Chapter 261: New Assistant
Emily fell asleep quickly. Charles watched her peaceful sleeping face, his heart swelling with a complex mix of emotions—love, possessiveness, worry, and... a trace of unease.
The feud between the Campbell and Windsor families hung over them like a ticking time bomb, ready to explode at any moment. He had to protect Emily and their family at all costs.
He gently kissed her forehead and whispered, "Emily, no matter what happens, I'll never give up on you. Never."
Outside, the night grew deeper. Inside the bedroom, two lovers slept in each other's arms, as if the entire world had ceased to exist around them.
The next morning, Emily woke up feeling sore all over. She shifted slightly and realized Charles was holding her tightly in his arms.
"You're awake?" Charles's voice came from above her head.
Emily looked up to see him gazing down at her with amusement in his eyes.
Remembering her bold behavior from the night before, Emily felt embarrassed and lowered her head, her cheeks flushing red.
Charles raised an eyebrow. "Shy now? You weren't so timid last night."
"I was drunk," Emily mumbled.
"So being drunk gives you permission to do whatever you want? Maybe I should get you drunk more often."
Emily immediately shook her head. "No! I'm never drinking again."
Charles chuckled and kissed her lips. "Good girl."
They lingered in bed for a while longer before getting up to wash and dress.
During breakfast, Emily suddenly remembered something. "By the way, did Elodie get home safely last night?"
Charles nodded. "Nathan drove her home. She should be fine."
Emily exhaled in relief. "That's good. I'll give her a call later."
After breakfast, Emily called Elodie. The phone rang for a long time before being answered.
"Hello..." Elodie's voice sounded exhausted.
"Elodie, are you okay?" Emily asked with concern. "Everything alright from last night?"
Elodie yawned. "I'm fine... just have a bit of a headache. Drank too much last night."
"I'm sorry. It's because of me that you drank so much," Emily said guiltily.
"It's not your fault—I was in a bad mood. Wait, what time is it? Oh no, I'm going to be late! The chief of staff is going to kill me! I'll call you later, I've got to run! Bye!"
The line went dead.
Emily couldn't help but laugh. Despite her seemingly carefree nature, Elodie was truly a responsible doctor, well-regarded by colleagues and patients alike. For her to oversleep today meant she really had drunk quite a bit last night.
Emily stood up, preparing to get ready. Just as she reached the staircase, her phone rang again.
It was an unknown number.
Emily hesitated before answering. "Hello?"
"Emily, it's me." A familiar voice came through the phone.
Emily froze. "Aunt Daphne?"
It was indeed Daphne.
"Emily, I want to talk to you about your mother... I've been thinking all night, and there are some things I should tell you."
Emily's heart began racing. "What things?"
"It's too complicated to explain over the phone. Are you free today? We should meet."
Emily checked the time. "Alright. Where?"
"I'm busy during the day. How about tonight? At Scott Manor. I'll wait for you."
After hanging up, Emily's heart was pounding. What was Daphne going to tell her now?
Emily took a deep breath, trying to calm herself. Whatever Daphne wanted to tell her, she would have to face it.
Today was her first day back at Obscura Fashion in over two weeks. Due to various circumstances, she hadn't been able to go to the company, but fortunately, the professional team Charles had arranged had kept things running smoothly.
"Ready?" Charles came downstairs, already dressed in a sharp suit, looking refreshed and energetic.
Emily nodded. "Yes, let's go."
They left together and got in the car. As the vehicle smoothly made its way toward downtown, Emily gazed out at the street scenes, feeling somewhat nostalgic. So much had happened recently that it felt like a lifetime ago.
Charles suddenly spoke. "Emily, there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?" Emily turned to look at him.
Charles was quiet for a moment before saying, "Nathan... has been transferred."
Emily's eyes widened in surprise. "Why? Hasn't he always done an excellent job? And didn't he just help us last night with—"
"It was Great-uncle Ollie's doing. Kismet is replacing Nathan as my assistant."
Emily's heart sank.
So she still hadn't given up, and Ollie hadn't abandoned his support for Kismet either.
"The Windsor Group's upper management is filled with Great-uncle's people. I don't have enough influence over personnel decisions yet. I'm sorry—I had to accept this arrangement."
Emily noticed his tightly pressed lips and knew he must be feeling terrible. Nathan had served him loyally for years and was highly capable. To be suddenly transferred and replaced by Kismet—it was all because of her.
Emily gently squeezed his hand. "Charles, I understand. You don't need to feel guilty."
Charles glanced at her. "Emily, thank you."
"There's nothing to thank me for. We should understand and support each other. Besides, I trust you. Even if Kismet is by your side, it won't change anything. Your heart belongs to me, doesn't it?"
Charles squeezed her hand back and nodded firmly. "Always."
The car soon arrived at the Windsor Group building. Emily looked up at the familiar office tower, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging.
"I'll walk you up," Charles said.
Emily shook her head. "You don't need to. I can go up myself. Don't you have an important meeting?"
"The meeting isn't until ten. I have time. I love watching you work—it's captivating."
Emily's cheeks flushed red. Unable to argue with him, she agreed.
They walked into Obscura Fashion together. The receptionist's eyes lit up when she saw them. "Ms. Johnson! You're finally back!"
Her voice carried, quickly drawing the attention of other employees.
"Ms. Johnson is back!"
"Hello, Ms. Johnson!"
"Ms. Johnson, where have you been? We've missed you so much!"
Employees gathered around, chattering excitedly with greetings. Emily looked at all the familiar faces and felt warmth spreading through her chest.
"Thank you all for your concern. I'm back," she said with a smile.
"Ms. Johnson, did you and Mr. Windsor go on your honeymoon during this time?" a young female employee asked with a grin. "You look so radiant—you must have had a wonderful time!"
Other employees chimed in:
"Yes, yes! Ms. Johnson looks even more beautiful!"
"Mr. Windsor looks refreshed too!"
"Congratulations, Ms. Johnson! Congratulations, Mr. Windsor!"