Chapter 184 Buy One Get One Free
The SUV sped away as Emma pulledthe trembling Evelyn and Nina close.
Emma's voice cracked with panic. "Evelyn, are you okay? Are you hurt?"
Evelyn clutched her abdomen with one hand; cold sweat beaded on her foreheadand her lips trembled.
"I'm fine... it's just—my stomach hurts a little."
"It's okay, it's okay—don't worry." Emma's words were meant to comfort, but inside she was in turmoil.
She turned to Nina and gently patted her trembling back.
"Nina, don't be afraid. Someone will come to rescue us soon."
The moment she finished speaking, the van screeched to a sudden halt. The sudden jolt threw all three women crashing hard into the front seats.
Three men cursed as they leapt from the vehicle.
Their van had been boxed in by a luxury sedan up front and three more luxury cars behind.
Three imposing men stepped out: Nicholas, Luke, and Ethan.
Within seconds muffled groans and the sickening crack of breaking bones drifted in from outside.
Someone yanked the van door open.
Against the blinding light, a strikingly handsome face filled the doorway.
He stood tall and commanding; his presence washed over them, leaving all three women stunned.
His penetrating gaze landed on Evelyn. He bent down and gently opened his arms to lift her.
Evelyn recognized him—the handsome man from yesterday.
"Where does it hurt?" he asked, his voice low and full of concern.
"I... my stomach hurts a little," she said, her voice wavering and edged with tears.
"Don't be afraid. I'll take you to the hospital,” he said gently, sweeping her up in his arms without hesitation.
Before getting into the car, he turned his head; his icy gaze sweptover the cowering kidnappers on the ground.
"Whoever laid a hand on her—bring them to me."
The black sedan shot forward like an arrow.
Nicholas strode over and pulled Emma into a tight embrace the moment she stepped out of the van.
He quickly checked her over, his voice tight with tension. "Are you hurt anywhere?"
Emma shook her head in his arms, her heartbeat still unsteady.
"That man just now...” she whispered.
"That's Luke, heir to the White family," Nicholas said gravely. "Don't worry. Evelyn will be safe with him."
Emma trembled from head to toe.
So that was Mr. White, the godlike figure of Empire City.
They had seen his matchmaking photos before, but he was far more striking in person.
Ethan walked over and stamped his designer shoe down hard on one man's wrists.
A crisp crack echoed as a blood-curdling scream rang out.
Only then did he turn, take Nina's hand, and lead her to another car.
Nicholas waved his hand dismissively.
"Take them all. Question them one by one!"
Nina leaned against the plush seat, tears still falling like scattered pearls.
She was terrified, her small body still shaking uncontrollably.
Seeing her, Ethan's heart softened.
He fished a milk candy from his pocket, unwrapped it, and held it to her lips.
"This candy is delicious. Want to try one?"
She kept her mouth shut and turned her head away.
He pulled a small cookie from another pocket.
"Come on, this one's good—just try it.”
Nina still didn't take it; she only stared at him with tear-filled eyes.
Running out of options, Ethan pulled out a small duck-shaped gummy.
It was wrapped in clear plastic; he pressed its belly and it squeaked.
He softened his voice and coaxed gently, "Alright, stop crying. Look, even the little duck wants you to smile."
Who would have thought that Ethan, CEO of Martinez Corporation, had been carrying those childish yet adorable snacks in his pockets ever since visiting the Jackson family and meeting her—like a walking candy store, ready to cheer her up at any moment.
But she still refused to take anything.
Ethan's brow furrowed.
Nina sniffled, raised her hands, and hesitantly signed a few words to him.
Ethan immediately understood and leaned forward to examine her neck carefully.
On her snow-white skin there were indeed two clear red marks.
Murderous fury flared instantly in his eyes.
That bastard had dared to touch her!
He pulled out a disinfectant wipe, but his movements were impossibly gentle as he carefully cleaned the red marks.
"There—all clean now. Not dirty anymore."
He spoke softly, his voice barely restraining the anger beneath it.
"Later, I'll cut out his tongue and cook it for you to eat."
Instead of being amused, she gasped sharply and quickly signed again, tears flowing even harder.
Ethan felt his chest constrict as if gripped by an invisible hand.
He reached out and pulled her whole body into his arms.
He wrapped her in his warmth, resting his chin on the top of her head as he murmuredover and over:
"Not dirty, not dirty. Our Nina is still very clean, very beautiful."
Then he lowered his head and kissed her trembling lips.
His kiss was gentle and warm—undeniably comforting as he traced the line of her mouth.
Nina stared at him in shock, a half-formed tear hanging on her long lashes, forgotten.
Meanwhile, Luke had taken Evelyn to the hospital; only after he heard that the baby was fine did he finally allow himself to breathe.
When Evelyn came out, she thanked him again. "Thank you. Have we... met before?"
She wanted to ask whether they'd crossed paths before.
His sharp eyes softened with sudden tenderness. "I apologize for my presumption. I'm Luke. I understand Mrs. Jackson showed you my photograph."
Luke?
"You're the heir to the White family, Luke?"
Evelyn stared in shock—his looks, build, and status were all top-tier.
In the past, she might have pursued him.
Now she adjusted her tone and said, "I'm sorry, Mr. White. As you know, I'm pregnant and I have no plans to marry."
Luke's eyes held a faint tenderness as he replied calmly, "I don't mind. As long as you're willing to marry me, I'll take care of you and the child.”
Evelyn was taken aback again, sensing something was off.
Why would he want a pregnant woman like her?
"Mr. White, with your status..."
He looked at her plainly and said in a low voice, "I'm impotent. A package deal suits me fine."
Evelyn fell silent.
Later she would learn that Luke was far from impotent—he was fiercer than a wolf. This was all just his calculated strategy...
Night fell heavily.
Nicholas brought Emma back to Imperial Garden.
"Until we find who's behind this, you'll stay here."
"I won't let you face any more danger, and I don't want the Jackson family to suffer because of you."
His tone allowed no argument.
Emma had no words to protest. The kidnappers had come specifically for her, demanding Dr. N from the start.
Fortunately, Nicholas and the others had arrived in time; otherwise, who knew what might have happened.
Poor Daryl Jackson was destined for a sleepless night.
Although he'd received calls confirming everyone's safety, none of his three daughters had returned home.
Nina had been taken by Ethan for "dinner," which stretched into the early hours. Slightly tipsy, Ethan didn't dare send her home.
Meanwhile, Luke had insisted on staying overnight at the hospital with Evelyn for "observation," spending the whole night trying to persuade her to accept him.
Daryl sat alone in his empty living room, feeling helpless—he couldn't protect any of his daughters; they'd all been taken away by other men.
Emma gazed across the fragrant Dreamy Garden, her heart a tangle of emotions. After everything that had happened, she had come to this place.
She barely touched her dinner, she had no appetite and feeling queasy.
After the meal, Nicholas took her hand and walked with her through the garden.
The night breeze was cool, carrying the fresh scent of lilies. Nicholas removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders.
Emma pulled the jacket tighter and asked softly, “Does Mr. White have feelings for Evelyn?"
Nicholas walked beside her and, at her question, a meaningful smile curved his lips.
"He has a long road ahead of him."
"But Evelyn—he's determined to marry her."
Emma stopped and stared at him in amazement. "Why is he so set on marrying Evelyn? She's already pregnant."
Nicholas froze for a beat, then chuckled low and let his chest vibrate.
He turned his head and casually made up an excuse.
"He can't have children. Someone like Evelyn suits him perfectly."
Emma looked stunned. Luke was actually—
Nicholas extended his arm and drew her gently into his embrace as the night wind rustled the flower branches.
"Emma, come back to me."
His voice dropped low and husky, close to her ear and full of persuasion.
"I can't lose you again. Have a child with me."
Emma's mind went blank. She was completely bewildered.
"All the love I couldn't give you before in Luminous City—I want to make up for it."
Without giving her time to think, he lowered his head and claimed her lips.
This kiss was passionate and dominating.
For a moment the world narrowed to just the two of them.
He wanted to reenter her life, to possess her again.
He had waited so long for this day.
He kissed along her skin as he lifted her in his arms and strode toward the main house.
The familiar path, the familiar room.
When Emma came to, she found herself laid on the soft bed, her clothes half-undone.
He stood at the bedside, eyes dark with a hunger that felt almost irresistible — a temptation in the dark.
Emma's heart leapt violently.