Chapter 230: I Missed You
Meanwhile, Emily was enjoying ice cream with Charles and the children, completely unbothered by the earlier drama.
"Mommy, Great-grandfather is so mean! He still wants to keep testing you," Jasper complained while licking his ice cream.
Emily laughed, "It's okay, Mommy isn't afraid of tests. If I can't pass them, I just won't get married. I can live perfectly well with you three."
Charles immediately panicked, "No way, honey! Don't worry, I'll help you ace all the remaining tests!"
Emma blinked her big eyes, "Is Daddy going to help Mommy cheat?"
Charles quickly covered Emma's mouth, "Shh! If Great-grandfather hears you, he'll add more tests!"
The children burst into laughter, but Emily wasn't as amused.
She didn't care how that old codger Ollie wanted to torment her, nor did she care about Kaida's schemes. As for those tests? Bring them on—Emily would face them head-on!
If she couldn't pass, she'd just take the kids and run. Let Charles figure it out himself!
The only thing that truly bothered her was the question of Charles and Kismet's relationship. Why had Charles given Kismet a gift? And why would he want to give her something that woman had already worn—some secondhand castoff?
Was she, Emily, really worth so little to him?
After the children finished their ice cream, Nathan arrived right on schedule to pick them up.
"Bye, Daddy! Bye, Mommy!" the three children waved reluctantly.
Emily smiled tenderly, "Listen to Nathan and eat your dinner properly when you get home."
The moment Nathan's car disappeared, Emily's smile vanished instantly. She turned and walked toward the training facility, completely ignoring Charles behind her.
Charles hurried to catch up, "Emily? What's wrong? You seemed fine just a minute ago."
Emily didn't look back, her voice cold, "The show's over. Time to pack up."
Charles was completely confused, "What show?"
Emily suddenly stopped and spun around to face him, "What's the deal with the necklace around Kismet's neck? A gift from you? Or do you think I'm some kind of second-hand dealer who'll take your cast-offs after other women have worn them?"
Charles finally understood. With everything that had happened today, he'd completely forgotten about this issue. He quickly explained, "Emily, you've got it all wrong! That necklace was specifically bought for you! I asked Kismet to pick it up from the auction house, but she wore it herself and filled your head with lies!"
Emily looked skeptical, "Really? Then why did you go to the auction with her?"
Charles looked slightly embarrassed, "I wanted to surprise you, but I don't know anything about jewelry, so I asked Kismet to help me choose. I had no idea she'd pull something like that!"
The more he explained, the more aggrieved he became, "I ran around to several auction houses trying to find the perfect gift for you. I finally found that necklace and kept it secret to surprise you. And then... then you misunderstood me."
As Charles spoke, his eyes reddened, looking utterly dejected—completely different from his usual cold demeanor.
If Ollie could see him now, he'd definitely be stamping his feet in frustration.
Seeing his pitiful expression, Emily felt most of her anger melt away. Thinking it over, Charles would never do something so insulting.
"I'm sorry... I misunderstood you."
Charles immediately seized the opportunity, "So how are you going to make it up to me? I've been emotionally damaged!"
Emily found his pouty act amusing and stood on her tiptoes to kiss his forehead, "There, is that better?"
"Not enough!" Charles pushed his luck, "That barely counts as compensation!"
With that, he grabbed Emily's hand, "Come on, I'm taking you somewhere!"
"Where? I need to get back to the dorm," Emily protested as he pulled her along.
Charles didn't look back, "That doesn't matter! Making you happy comes first!"
He dragged Emily to Kate's office and burst through the door without knocking. Kate was organizing test materials and nearly jumped out of her skin.
"Charles, Emily, what are you doing here?"
Charles didn't explain, simply ordering Kate, "Get out!"
Kate stared in disbelief, "Is there any possibility that this is my office?"
Charles glared at her, "Shut up! Out! This is wife-wooing time!"
Kate threw up her hands in surrender, "Okay, apparently I'm the one who shouldn't be here!"
Kate walked out with a resigned expression, thoughtfully closing the door behind her. She stood outside like a bodyguard, silently complaining: Why, why is my office being hijacked by them, and I'm stuck playing doorman?
Inside the office, Charles pulled Emily into his arms and kissed her without warning.
"Mmm... Charles," Emily gasped, instinctively trying to push him away, "Don't... this is Kate's office."
Charles held her tighter, murmuring against her lips, "So what? Kate's standing guard outside. No one will dare come in."
His kiss carried deep longing and desire; days of separation unleashing his emotions like a flood. Emily initially resisted, but soon melted under his passion, gradually responding.
"Emily, I missed you," Charles whispered between kisses, "Not seeing you these past days nearly drove me crazy!"
Emily went weak in his arms, softly admitting, "I... missed you a little too."
Those words ignited something in him, and Charles's kisses became even more fervent. One hand circled her waist while the other caressed her face, as if trying to convey all his longing through this kiss.
Charles's breathing grew heavy, "Emily, it's been so long since we've been together."
Emily was dizzy from his kisses but maintained her last thread of reason, "No, what if someone walks in..."
Charles chuckled softly, pecking her lips again, "Don't worry, Kate's smart enough to know when to keep people away."
He lifted her onto the desk, positioning himself between her legs with his hands braced on either side of her, creating an intimate enclosure.
Emily's face turned crimson, "Charles, this isn't right!"
"What's wrong with it?" Charles leaned closer, their noses almost touching.
His lips found hers again, this time gentler and more tender, filled with cherishing love. Emily gradually let go of her reservations, wrapping her arms around his neck and actively responding.
They kissed passionately, lost in each other, the office filled only with intimate breathing and the sound of their kisses.
Outside the door, Kate stood with a pained expression. Occasionally, people passed by and asked curiously, "Kate, why are you standing here?"
Kate could only laugh awkwardly and explain, "Mr. Windsor is discussing important business inside. I'm keeping watch."
But inside, he was frantically complaining: Important business? They're making out in there! Charles, you friend-abandoning Romeo! Just wait until I'm dating someone—I'll get my revenge!