Chapter 540

Emily just went ahead and gave Cassia's shares to Winter as a gift. Cassia was more of Armando's creation, just a designer, not really into the management side of things.

The preparations for Winter and Preston's wedding were over the top.

The media was all over it, making Starry Capital a household name, with everyone buzzing about the upcoming wedding of the century.

Emily didn't pay much mind after sorting out the gift.

She was more focused on Calliope's upcoming birthday. She was planning a trip back to Emerald City to visit.

Despite her complicated past with John, Calliope had always had Emily's back, like a mother figure to her. The Williams family had agreed to let Parker stick around with her, showing they had made some big sacrifices.

Calliope adored Paxton, often mixing up his name with Parker's.

Emily took the chance to bring Paxton over for a few days, giving Calliope some relief from missing him.

By the time John had left the country, leaving Calliope feeling down, but there wasn't much she could do about it.

Luckily, the Williams Villa was lively that day.

Juliet had decided to stay in Emerald City after graduating and was now running the show as the editor-in-chief of an entertainment magazine.

Whenever there wasn't any breaking news, she'd feature her husband, Carlton, in a piece.

They had a daughter named Sloane Griffin, who took after Carlton with delicate doll-like features.

Carlton had taken a step back from work and was now semi-retired, joining the Williams Group.

The construction business at the Williams Group was booming, with big projects happening all over the globe.

Wilder was having a tough time, and John was still dealing with his own issues, so they couldn't rely on him completely.

As a result, Juliet ended up shouldering the entire weight of the Williams family business.

Even though she had no interest in the company, Juliet eventually took the reins.

With Carlton's years of experience in the entertainment industry, his charm, top-notch skills, and influence, he was able to smooth things over for others.

Under his guidance, the Williams Group was thriving.

Calliope was thrilled to have Emily around. Their presence added a touch of class to the Williams family.

After the celebrations, Calliope suggested, "Why don't you stay the night here? I've got rooms ready for you."

Emily smiled and declined, "We're planning to stay at Crystal Valley Manor tonight."

Crystal Valley Manor was where Emily and James used to live together, and they hadn't been back in ages.

Calliope didn't push, "Then let Parker spend the night here."

"Grandma, I'll stick around with you," Parker said dutifully.

Emily proposed, "Since tomorrow's Saturday, how about letting Parker stay here for two days?"

Calliope was thrilled.

Ami took Paxton's hand, "Grandma, I want to stay here too. I want to be with you like Parker."

Calliope was surprised by Ami calling her grandma repeatedly. She hugged Ami, "Alright, you both stay here. Grandma couldn't be happier."

And so, Parker and Ami bunked at the Williams Villa.

Later that evening, Emily and James headed to Crystal Valley Manor.

It had been ages since they'd been there.

As they stepped out of the car, Emily wheeled James through the yard.

Everything seemed just as they remembered.

But Emily couldn't help but notice that the cherry blossom trees in the yard had grown significantly.

Inside the house, everything remained unchanged.

It felt like they had just moved out a few years back.

Entering the bedroom, Emily noticed the cosmetics on the dressing table were still arranged in the same way as years ago.

Wheeling James inside, Emily sighed, "Nothing's different at all."

James turned his head and caught sight of himself in the full-length mirror next to him, seated in the wheelchair, "Only I've changed."

Emily sensed James's nostalgia.

Despite his fresh start, being in a wheelchair and enduring grueling rehab daily felt like walking on thin ice.

James had remarkable resilience, but moments of melancholy were only natural.

Emily swiftly approached him, knelt beside him, and gazed at him with a smile.

Instead of offering solemn comfort, she playfully locked eyes with him, "You still look the same, just as handsome as when we first met."

James knew Emily was teasing him.

He deadpanned, "When we first met, I was just ten."

"At ten, I fell head over heels for you."

Emily rose, leaned in with her slender arms on either side of the wheelchair, and planted a kiss on James's lips.

James responded by pulling her onto his lap.

A passionate kiss ensued.

As they embraced, Emily's voice was sultry and inviting, "Today is a rare moment for just the two of us."

James blushed, "But I can't move."

James had been focused on recovery for a while, abstaining from any intimate activities.

Yet, that kiss conveyed his passion to Emily in that fleeting moment of connection.

Emily glanced down mischievously, "You might not be able to move your legs, but that doesn't mean..."

Before Emily could finish her sentence, James cut in, "Emily, are you blushing?"

"We've been married for ages, why the sudden shyness?"

Emily grasped James's unease.

In their private moments, he typically took the lead, always aiming to please her.

Leaning in close to his ear, Emily whispered, "You used to make me happy, how about I return the favor today?"

James's face flushed crimson.

Having been in a coma for a year, with his legs nearly immobile, he feared disappointing Emily.

Gazing at Emily's captivating face, he finally mustered the courage, "I'm not up for it."

"Are you sure?" Emily swayed her hips teasingly.

"I am." James's brows furrowed, showing a hint of hesitation.

"Fine, forget it."

Emily rose decisively, "I'm heading to bed, goodnight."

In the next instant, James caught her arm once more.

She settled back onto his lap.

"Emily, is that all the seduction you've got?"

If she left now, it would be unbearable for him.

Emily looked up and grinned.

James noticed her elegant neck, akin to a swan's, and kissed it fervently.

Emily had been teasing James on purpose, but it unexpectedly led to a draining outcome.

After being completely spent, Emily dozed off in the wheelchair.

Upon waking, Emily realized James had completely let go of his inhibitions, which shocked her.

For a full two days, nearly 48 hours, she remained inside Crystal Valley Manor.

Emily herself was disoriented, unable to differentiate between day and night, lost in passion.