Chapter 72 You're Just My Substitute
"Emma, what is your last name?" Virgil asked, lifting his eyes slightly to meet hers.
"Carter," Emma said flatly. "I take my mother's surname."
He paused, then nodded.
Liam noticed the expression on his face and frowned.
"Virgil, this grilled meat seems a bit bland," Patricia remarked.
"Let me try." Virgil leaned closer.
Patriciay picked up a piece of meat and placed it in his mouth.
"Yeah, I'll add more seasoning," he said. "Wait for a moment, I'll grill a new one for you."
Liam glanced at Emma beside him, eyes glittering with hope.
Could he possibly want me to feed him?
Her heart skipped a beat.
Ignoring his gaze, she lowered her eyes to continue eating.
Liam lowered his eyes, his shoulders sinking dejectedly.
Virgil and Patricia were flirting while Liam and Emma were like they had just met.
"Someone! Please take a photo of us!" Patricia called over a maid.
She sat beside Emma, and the two men sat next to their respective wives.
"Hold on." Liam took a tissue and gently dabbed a grease smudge away from the corner of Emma's mouth.
Emma froze.
"There." Liam rested his hand on the back of her chair.
CLICK!
Patricia added Emma to the family group chat before sending the picture.
The group chat became extremely lively.
Virgil cropped Emma out of the photo and sent it to his mom.
Virgil: [Mom, look—does she look like Auntie?]
After sending the message, he shifted sideways in his seat, secretly taking photos and videos.
Emma stared down at her phone, adding notes to each new contact.
Lily: [Can we chat?]
This message popped up.
Emma froze for a moment and glanced at Liam beside her, who was intently studying the photo.
"I need to use the restroom," she said.
"Okay." Liam nodded.
Just as she started to walk away, he grabbed her hand.
His gaze was tender as his fingertips gently traced the back of her hand.
"I'll wait for you," he murmured.
"Okay." Emma smiled before turning to leave.
Liam's eyes locked on her as she retreated.
"You're hopeless," Virgil chuckled.
"Weren't you staring at Patricia just like that back in the day?" Liam shot him a glare.
...
On the way to the Victorian garden, Emma encountered Steven.
"Emma," he called out.
She stopped and looked at the man before her.
"Mr. Foster."
Steven's throat moved.
"Couldn't you just call me Dad?" he asked.
She frowned.
Why does he have the nerve to ask for that?
"Mr. Foster, you must have mistaken me for someone else. I'm not Lily," she said coldly.
Steven took a step closer to her.
Emma took a step back, her eyes clearly distant.
He took out his phone, opened a photo, and handed it to her.
It was a paternity test report.
"So?" Emma raised her eyebrow.
"Seeing you two do well puts my mind at ease, Emma," Steven said with a smile.
"Are you done?" she asked.
"Emma, I wish you wouldn't be so hostile toward me. I'm your father. If you ever need anything, you can come to me for help."
"Actually, there is something I need your help with," Emma chuckled.
Steven exhaled in relief.
"Please don't interfere with our lives," she added. "Thank you."
Before she could walk past him, he grabbed her wrist.
She jerked her hand away instantly.
They stood facing each other.
"No matter what, I'm still your biological father. It's fine if you don't accept me now. I'll work hard to win you back. I--" he said sincerely.
"Mr. Foster," Emma cut him off. "We don't need a new member who barges into our lives."
"If Lily knew all about these, what would she think?" she asked.
Steven froze.
"Emma..." he murmured, his expression filled with regret.
She didn't want to dwell on it any longer.
Just as she turned to leave, she noticed Lily standing not far away.
"Did you hear everything?" Emma asked calmly.
Lily clutched the hem of her coat tightly, her teeth clenched.
Tears streamed from her reddened eyes.
Steven froze, unsure how to react.
"Lily..."
"Dad, is she your daughter?" Lily asked, pointing at Emma.
Steven remained silent.
"Hmph..." Lily sneered. "Is she Eleanor's daughter?"
"You two are so cruel!" she shouted, her voice trembling.
She swayed slightly and braced herself against the wall beside her.
Emma frowned, approaching to support her.
Lily raised her hand, blocking her approach.
"Now I understand why Liam fell for you," she said with a bitter smile. "Because you have parts of me in you, Emma! You're just my substitute!"
Emma's heart sank.
Her throat tightened, and she couldn't speak.
"Lily! Stop it!" Steven stepped forward.
"Steven Foster," Lily shouted. "Do you remember how my mother died?"
Her voice was thick with sorrow and hatred.
Emma froze.
Her mind buzzed.
Steven clenched his jaw. The pity in his eyes instantly turned fierce.
He walked toward Lily and grabbed her wrist.
"Lily, let's go back. I won't mention Emma's matter..." he said softly.
Lily tried to pull her hand away, but she failed.
Emma composed herself and prepared to leave.
"Emma, stop!" Lily shouted.