Chapter 75 Rhys's Rude Awakening
Rhys let out a howl of pain, his entire face contorting in agony.
Nicholas had appeared at Emma's side without anyone noticing.
He wore a perfectly tailored suit, his expression blank, radiating an aura that warned everyone to keep their distance.
Mr. Harrison—when had he arrived? Everyone scrambled to their feet in alarm.
Nicholas released Rhys's hand like he was discarding something filthy.
He looked down at the man doubled over in pain, his voice devoid of any inflection.
"You don't deserve to touch her."
Rhys staggered back two steps, clutching his twisted wrist as cold sweat poured down his face, but he didn't dare utter another word.
A single look from Nicholas, and his bodyguards hauled Rhys out.
Emma looked up, meeting Nicholas's cold, sharp profile.
His appearance had been far too sudden.
"Emma, we need to talk."
His voice was quiet but carried an unmistakable command.
Emma didn't even lift her head, her red lips curving into a mocking smile.
"Talk?"
She glanced around the room, her voice pitched just loud enough for nearby people to hear.
"Mr. Harrison, there's a line of distributors waiting here. Even if you are the wealthiest man in the country, you still need to follow proper procedure!"
"If Harrison Group is genuinely interested in partnering with Dr. N, fine. Submit your qualification materials first, and we'll notify you about contract negotiations once you pass our review."
Her tone was strictly business, distant and professional.
Nicholas clearly had no patience for corporate protocol.
He reached out, his movement swift and forceful, grabbing directly for her wrist.
"Come with me." His imposing frame closed in with intimidating presence.
Emma spun around sharply, shoving his shoulder hard. His body stumbled backward, colliding with a nearby table. A glass tumbled off and crashed to the floor. It shattered into pieces!
Everyone stared in shock, the air instantly frozen.
Nicholas's eyes darkened. Did this woman actually have that much strength?
Several black-suited bodyguards immediately rushed forward, positioning themselves protectively in front of Nicholas. The atmosphere became razor-sharp with tension.
Nicholas stepped forward with commanding presence. To everyone watching, it looked like he was about to strangle her. They didn't dare breathe!
"Had enough, or want to go another round?" His tone was remarkably calm, showing no signs of anger whatsoever!
In the past, he would have made any woman who dared challenge him disappear forever! But now, he couldn't bring himself to harm her! Strange!
Perhaps it was because of that night—he had hurt her, and he didn't want to cause her more pain.
Emma was speechless.
Emma hadn't expected that her dramatic gesture would leave him looking more troubled than angry!
She turned to the stunned onlookers with a slight smile, her voice clear and bright.
"Sorry everyone, it seems this environment isn't suitable for business discussions. Too chaotic."
"We'll continue our partnership negotiations at Moore Group headquarters another day."
With that, she turned and walked away, her heels clicking against the floor with confident determination.
She looked back at Nicholas, her gaze ice-cold, her words a clear threat, "Don't follow me! Or I'll call the police!"
So queue-jumping got you beaten up? If they'd known, they would have let Nicholas go first!
She strode out directly, leaving behind dead silence and the sound of people gasping.
Nicholas shrugged and left too, leaving everyone stunned.
"My God! That woman has serious guts!"
"She actually dared to push Nicholas? Incredible!"
"That fat creep who tried to grope her—compared to her, he deserved whatever Nicholas did to him!"
"Mr. Harrison didn't even get angry? Unbelievable!"
"Could she be someone Mr. Harrison has feelings for? Otherwise, why would he be so protective?"
...
Three hours later, Rhys was beaten to a pulp, stripped naked, and dumped on the beach.
His company also went bankrupt!
The consequences were so severe that no one dared speculate about who was responsible.
They only knew this was what happened when you crossed Emma.
6:30 PM at the Jackson family mansion, lights blazed warmly throughout.
The long dining table was laden with dishes so abundant it resembled a harvest festival celebration.
Emma had barely sat down before Ruby's fork hadn't stopped moving, constantly serving food onto her plate.
"Emma, look at you—it's only been a short while since you were home, and you've lost so much weight!"
Ruby's voice was full of concern.
"Your color isn't good either. At this rate, you'll ruin your health completely!"
Emma picked up her fork, smiling warmly. "I've been swamped with work lately."
"Don't worry, I promise I'll come home more often to spend time with you."
"You better mean that!" Ruby declared firmly. "This time you're staying for several days, and I won't accept any excuses."
Emma nodded. "Alright."
Evelyn's father wore disposable gloves as he methodically peeled shrimp.
He carefully distributed the peeled shrimp between Emma's and Evelyn's plates.
Emma got exactly five.
Evelyn got four.
Evelyn's eyes immediately widened in indignation. "Hey! You're playing favorites!"
"Why does she get five and I only get four? Am I not your real daughter?"
He glanced up at her. "If you're so capable, skip a grade like she did."
The grade-skipping achievement was something he'd never get over. Emma was his greatest pride!
"If you can skip a grade, all the shrimp in this house will be yours from now on. I guarantee it!"
Emma couldn't help but laugh.
During this pleasant moment, he suddenly looked at Emma.
"Emma, about you and Nicholas..." He paused, his tone measured. "Is there really no possibility of reconciliation?"
Before Emma could respond, Evelyn exploded: "What do you mean by that!"
"Are you trying to push Emma back into that hellhole? Nicholas is a complete scumbag! He's already living with Zoe!"
Emma set down her fork, her expression calm. "The divorce papers are signed. We just need to finalize everything in court."
"But he keeps stalling."
Evelyn's father studied her intently. "Does it hurt? After all this time together, do you still love him?"
Emma paused for a moment.
Then she shook her head gently, her tone frank. "It doesn't hurt anymore. I've gotten used to it."
His face showed relieved satisfaction. "That's right! That's exactly the mindset you need to completely cut ties with the past!"
He exchanged a meaningful look with Ruby.
Ruby took the hint immediately, pulling out a thick stack of photos and spreading them across the table in front of Emma.
"Emma, look! Look at these! Eligible bachelors from across the country—I've gathered them all for you! You'll be spoiled for choice!"
"Look, this one has impeccable family background and character. He'd be perfect for the Jackson family!"
Emma and Evelyn exchanged glances, finally understanding tonight's dinner had an agenda.
Evelyn gave Ruby a thumbs up. "Mom, your networking skills are incredible! In high society circles, you're definitely top-tier!"
"You need to choose too! I'm canceling your arrangement with that Garcia family playboy!" Evelyn's father declared firmly.
Evelyn's eyes lit up. She immediately jumped from her chair and ran to hug his arm, acting coquettish.
"Dad! You really are the best father ever! You understand me completely!"
She patted her chest confidently. "Don't worry! If you can do it, so can I!"
She turned to Ruby. "Mom, here's what we'll do—divide the photos into two stacks and number them."
"Odd numbers for Emma, even numbers for me!"
"We'll schedule one blind date per week each. Guaranteed to complete the mission and make you both happy!"
The parents looked at each other, confusion written all over their faces.
...
Meanwhile, Nicholas returned to his mansion in a dark mood, only to find Zoe wearing an apron.
She carried a dish toward him, smiling—the picture of a devoted wife.
Nicholas suddenly froze, because in his mind's eye, he saw Emma's sweet, radiant smile instead.
"Nicholas, you're home! Wash up and let's eat!"
She set down the dish and moved closer, her soft curves pressing against his arm.