Chapter 231: Character Collapse
In the office, Charles finally released Emily slightly, but kept his forehead pressed against hers, their breaths mingling in an intensely intimate atmosphere.
Charles's voice was slightly hoarse, "Emily, I've really missed you these past days. Every night lying in bed, all I could think about was you."
Emily looked into his passionate eyes, feeling warmth in her heart: "I missed you too. I was just angry that you..." Emily couldn't bring herself to say Kismet's name—she wasn't about to admit she'd been jealous.
But her silence didn't mean Charles couldn't read between the lines. He hurried to reassure her, "Never again! I swear, starting today, I'm your devoted puppy! Apart from you, I won't spare other women a second glance!"
Charles nodded seriously, "From now on, I'll only eat food you cook, only drink water you pour, only look at you! Other women are invisible to me!"
He got more ridiculous as he went on: "I could even wear a label: 'Emily's Property, Keep Away'! Or better yet, get a tattoo: 'Emily's Devoted Knight'!"
Emily finally burst out laughing: "That's enough! You're nothing like Charles anymore—are you Ethan in disguise? No wait, you're acting more puppy-like than Ethan!"
Charles's eyes lit up, and he immediately nuzzled into her neck like a little dog: "Woof woof! Does the master want to pat my head? A bone would work too!"
Emily doubled over with laughter. She was discovering she loved this adorable contrast in Charles more and more. Cold CEO in front of others, but a clingy golden retriever in front of her—this exclusive tenderness made her heart flutter sweetly.
"Okay, okay," Emily laughed, pushing him away, "Keep nuzzling, and my face will turn completely red."
Charles pushed his luck, holding her tighter: "Red looks even better! My wife is an angel!"
He continued playing up his devoted puppy persona: "From now on, I'm your 24/7 bodyguard! Anyone who dares look at you twice, I'll stare them down! Anyone who says a word against you, I'll argue them to death! Anyone who comes within ten feet of you, I'll... I'll bite them!"
Emily laughed until tears came: "You really think you're a dog now? 'Windsor Group CEO Turns Attack Dog'—that's front page material!"
"For you, I'd do anything!"
He leaned close to her ear, lowering his voice: "And I'm only like this for you—it's VIP exclusive service."
Emily blushed, hitting him playfully: "Getting more improper by the minute!"
But she was happy inside. Who could imagine that Charles—ruthless and cold in business—would be like this in front of her?
This stark contrast was, honestly, pretty thrilling.
"You don't need to be that dramatic," Emily said, though her eyes couldn't hide her amusement.
"Yes, I do!" Charles moved closer, pecking her lips again, "You're so beautiful, I need to guard you closely—can't let anyone get any ideas!"
As he spoke, he started planning: "Maybe I should assign you a personal security team? Or install GPS tracking? Or maybe..."
"Stop, stop, stop!" Emily quickly covered his mouth, "Keep this up, and I'll really start doubting you're the real Charles!"
Charles took the opportunity to kiss her palm, looking at her with bright eyes: "I'm only under your control—I'll never escape for the rest of my life."
Emily looked at his expression, her heart melting completely. She actively wrapped her arms around his neck, saying softly, "Alright, I know you're the best. I misunderstood you this time—you don't need to humble yourself like this, I believe you."
Charles immediately seized the opportunity: "So, is there a reward? This devoted puppy performed so well; shouldn't the master give him some treats?"
Emily watched his performance with amusement—where was the cold CEO? This was clearly a little kid asking for candy!
Emily was charmed by his adorable act and reached up to hook her arms around his neck, standing on tiptoe to give him a light kiss: "There, satisfied now, Mr. Devoted Puppy?"
Charles's eyes lit up, immediately turning from passive to active. One hand circled her waist while the other cradled the back of her head as he kissed her deeply. This kiss wasn't gentle like before, but full of burning longing and desire.
"Emily... I really missed you so much these past days."
Emily went weak in his arms, only able to respond softly: "I missed you too."
Their kisses grew deeper and more intense. Charles gently pressed her against the office desk, their bodies close together. Emily could feel his strong heartbeat and her own increasingly rapid breathing.
Just as they were kissing passionately, almost forgetting where they were...
Kate's anxious voice came from outside: "Great-uncle Ollie! Why are you here? Charles, he's... he's discussing important business inside!"
Ollie's voice rang out: "Important business? I'd like to see just how important! Move aside!"
"BANG!"
The office door was shoved open forcefully. Ollie stormed in furiously, and seeing their disheveled clothes and flushed faces, he flew into a rage:
"Charles! The trials aren't completely over yet - there are still other assessments to come!"
Charles instinctively shielded Emily behind him, looking thoroughly annoyed: "Great-uncle, could you please knock?"
Ollie was so angry his whiskers were twitching: "Knock? If I hadn't come in, were you planning to stage an R-rated show in the office?"
Emily hid behind Charles, face burning red, feeling extremely embarrassed.
Though she didn't like Ollie and didn't care about his opinion of her, being caught in this situation was just too mortifying.
Kate peeked around the doorframe with an 'I tried my best' expression.
Charles remained defiant: "Is it illegal for me to kiss my own wife? If you're jealous, Great-uncle, you could go find yourself an old lady to romance!"
Ollie was so furious at Charles's words, he nearly passed out: "What?"
After speaking, Ollie shot Emily a disapproving glance, but before he could say anything, Charles's expression instantly transformed from playful to ice-cold and sharp. He stepped forward, completely shielding Emily behind him: "Great-uncle, I know what you want to say, but I hope you won't say anything at all. I'm putting this clearly today—whether you agree or not, whether I pass the tests or not, Charles Windsor's wife can only be Emily."