Chapter 386 He Came in Search of His Moon Goddess

Chapter 386 He Came in Search of His Moon Goddess

James's steps faltered slightly. Lucy's persistence was getting on his nerves, but for the sake of politeness, he turned back and exchanged phone numbers with her before hurrying off.

Lucy clutched her phone, watching James's retreating figure with a gleam of determination in her eyes.

After finishing his hospital checkup, James received a call from Qiana.

"James, I heard you're back from your trip? Did something serious happen while you were there?"

Qiana fired off several questions in quick succession.

Someone had been gossiping to Qiana again.

James rubbed his temples irritably. Qiana's health was fragile, so he preferred to keep many things from her. But somehow, she always seemed surrounded by people who couldn't keep their mouths shut, and bad news always found its way to her ears through various channels.

"It was nothing, really."

"Don't try to fool me. I heard you and Emily ran into quite a bit of trouble in Oceancrest City. You were trapped in a rainstorm for a day and night, and you got sick, which delayed your return? How did this happen? Has your fever broken? What about Emily? Is Emily alright?"

"Grandma, you're asking so many questions at once—which one should I answer first?"

"You can take your time."

"Grandma, Emily and I are really fine. This trip to Oceancrest City was mainly to help Lon handle some Ramos Family business. Once we finished, we headed back to Emerald City. We just had bad timing with our travel plans and got caught in a typhoon. A fallen tree blocked the road, so Emily and I were stuck in the car for a day and night. The delay was because I came down with a fever, but I'm completely recovered now. You don't need to worry. And Emily? You definitely don't need to worry about her—she's perfectly fine."

James explained patiently.

"That's good to hear."

Qiana sighed with relief, then began complaining. "You really are something, you know. You come back and don't even come see me first to let me know you're safe. I had to hear from others that something happened to you in Oceancrest City, and it scared me half to death."

"Grandma, that's my fault. I should have let you know I was safe right away."

James said helplessly, "But you shouldn't always listen to other people's gossip. They exaggerate everything."

"Well, that's only because you and Emily are both so busy you never have time to visit this old woman. I have to find out about you through other channels just to have some peace of mind."

James fell silent at her words.

"Grandma, have you been feeling lonely?"

Qiana gave a proud little snort and didn't answer, but James could tell from her attitude that he'd guessed right.

She had a point. Recently, he and Emily had both been swamped with their own affairs, and they'd been away from Emerald City for about two weeks with hardly any updates sent Qiana's way. No wonder she felt lonely and worried.

Thinking about it now, James felt a pang of guilt.

"Grandma, how about we come have dinner with you tonight?"

"Really? Does Emily have time? If you're coming, bring Emily with you, and bring the kids too. I'll have Faye make lots of delicious food."

"Sure."

After chatting a bit more, James ended the call.

He walked to his car and slid into the driver's seat.

One hand gripped the steering wheel while his index finger tapped rhythmically against it. His other hand held his phone as he stared down at it, lost in thought.

After a moment, James opened his contacts and called Emily.

---

Elysian Residences.

Emily frowned at the blond man emerging from the study.

"Nico? What are you doing here?"

Five years ago, after giving birth, Emily had fled to Zephyria to escape the Johnson family's pursuit. In a narrow alley, she'd encountered Nico, who was being hunted by his own enemies.

Out of kindness, Emily had taken Nico in for a while. After he recovered, she'd let him go on his way.

It should have been just a fleeting encounter in Emily's life. Back then, her mind had been consumed with becoming strong enough to take revenge. Nothing else had mattered.

But to Emily's surprise, that brief meeting had made Nico consider her his savior.

After Nico resolved his family's internal conflict, he immediately sought Emily out, insisting he owed her a debt. Whatever Emily wanted to accomplish, he would help her achieve it by any means necessary.

At that time, Emily's position in Zephyria had been precarious, and Nico had indeed helped her considerably.

Gradually, the two had grown familiar with each other.

If it were just about friendship, Emily would have been happy to befriend Nico.

This man from Zephyria understood romance and was perceptive. He treated people with gentleness and courtesy, speaking with neither arrogance nor servility, always knowing when to advance or retreat. He could be witty and charming, and conversations with him felt refreshing, like a spring breeze.

But Emily could clearly see the hints of affection in Nico's eyes whenever he looked at her.

It troubled her.

She was willing to be friends with Nico but had no desire to develop any other kind of relationship with him.

To avoid unnecessary complications, Emily always maintained careful boundaries with Nico—neither too close nor too distant, always keeping things within the limits of ordinary friendship.

When she'd returned home this time, Emily hadn't told Nico. She hadn't expected him to follow her here.

"Dear Emily, I missed you, so I came."

Nico smiled and stepped forward to embrace her.

Emily instinctively stepped back, avoiding his hug.

"Darling, you won't even give a friend a hug? I'm heartbroken."

Nico clutched his chest, putting on an expression of utter devastation.

Emily rubbed her temples in frustration.

She didn't know if it was from spending so much time with James lately, but Emily had gradually picked up some of his mannerisms. Occasionally, her actions and behaviors mirrored his, though she remained completely unaware of it herself.

Just then, Emily's phone rang.

It was James.

Emily quickly answered.

"Emily, where are you right now?"

James's deep, magnetic voice resonated through the phone.