Chapter 76: Engagement Banquet

James and Emily's engagement party was in full swing at the Smith Manor garden. Fancy cars rolled in, guests mingled, and the lights sparkled, making the place buzz with excitement.

But beneath the surface, trouble was brewing.

"Hey, check out Ms. Johnson's back," a well-dressed woman whispered to her friend, her eyes glued to Emily's back, her voice dripping with curiosity and a bit of glee.

"Looks like a big scar," another woman said, craning her neck for a better look. "Marrying into money isn't a walk in the park. She hasn't even tied the knot yet and already has a scar. Her future's gonna be rough."

Even though they were whispering, people around them caught on, and soon, rumors started flying.

"Think it's domestic violence? I heard James Smith has a nasty temper," someone speculated.

"Domestic violence? No way! The Smith family wouldn't stand for that. There's gotta be another reason," another woman said, lowering her voice and glancing around. Seeing everyone leaning in, she continued, "I heard Ms. Johnson had a secret lover for years. Maybe the scar's from that..."

She left the sentence hanging, but the implication was clear.

Emily heard the whispers. Her face tightened, and she gripped her champagne glass so hard the liquid rippled.

She wanted to cover the scar, but then a warm hand gently covered hers.

"Don't worry, I'm here," James said, his voice low and steady, shielding her from the prying eyes and gossip.

He shot a cold, warning look at the whispering crowd, a smirk playing on his lips. His presence alone was enough to shut them up.

"Listen up, everyone," James said, his voice calm but commanding, "The scar on Emily's back is from saving me. She's brave and kind. Today, you're here to celebrate our engagement. We want you to share this special moment with us."

He squeezed Emily's hand, their fingers intertwining, making it clear to everyone, "Emily is my fiancée. We're getting married soon, and I won't let anyone hurt or slander her."

His words hit hard, leaving everyone stunned.

Amelia, standing next to Hayden, felt a pang of emotion. 'When did James and Emily's relationship change?' she wondered.

She glanced at Hayden and saw admiration in his eyes.

'If Hayden's serious about making this marriage a condition for choosing an heir, things could get tricky,' she thought, her gaze towards Emily turning more venomous and calculating.

Just then, Robert approached James and whispered something in his ear, his face serious as if he were saying something important.

"How dare they!" James's face darkened, his eyes flashing with anger after hearing Robert's words.

"What's wrong?" Emily asked, noticing the change in his demeanor.

James squeezed her hand gently, his voice soft. "It's nothing, I'll be right back. Wait here for me."

"Okay," Emily nodded, though she was clearly worried.

James patted her hand reassuringly before Robert wheeled him towards a secluded corner.

Once they were away from the crowd, James asked in a low voice, "Are you sure?"

"Yes. It's confirmed. There's a suspected explosive device in the bushes at the southwest corner of the garden. No timer, so someone nearby must be controlling it," Robert replied, his voice serious.

James's eyes narrowed, a cold fury in his gaze.

Whoever managed to plant an explosive device in the Smith Manor's garden wasn't just anyone. It had to be Jasper.

James had expected Jasper wouldn't give up easily, but he didn't think he'd be so bold as to pull something like this at the engagement party.

"Increase security. No one goes near there without my order," James instructed, his tone firm and authoritative.

"Got it!" Robert quickly moved to arrange for more security.

James took a deep breath, pushing down his anger, and returned to Emily.

He wore a gentle smile, as if nothing had happened.

"Is everything okay? Something urgent at the company?" Emily asked as soon as he returned.

"Nothing to worry about, it's handled," James said, ruffling her hair affectionately. "Are you hungry? Want to grab a bite?"

"I'm not hungry; you don't look too good," Emily said, concern etched on her face.

James felt a warmth in his heart at her concern and was about to explain when a loud bang erupted from the southwest corner of the garden. The explosion was deafening, and the shockwave made the glass in the banquet hall tremble.

Chaos ensued. Guests screamed and ran in all directions, fine tableware and wine spilling everywhere. The party turned into a mess.

"What's happening?" Amelia shrieked, grabbing the arm of the person next to her.

No one could answer; everyone was too stunned by the sudden explosion.

"Robert, evacuate everyone and protect Emily!" James's voice cut through the chaos, calm and commanding.

Robert quickly directed the bodyguards to maintain order and escorted Emily to safety.

"Don't worry, I'm here," James said, holding Emily's hand tightly, his eyes full of determination.

"It's okay, I'm not afraid," Emily replied, gripping his hand back. Feeling the warmth of his palm, her fear began to fade.