Chapter 54 Greeting Lily’s Father
“Ryan.” Emma walked over to him.
“Are you working with Rosalind?” he asked.
“Not working,” she replied. “Just butting heads over a few things.”
“Butting heads, yet you’re chatting so happily?”
“So many people greeted you tonight,” she said with a smile. “Which wealthy family are you from?”
He froze, straightened, and answered earnestly, “My family runs a farm. If I hadn’t joined Mr. Hayes’ team, I would’ve inherited those horses ages ago.”
Emma nodded.
“Try this.” He gestured toward a nearby plate of sushi. “It’s pretty good.”
They chatted while eating in the food court.
A recently hired employee captured the scene and shared the photo in the group chat, quietly stoking rumors about Ryan and Emma.
⸻
“I’ll head to the restroom,” Emma said, setting down her glass.
As she walked toward the corridor, she spotted a familiar figure.
It was Lily’s father.
He was walking slowly, talking with a young man beside him.
Emma followed at a distance, her steps slowing as her thoughts spiraled.
If this is truly my father, what should I do?
Slap him? Or call him “Dad”?
What if he denies it?
And how would I face Lily afterward?
Her mind churned as the sharp click of her heels echoed down the hallway.
She stopped in front of Lily’s father.
Yes. It’s him.
My father.
Absolutely.
“Are you lost?” the man asked.
Emma’s throat tightened. She couldn’t speak.
The young man beside him spoke first.
“Emma?”
Only then did she recognize him.
It was Chloe’s uncle—the man she’d entrusted with her car repairs.
“Hello.” She forced herself to breathe. “I’m Emma Carter.”
Her heart pounded as she turned to Lily’s father.
He paused, studying her golden hair carefully before responding, “Hello. Steven Foster.”
“Are you looking for someone, Emma?” Steven asked.
She snapped back to herself. “Yes.”
“Did you find them?”
“Yeah. Just now.”
“That’s good,” he said calmly.
⸻
“How’s the car been lately, Emma?” the young man chimed in.
“Would you mind exchanging contact information?”
“Thanks. The car’s been great,” Emma replied, shooting him a sharp look.
“Goodbye, Emma,” Steven said.
She wanted to say more—but he’d already turned away.
The young man chuckled and followed after him.
⸻
In the courtyard, Emma sat down heavily on a bench.
She bent forward, slipped off her high heels, and massaged her aching ankles.
The pearl-studded straps slid from her shoulders, drifting down her arms.
Before she could pull them back up, a warm hand gently hooked one strap and guided it back into place.
Startled, Emma jolted sideways, instinctively covering her chest.
Her gaze snapped upward.
It was Liam.
He stood dressed in black, a faint smile playing at his lips.
Without a word, he removed his coat and draped it over her shoulders.
Then he sat beside her, his leg brushing against hers.
Even through the fabric, she could feel the heat radiating from his thigh.
“Why are you here?” she asked.
“Worried you’d get drunk and climb into the wrong car.” He reached out, gently tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear.
Wrapped in his coat, surrounded by his warmth, her face flushed.
“Go home?” he asked quietly.
“Aren’t you going to the hospital?”
“I hired a nurse. She’s out of danger now,” he said simply.
“So… home?”
“Okay.”
He bent down and scooped her up effortlessly, hooking her high heels with his fingers.
She looped her arms around his neck without thinking, burying her face against his shoulder.
He headed toward the back door.
“Ryan’s still at the banquet,” Emma suddenly remembered.
“I already arranged a designated driver for him,” Liam replied, smiling.
…
Back at the villa, he carried her straight into the main bathroom and kicked the door shut.
“You go first. I—” Emma’s feet barely touched the floor before she tried to slip away.
“Come on, together.” Liam insisted, his voice low and final. “We should save water.”
Barefoot, she stepped onto his slippers as he pulled her back.
Her pale instep, adorned with bright red nail polish, caught his gaze instantly.
He tightened his arms around her.
He turned on the shower. Warm water crashed down, instantly soaking them through.
Her thin dress became transparent, tracing the curves of her breasts and slender waist.
He lowered his head and kissed her cheeks with tender patience.
The water mingled with the kisses.
She met his sharply defined face and those deep, intense blue eyes.
Her heart skipped a beat as she looked away.
“Why so shy?” He chuckled, his breath tickling her ear.
He took one of her hands and pressed it against his wet chest.
“Touch it. Do whatever you want,” he murmured.
Her fingertips curled slightly as she felt his firm muscles and the steady pulse beneath his skin.
“Undo it.” He guided her hand to the buttons of his shirt.
One, two… The wet fabric peeled away.
Then, he led her down to his waist.
As her fingers touched the hard metal, she trembled slightly.
Steam gradually filled the bathroom, blurring the mirror.
She tilted her head back as he pressed her against the warm tile wall and pushed into her, slow and unrelenting.
Moans and the sound of water mingled with her gasps.
Her thoughts scattered; she let him lead, unmoored and breathless, unsure—yet drawn on, until the sound of water finally ceased.
⸻
She was carried onto the bed by Liam, wrapped in a large bath towel.
He held her close and soon fell asleep.
Emma gazed at the man before her and smiled softly.
Lifting her head, she kissed his lips.
Before she could react, his hand slid to the nape of her neck—a silent, possessive answer.
Emma startled; she’d expected him to be asleep.
“Want more?” he asked softly.
“I didn’t mean—” she murmured, her cheeks burning.
“But I want you…” His voice carried a hint of hoarse grievance.
Lying on top of him, she slowly lowered her head to kiss his collarbone.
It was a silent answer, indulgent and unmistakable.
His arms around her waist tightened.
With a swift roll, he pinned her beneath him.