Chapter 75: This Is the Mark You Left on Me

James didn't say anything more, but he knew Emily got the message.

"I get it," Emily's voice was soft but firm. "But I don't regret it."

James looked at her, his expression a mix of emotions.

He wanted to tell her to stop doing dangerous stuff. He'd rather take the knife himself than see her get hurt.

Emily went on, "James, since I decided to marry you, you're my husband. When I saw that dagger coming at you, I didn't even think..."

Before she could finish, James pulled her into his arms.

The sunset outside cast a warm orange-red glow through the window, lighting up the room.

Their shadows merged on the white walls, and their deep, unspoken love filled the space.

Two weeks flew by, and James and Emily's engagement party was just around the corner.

"Ms. Johnson, be careful with your wound," Delta said, carefully helping Emily.

Emily looked at her stunning champagne-colored dress, covered in tiny diamonds that sparkled. But when she saw the scar on her back in the mirror, she frowned.

"Delta, this dress..." Emily hesitated, "Should I change it?"

"Why? You look amazing in it. It makes your skin glow and shows off your elegance," Delta said, clearly pleased with the dress.

"But..." Emily bit her lip, unsure how to say it.

Delta seemed to get it and lowered her voice. "Ms. Johnson, are you worried about the scar on your back?"

Emily nodded. The dress was backless, and she didn't want anyone to see the scar, especially at the engagement party.

"Don't worry about it. You got that scar saving Mr. Smith. Who would dare say anything?" Delta reassured her.

"Even so, it feels wrong," Emily sighed.

Just then, the door opened, and James rolled in wearing a black suit. Even in a wheelchair, he had a commanding presence.

"What are you talking about?" He came over to Emily, taking her hand and looking at her with love.

"Nothing, just chatting," Emily forced a smile, trying to hide her discomfort.

"Is it about the dress?" James guessed, his tone gentle.

Emily was surprised but nodded.

"What's wrong? Don't you like it?" James asked, looking her over. "You look stunning in it."

"But..." Emily bit her lip. "It's backless, and I..."

"I know," James cut her off, gently touching the scar on her back. "Does it still hurt?"

"It hasn't hurt for a while," Emily smiled.

James said, "This scar is a reminder of how you saved me. It's not ugly at all. To me, you're the most beautiful."

Hearing this, Emily looked into James's deep eyes, filled with so much affection it made her heart race.

"But..." Emily started, but James cut her off again.

"Don't worry about what others think," James's voice was low and soothing.

Just then, Robert showed up at the door and knocked lightly, "Mr. Smith, there's something urgent."

James's expression shifted, and he quickly followed Robert out of the room.

Outside, James asked, "What's going on?"

Robert lowered his voice, sounding serious, "Mr. Smith, we've figured out who was behind the attack."

James's face darkened, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

"Go on," James's fingers tapped the armrest of his wheelchair, making Robert a bit nervous.

"They're from the Shadow Syndicate. The snake tattoo is their mark," Robert paused, watching James's reaction. Seeing none, he continued, "They're tough, but our guys aren't pushovers. We finally got some leads."

James's lips pressed into a thin line, his silence exuding a cold, stormy aura.

Robert added, "Even though we faced a lot of resistance, we didn't give up. We've tracked down the mastermind, Mr. Jasper Smith."

James's tapping finger stopped, his eyes growing darker, hiding his emotions.

He thought, 'How dare my brother try to kill me for the family fortune, and even drag Emily into this mess!'

James was furious, but he quickly calmed himself.

Jasper's attempt to kill him had failed, but he wouldn't stop there. Moreover, the Shadow Syndicate was a mysterious group of skilled fighters, making them difficult to deal with. He needed to carefully plan his next move to retaliate.

At the Smith Manor.

Jasper sat in his study, tapping his desk rhythmically, the sound echoing in the silent room. He exuded a cold aura.

"Mr. Smith, everything's set," a lean, sinister-looking man reported respectfully, "The Shadow Syndicate is ready, just waiting for your orders."

Jasper stood up, walked to the window, and lit a cigarette. The red glow flickered, lighting up his face.

Through the smoke, a cruel smile appeared on his lips.

"Good," Jasper's smile turned vicious. "This time, I want James gone for good. And as for Emily, she won't get lucky like last time."

Jasper blew out a smoke ring, his eyes filled with malice. "No mistakes this time! If you mess up again, don't bother coming back!"

Fear flashed in the man's eyes, but he just bowed his head. "Yes, Mr. Smith."

Jasper crushed the cigarette into the ashtray, sparks flying, mirroring his violent mood.

He thought, 'James is just a cripple in a wheelchair; how dare he compete with me?'

He looked out at the city lights, his eyes full of greed and ambition. "Everything in the Smith Family will be mine sooner or later!"