her gaze, Sophie smiled gently. "Alexander had an urgent matter at the company and had to leave. He's sending his assistant to pick me up later, so please don't pressure me to drink—I'd hate to have to explain myself when I get home."
The rumors about her and Alexander were already widespread, and with her subtle guidance, everyone at the table assumed they were a couple.
Someone immediately asked, "Mr. Foster cares for you so much, he wouldn't demand explanations. He's probably just disappointed he had to leave for a meeting, leaving you behind."
"Sophie, when are you and Alexander going to announce your good news?"
"Make sure to invite us when the time comes!"
The table buzzed with excitement and congratulations.
As Alexander's legal wife, Emily found it all darkly ironic.
They weren't even divorced yet, and people were already talking about announcing good news.
Were they worried about Sophie being labeled a homewrecker, or just hoping Emily would die faster?
Having accomplished her goal, Emily had no desire to remain any longer.
She pressed her lips together and whispered to Matthew, "I should head back now."
"I'll take you."
"Aren't we trying to bait the fish? How will they take the bait if you leave with me?"
In truth, Emily no longer had the energy for scheming. Her mind was in chaos, and she just wanted to be alone.
Matthew could see the turmoil in her emotions, but didn't press the issue.
He wanted her to see clearly that some people simply couldn't be trusted.
Emily wasn't exactly distraught as she left the hotel, but she certainly wasn't in good spirits.
Just as she reached the entrance, she discovered it had suddenly started raining.
The rain came down unexpectedly hard and fast. Within moments, water was pooling on the streets, making it dangerous to wade through.
She looked down at her phone to call a taxi when Sophie's voice came from behind her. "Matthew isn't taking you home? Or was today just an act you put on for Alexander's benefit? Too bad he doesn't care at all."
Her voice was soft and gentle, but every word was designed to wound.
"Sophie," Emily had lost all politeness since confirming Sophie had plagiarized her research, "does the married man who betrays his family not care, or is it you, the homewrecker with your supposed high education, who doesn't care?"
She laughed mockingly. "Oh, I forgot—your so-called academic credentials were stolen too. That explains how you can shamelessly provoke me, the legal wife."
Sophie had never faced such direct confrontation.
Born into privilege and attached to Alexander's powerful influence, everyone treated her with deference.
As for Emily, from what Victoria had told her and what she'd observed herself, Emily had always seemed weak and easily bullied.
How dare she suddenly stand up to her?
And worse, Emily directly touched on her most painful point!
Remembering her humiliation on Jessica's show and the incident with Chris, Sophie's usually gentle face twisted with rage, revealing a flash of distortion.
"Wasn't the last incident enough of a lesson? He won't protect you. The more trouble you cause, the worse it will be for you! Those people who cyberbullied you—he arranged all of that!"
Emotions peaked in an instant. Emily raised her hand, ready to slap that hypocritical, revolting face.
But before her hand could connect, someone grabbed her wrist with crushing force.
The grip was so powerful it felt like it might shatter her bones, causing her to nearly cry out in pain.
Had Alexander returned?
The thought had barely crossed her mind when a menacing voice spoke from above, cold enough to freeze blood.
"Why are you trying to hurt Sophie? I've told you before, she's innocent!"