Chapter 42 Emma and Liam Attend the Gala
She froze.
Did I misread him?
He hasn’t done it for my sake, but for the company funds.
She turned her head to look out the window, her heart sinking.
Liam glanced at her, something stirring faintly in his chest.
The car returned to the villa.
Anna had already brought over the clothes from the CEO’s office.
“Madam, your clothes and Mr. Hayes’ are in the room.”
“Alright, thank you.”
She lay on the sofa, trying to calm herself.
The image of his perfect physique lingered stubbornly in her mind.
Those solid abs, the defined V-line, and the distinct waist…
Her face flushed.
No, stop.
She grabbed a pillow and buried her face in it.
Emma hurried upstairs to get ready for the banquet.
Opening the door, she was instantly met with a blush-inducing sight—he was changing, completely naked…
She spun to leave but slammed into the doorframe.
“Ah!”
Her forehead collided with the door, which slammed shut behind her.
“Ouch…” She rubbed her forehead with trembling fingers.
Well… he is truly in good shape.
Liam glanced back, letting out a soft chuckle.
He pulled on his pants and walked toward her.
“What’s there to be shy about, honey?” His voice drew nearer.
“I’m sorry! You go ahead, I’ll come in later.” She tried to flee.
But he braced both hands against the door, trapping her in front of him.
“No secret there. Don’t be shy, okay?” He smirked and pulled her into his embrace.
“Hey…” She pressed her hands between them, lowering her head.
Her breathing was already uneven as his hoarse voice brushed her ear.
“Want it?”
“There’s no time. I need to get dressed…” She shook her head.
“No rush…” His voice was low and husky, laced with restraint.
“You’re hurting me, let go…” She pushed against him with all her strength, but failed.
“I need to do my makeup. There’s no time…” she murmured.
Liam smiled, his gaze drifting toward the belt on the bed.
Emma: speechless.
He lowered his head, smiling, and ran his fingers through her hair.
“Go take a shower. I’ll wait for you.”
He turned away, picked up the white shirt from the bed, and slipped it on.
Emma hurried into the walk-in closet to grab her clothes.
By the time she emerged from the bathroom, he was already busy in the study.
She pulled open the dressing room door and changed into a high-neck, sleeveless evening gown. The tailored design was made of pale blue satin and featured gold embroidered patterns at the waist. It was complemented by a white fur stole.
Sliding into the white, diamond-studded heels, she stood elegantly.
She walked cautiously to the study and said, “Arthur is waiting downstairs.”
Liam noticed the heels on the carpet, then slowly lifted his head. His gaze burned hot upon her.
“Come here.” He curled a finger.
She hesitated, then walked toward him.
“I’m wearing makeup…” Her face flushed crimson as she avoided his gaze.
He reached out and pulled her into his embrace.
She pressed her palms against his chest.
“Are you upset? I didn’t contact you these past few days.”
He gently lifted her soft chin, forcing her to look up at him.
She could feel the heat radiating from his thigh, even through the fabric.
“No,” she murmured, her eyes lowered.
“You’re not very good at lying.” His breath washed over her flushed cheeks.
Then, a warm kiss landed on her lips.
Caught off guard, she blushed even deeper.
“Tell me directly next time,” Liam said.
“Okay.”
He gazed at her lips and couldn’t resist kissing her again.
“Mmm…” His kiss was urgent, stealing her breath away.
Enveloped by his intense masculine scent, she had nowhere to hide—until the phone on the table vibrated.
She hurried away as he released her.
As he picked up the phone, he rubbed his fingertips together with his thumb, clearly unsatisfied.
…
The car pulled up at the entrance of Vineyard Peak Estate—a place where the wealthy dined and entertained.
Emma linked her arm through Liam’s.
“Ben and Chloe are here,” Liam said.
“Oh.” Her tone was flat.
He wanted to say more, but held back.
She slipped off her black coat and handed it to Anna nearby.
Liam draped a white fur stole over her shoulders and gently brushed her hair out from beneath it.
Ben and Chloe watched them approach from a short distance away.
“See? Is this your so-called devotion? Nothing special.” She shot him a contemptuous glance.
He clenched his fist and led her inside with a resigned smile.
…
The hostess guided them to their table.
Liam presented the invitation, and the doorman waved them through.
Ben and Chloe followed closely behind.
“Who is this suitor of yours? She seems quite influential,” Emma remarked casually.
“The daughter of my father’s business partner,” Liam replied.
“What does your father do?”
“U.S. senator.”
“Huh?” She froze, halting her steps. “Why didn’t you mention this earlier?”
“You didn’t ask.”
“…”
“Do you have other family?” she asked.
“I have an older sister and brother-in-law. They’re also politicians.”
She pressed her lips together and took a deep breath.
“It’s not too late to find out now.” Liam patted the arm she had draped around his waist.
“You and this suitor actually seem quite well-matched. Why not…?”
“My family isn’t in such dire straits that we need a woman to keep it afloat, Emma.”
“Oh.” She nodded and pressed. “Aren’t you afraid I’m only after your looks or your money?”
“Are you?” He looked at her intently, his gaze gentle.
“If you were only after my looks, I wouldn’t have held back until now. If it were my money, we could charge by the session—ten thousand dollars each time. Can you handle that?” he whispered.
She lowered her eyes, flushing with embarrassment.
“Liam!”
“My admirer is coming,” Liam said.
“Can I just call you Liam later?” Emma asked.
“No, ‘honey’ sounds better,” Liam replied.
She bit her lip, her mind in turmoil.
Liam took a step back as Rosalind Gray ran excitedly toward them.
Only then did Emma recall meeting Rosalind once. However, ever since hearing that Rosalind had commented on her family background, Emma hadn’t attended their gatherings.
Liam glanced at Emma and gently squeezed her hand.
Emma smiled, signaling that she was fine.
“Hello, Rosalind,” Emma said, stepping forward.
Rosalind froze, puzzled.