Chapter 74: Do You Know That I Want to Protect You Well

Robert was caught off guard but quickly nodded. "Yeah, Mr. Smith, you've got a sharp eye. It was a rush, and I only got a quick look..."

"Cut the crap!" James snapped, "Follow this lead. I want results ASAP."

Feeling James's icy, threatening vibe, Robert started sweating bullets, nodded like crazy, and bolted out of there hurriedly.

James stood alone by the window, his figure stretched out by the moonlight. He looked especially lonely and desolate in his wheelchair.

He thought of Emily's pale face and scared eyes, and his heart ached.

Emily was always so carefree, as innocent as a kid, while people from powerful families were always scheming.

Growing up in the Smith Family, he'd seen all kinds of plots. But he never thought they'd dare hurt her!

If the mastermind wanted to play dirty, he was game!

Night fell, and the lights of the Smith Manor flickered on, giving off an unsettling vibe.

In the study, Jasper paced back and forth, the ashtray overflowing with cigarette butts, and the air thick with smoke.

He frowned, his sharp eyes glued to the phone on the desk.

"Damn it, why is there still no news!" Jasper muttered, his voice full of anxiety and unease.

Ever since his people in Silverlight City went dark, he'd been on edge. He felt a heavy weight on his chest, making it hard to breathe.

"Jasper, don't worry, those guys are pros, nothing will happen to them," Isabella, in a sexy silk robe, swayed in with a glass of red wine, trying to calm Jasper down.

"Are you sure? It's been ages with no word, how can I not worry!" Jasper took a big gulp of wine, the red liquid dripping down his mouth and staining his white shirt, looking especially striking.

Seeing this, Isabella's eyes flickered, and she asked playfully, "Jasper, do you think James might have dodged the danger?"

Jasper went silent; he was worried about that too.

"Jasper, don't forget, James isn't the sickly guy you could easily push around anymore," Isabella walked behind Jasper, her slender fingers gently stroking his shoulder, her tone meaningful, "He's now got Hayden's full trust and has gotten stronger."

Jasper grabbed Isabella's hand, his eyes fierce. "Are you saying I'm not as good as him?"

"No, that's not what I mean!" Isabella pulled her hand back, walked to the sofa, and elegantly crossed her legs, "Even if he survived and suspects us, it's no big deal. As long as we deny everything, what can he do?"

Jasper fell silent; he knew Isabella was right.

Even if James suspected them, without proof, he couldn't do anything.

"Jasper, don't stress too much. I've already set things up. When James has his engagement party, then..." Isabella leaned close to Jasper's ear and whispered a few words.

After listening, Jasper's face twisted into a sinister grin. "Alright, we'll do it your way!"

Outside, the night grew darker, and distant thunder rumbled, like it was warning of an even bigger storm on the horizon.

After a night of rain, the next afternoon finally cleared up.

Emily had been out of it, sleeping all day, feeling totally wiped out.

The sharp smell of disinfectant filled her nose as she slowly opened her eyes, the white ceiling coming into view, making her feel a bit disoriented.

"You're awake?" A deep male voice sounded in her ear, with a hint of barely noticeable tenderness.

Emily turned her head and saw James sitting by the bed, the evening sunlight streaming through the window, outlining his chiseled features with a golden edge.

He was holding a book, and when he saw her awake, he closed it and set it aside.

"How do you feel? Is there anywhere that still hurts?" James asked, his tone carrying a hint of concern.

Emily shook her head, trying to sit up, but the movement pulled at her wounds, making her gasp in pain.

James quickly supported her and carefully placed a pillow behind her. "Don't move, your wounds haven't healed yet."

"I'm fine," Emily smiled at him, trying to appear relaxed, but couldn't hide the fatigue in her eyes.

James said nothing, just looked at her intently, his deep eyes filled with complex emotions.

The room was silent, the atmosphere so heavy it was hard to breathe.

After a long while, James finally spoke, his voice low and hoarse, "Why did you do that?"

Emily was taken aback, not understanding immediately, "What?"

"Why did you take the knife for me?" James looked straight into her eyes, asking word by word, "Do you know how dangerous that was?"

Although his tone was calm, Emily could hear a hint of hidden anger and an emotion she couldn't quite identify.

"I..." Emily opened her mouth but didn't know how to explain.

Should she admit that she instinctively rushed out without thinking of seeing him in danger?

Seeing her at a loss for words, James suddenly smiled, "Don't you know how to answer?"

Emily hesitated. "Yes."

Was James trying to force her to confess her feelings?

Seeing her slightly shy expression, James gently stroked her cheek, his tone filled with helplessness. "Emily, do you know? You make me feel useless."

Emily was stunned; she didn't expect James to say that. "I..."

James interrupted her, his tone filled with bitterness, "Do you know that I want to protect you?"

Emily's heart trembled as she suddenly realized that deep down, his disability had made him feel insecure and sensitive.

"When I saw the blood staining your clothes and you fall in front of me..." James's voice was low and hoarse, which made Emily focus on his words.

"I thought I was going to lose you!" James continued very softly.

"I..." Emily opened her mouth but didn't know what to say.

James sighed, "Do you know? If that knife had been just a little off, you would have..."