Chapter 169: That Time of the Month
Before Daphne could finish her sentence, Emily cut her off.
Emily shook her head, her tone indifferent, "Ms. Campbell, there's no need to say more. I have no interest in the Campbell family, and I don't want any connection to the Campbell family. I came here today only to expose Clara's lies and make her pay for what she's done. Now that I've achieved that goal, it's time for me to leave."
Daphne watched her retreating figure, her heart filled with regret. She knew she had missed Scarlett's true daughter and had brought disgrace upon the Campbell family because of her poor judgment.
Emily walked out of the hotel doors, the evening breeze brushing against her face with a hint of coolness, her heart completely at peace. Although she didn't care about her identity as a member of the Campbell family, it was hers. Clara had no right to claim it!
Back in the ballroom, Daphne looked at the chaotic scene, suppressing her anger. But with so many guests present, as the host, she couldn't just walk away.
She picked up the microphone and addressed the guests, "Everyone, I sincerely apologize for subjecting you all to such a spectacle tonight. Tonight's gala ends here. I deeply regret any inconvenience this has caused."
Since Emily had left, Charles had no reason to stay. He strode after her, his palm tightly gripping Emily's hand, his fingertips clearly feeling the warmth of her palm.
The evening breeze lifted Emily's long hair, a few strands brushing against her pale neck, outlining graceful curves.
Charles gazed at her profile, remembering how she had looked in the ballroom—so commanding when exposing Clara. His heart felt like it had been gently struck by something, soft and burning.
"Emily." His voice was lower than usual, carrying an almost imperceptible huskiness.
Emily stopped and turned to look at him, her eyes still carrying the relaxation that followed the concluded drama, a faint smile playing at her lips, "What is it?"
Charles didn't speak, only leaned closer, his warm breath falling on her ear, carrying the crisp scent of cedar, "Back there, you were radiant."
Emily's cheeks warmed slightly. Just as she was about to speak, Charles gently grasped her wrist, pulling her toward the parking area, his pace faster than usual, as if eager to bring her to a space meant for just the two of them.
Once inside the car, Charles didn't immediately start the engine.
The atmosphere in the car became instantly intimate, neon lights from outside streaming through the windows, casting dappled light and shadow on their bodies.
Charles leaned toward Emily, one hand braced against the back of her seat, gently encircling her in his embrace.
His nose lightly brushed against Emily's forehead, "Watching you put Clara in her place just now, all I could think was—how incredible my girl is."
Before Emily could respond, Charles's lips covered hers. This kiss wasn't like his usual gentle restraint—it carried urgency and heat, as if he wanted to release all the emotions he'd been suppressing.
Emily's eyes widened slightly, then she relaxed, raising her hands to circle Charles's neck, responding to his kiss.
Between their entwined lips, Charles's hand gently caressed Emily's waist, his fingertips feeling her delicate skin through the thin fabric of her dress. Emily's breathing gradually quickened, her cheeks flushing, her entire body melting into Charles's embrace. Lost in the moment, she couldn't help but lightly bite his lower lip.
Charles's body instantly tensed, his Adam's apple bobbing as he kissed her even more deeply. The temperature in the car continued to rise, his hand slowly moving upward, wanting to touch more, but just as his fingertips were about to reach her collarbone, he suddenly stopped.
They were in a parking garage—people could pass by at any moment.
Charles forcibly restrained himself, slowly pulling away from Emily's lips, pressing his forehead against hers, breathing heavily, "Just hold on a little longer. Let's go home."
Emily looked at the desire rolling in his eyes, and his hands gripping the seat so tightly his knuckles had turned white. A mischievous thought suddenly struck her.
She raised her hand, her fingertip lightly tracing Charles's jawline, her voice carrying the softness that came after being kissed, plus a deliberately enticing tone, "Is it hard to resist?"
Charles's breathing grew heavier, his gaze dark as the bottomless night, "Emily."
Emily laughed softly, her fingertip following his collar downward, lightly touching his collarbone, "I'm just asking. Who told you to be so impatient in the car?"
Before she could finish speaking, Charles suddenly grabbed her hand, bringing it to his lips for a gentle kiss, his tone carrying helpless huskiness, "Don't tease me. If you keep this up, I really won't be able to hold back."
Emily looked at his expression, both urgent and afraid of making her uncomfortable, and smiled with curved eyes, finally stopping her teasing.
Charles took a deep breath, started the car, and gripped the steering wheel tightly, driving home at nearly the speed limit the entire way.
The moment the car stopped in the mansion's garage, Charles unbuckled his seatbelt and swept Emily up in his arms.
Emily let out a small cry of surprise, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, her cheek pressed against his chest, where she could clearly hear his powerful heartbeat.
"Charles! Slow down!" she laughed, patting his shoulder.
Charles said nothing, walking hurriedly into the mansion and straight to the second-floor bedroom. Pushing open the bedroom door, he gently placed Emily on the bed, then leaned down over her, his hands braced on either side of her body, the desire in his eyes still unabated, his voice carrying suppressed huskiness, "Emily, I really can't hold back anymore. I need you now."
Emily looked at his face so close to hers, and the urgency in his eyes, when she suddenly remembered something. She raised her hand to gently press against his chest, her voice softening, "Charles, wait a moment."
"I can't wait!" Charles was about to explode from the restraint.
"Well, you'll have to!" Emily firmly held back Charles's movements. Just thinking about what she was about to say made her want to laugh, "I got my period today. We can't right now."
Charles's body instantly froze, the desire in his eyes extinguished like cold water had been poured over it, leaving only deep disappointment.
He was stunned for a few seconds, then slowly straightened up, running his hand through his hair, his tone carrying some helplessness, "Sorry, I forgot to ask."
But seeing Emily trying to suppress her laughter, he immediately understood, "Emily, you did that on purpose!"
"I didn't—I just remembered."
"Really?" Charles was still somewhat skeptical, but he suddenly remembered Nathan once complaining that you should never mess with a woman on her period—women during that time were like gunpowder, explosive at the slightest touch.
Charles leaned down to gently hold Emily, his movements tender as if afraid he might break her, "Then you should rest well. I'm going to take a shower."
With that, he turned and quickly walked into the bathroom, carefully closing the door behind him.
Emily lay on the bed, hearing the sound of rushing water from the bathroom. She knew he was definitely taking a cold shower.
The joy she'd felt from her successful prank was now turning into guilt.
Had she gone too far?