Chapter 126 Try It Tonight
After the knock, came the sound of the door being pushed open.
"Mr. West."
His mind went blank with a buzz. Without time to think, he hastily wiped away the blood from his nose, pulled himself together, and only then walked out of the bathroom with a stern face.
When Emma saw him come out, she quickly approached and reached out to support him, "Let me help you downstairs for dinner."
Nicholas abruptly shook off her hand, his tone as cold as winter wind, "No need, I can walk by myself."
He absolutely, absolutely could not let her have too much contact with other men, not even a little.
They first entered the tea room in the side hall. As soon as James saw Mr. West, he hurried forward with genuine gratitude on his face and spoke.
"Mr. West, thank you so much for risking your own safety to save this old life of mine. I have no way to repay you, but I hope to have the chance to return the favor in the future, Mr. West."
Nicholas's tone was flat, revealing no emotion, "Dr. Lee, you're too kind. You are a national treasure. Saving you means saving the country and its people."
This old man before him, James Lee, was none other than Dr. N's mentor.
Someone who could cultivate a student as brilliantly talented as Dr. N certainly deserved to be called a national treasure.
James stroked his graying beard and chuckled.
"Speaking of which, this crisis turned out to be a blessing in disguise. Who would have thought we'd discover those Rainbow Brocade plants? Mr. West, could you set up a restricted area there? I'm worried those precious things might get trampled by ignorant tourists."
Nicholas pondered for a moment and said, "Don't worry, Dr. Lee. I'll have people carefully transplant those seedlings to my castle and guard them closely. That way, you can access them anytime you need."
"Dr. Lee, please sit!" The two sat down together on the luxurious Western-style sofa.
James's eyes lit up at these words, his smile deepening, "That would be wonderful! On behalf of countless people, I thank you, Mr. West!"
With that, he was about to bow in gratitude.
Quick as lightning, Emma stepped forward to support him, saying playfully, "James, don't be so formal! We'll be family from now on."
James was shocked, looking at his student, "Emma, you... what do you mean...?"
He didn't dare finish the sentence, but his eyes were full of inquiry.
Emma's cheeks flushed slightly, but she smiled openly, "James, I'm going to marry Mr. West."
Nicholas suddenly stood up, his face instantly darkening, looking extremely displeased.
This woman still hadn't given up this ridiculous idea?
"I won't marry you. Right now, immediately, give up this idea!" His voice was ice-cold.
Before Emma could speak, James beside her exploded first.
"What do you mean by that?" The old man bristled with anger. "Do you think Emma isn't good enough for you? Let me tell you, the men who want to marry my Emma could form a line from here to Emerald City! Don't be so ungrateful!"
Emma quickly tugged at James's sleeve, then turned to Nicholas, her voice still gentle as water.
"Mr. West, you don't need to answer me so hastily. We can take our time getting to know each other. Feelings can be developed gradually."
James looked at his student's unusual behavior, frowning, and suddenly asked, "Girl, are you serious? Didn't you insist on marrying that Nicholas before? It's only been a short time, and you really want to remarry?"
Emma's smile faded slightly, then bloomed again.
"Master, we're already divorced. Now, I only like Mr. West. Mr. West has saved my life twice. This kindness is worth repaying with marriage."
Nicholas couldn't listen anymore.
Every word of this conversation felt like needles piercing his ears.
He suddenly blurted out, "I don't like women! I can't marry you! I suggest you go back and remarry your ex-husband!"
Emma suppressed the laughter she could barely hold back, blinked, looking pure and innocent.
"You don't like women... then, does Mr. West like men?"
Nicholas gritted his teeth, "That's right!"
Emma's smile instantly brightened, her beautiful eyes curving into crescents.
"Perfect! I've prepared a special gift for Mr. West!"
She clapped her hands lightly, and two men walked in from outside.
They were indeed two extremely handsome men, with tall, model-like figures and faces as good-looking as celebrities, wearing tight sequined outfits that sparkled dazzlingly under the lights.
Emma beckoned to them, "Go serve Mr. West!"
Nicholas's face instantly darkened.
He clenched his teeth, his gaze sweeping over the two men, then actually beckoned to them.
The two men immediately understood and sat obediently on either side of him.
Nicholas extended both arms and pulled the two men into his embrace, his movements bold and unrestrained.
Only then did he look up, lowering his voice to say to the stunned Emma, "Is it appropriate for you to stay here?"
Emma froze.
She forcibly suppressed her inner panic, trying to maintain her composure.
"Then... then I won't disturb Mr. West's enjoyment. I'll accompany James to dinner. Take your time."
Indeed, life is full of acting.
Walking out of the side hall, James kept shaking his head and sighing, "This Mr. West... what a shame, why doesn't he like women?"
Emma couldn't stop laughing.
Inside the room, as soon as their footsteps faded, Nicholas practically jumped up.
He barked at the two men still wearing seductive smiles, "Get over there!"
The anger in his heart was rising rapidly.
What was this woman trying to do! How come he never noticed before that she was so mischievous? She really needed to be taught a lesson!
Soon after, a servant came to invite him to dinner, and he coldly replied, "I'm not eating."
With that, he walked outside.
He stood by the cliff outside smoking, thinking about his possible poisoning.
He wondered whether to tell Emma, in case... forget it, better to find a chance to talk with Dr. Lee first.
Before long, a bodyguard hurried over to report.
"Boss, Hawk is here, carrying an injured woman, saying he needs to use the hot spring for treatment."
Nicholas's face instantly darkened, his tone devoid of warmth, "This place isn't open to the public."
"Yes."
The bodyguard acknowledged and had just turned to leave.
Hawk had already rushed in carrying someone! The girl was covered in blood, lying limply in his arms, her face unclear.
Nicholas's anger surged, pointing toward the entrance, roaring, "Get out!"
Hawk ignored his order to leave, speaking calmly, "Mr. West, pardon the intrusion today, but she's badly injured. I hope you can be flexible."
Just then, Emma came out. Seeing the silver mask, her heart skipped a beat.
She had seen this man once at the arena.
Hawk saw Emma and a glimmer of hope ignited, "I'm so glad to see you! Save her quickly, she's lost so much blood and has a high fever. If we delay any longer, I'm afraid..."
Emma's heart tightened, and she instinctively moved forward.
But Nicholas grabbed her firmly, staring at Hawk with sinister eyes, each word dripping with ice.
"Hawk, do you think this is your East Side garbage dump? When did my people become yours to order around? Get out now!"
He felt inherent disgust for this thug who had crawled out of the slums.
Hawk's eyes turned cold, but his lips curled into a mocking smile, "Mr. West, are you afraid I can't pay the medical fees? Or is your Hot Spring Villa in the business of taking advantage of people in distress?"
He knew all too well that this Mr. West before him was a shrewd businessman to the core.
"Someone!" Nicholas was completely enraged, his voice suddenly rising.
"Mr. Zane," Emma suddenly broke free from Nicholas's grip and stepped forward, her tone calm but firm, "Please carry her to a room and follow me."
Nicholas bit down hard. This woman... did she really think she was the lady of the house?
Emma quickly brought in a set of clean clothes.
When she saw the deathly pale face of the woman on the bed, she was struck as if by lightning, dropping the clothes in her hands.
"Evelyn... Evelyn? How can it be you? What are you doing here?"
Her voice trembled, hardly believing her eyes.
"How did you get hurt so badly..." Her eyes quickly reddened, tears rolling down uncontrollably in large drops.
Hawk stood to the side, his tall figure looking somewhat dejected, his eyes full of thick guilt, "I'm sorry, it's my fault... I didn't protect her well."
Emma snapped back to reality. Now wasn't the time to cry!
She ran out quickly and soon rushed back carrying a small medical kit.
"I need to treat her wounds immediately," she took a deep breath, looking at Hawk with an unquestionable tone, "Please step out for a moment."
Hawk opened his mouth but ultimately said nothing, silently walking out.
He leaned against the cold door frame, lit a cigarette, and through the smoke, his expression was unclear.
Inside the room, Emma held her breath and used sterilized scissors to carefully cut away Evelyn's dress, already soaked and stiffened with blood.
When the fabric peeled away and three deep whip marks appeared before her eyes, Emma gasped, her heart clenching tight.
The whip marks extended from the shoulder blade all the way to the small of the back, the skin torn and flesh mangled, absolutely horrifying!
How much must it have hurt... What terrible thing had Evelyn experienced?
Emma had no time to think more, no time to grieve. The only thing she could do now was save Evelyn.
Night fell.
When Emma came out, her eyes were red.
She stood by the door, her voice hoarse from crying, speaking softly with Hawk about something.
Hawk's cold eyes took on some gravity. He nodded, pushed open the door before him, and walked in, his figure quickly disappearing behind the door.
Emma turned around, and before she could compose herself, Nicholas appeared like a ghost, blocking her way.
He looked her up and down, his gaze finally settling on her swollen eyelids.
"I'm hungry!" he suddenly said, his voice deep, revealing neither pleasure nor anger.
Emma sniffled, her voice still flat, "I'll have the chef make you something."
With that, she tried to walk around him.
This attitude was wrong. After seeing Hawk, she was this cold to him? And why had she been crying? Nicholas's mind went on high alert. Had she fallen for someone else?
As soon as this thought arose, the nameless anger in his heart flared up.
He suddenly bent down, extended his long arm, and scooped Emma up horizontally.
Emma was startled, instinctively wrapping her arms around his neck, then realizing what was happening, began to struggle.
"What are you doing? Put me down!"
But Nicholas paid no attention, carrying her, his tone brooking no argument, "Don't you want to marry me? Let's try it tonight."
Emma was both anxious and angry, flailing her limbs, "Didn't you say you like men?"
At these words, Nicholas lowered his head, the corner of his mouth curving into a playful smile, though his eyes were unfathomable.
"Women, I can try too." His thin lips parted, his voice seductive. "Who knows, might be more interesting than men!"
With that, he chuckled softly and strode with his long legs straight toward his room.
"I don't want to try, put me down!"
He didn't respond!
With a loud bang, Nicholas kicked the door open...