Chapter 40
Two bodyguards flanked Emily, one on each side, gripping her arms tightly.
The force was so strong that she could barely struggle.
She instinctively wanted to scream, but one of them quickly covered her mouth with practiced, chilling efficiency.
"Ms. Johnson, I'd advise you not to shout," the bodyguard said in a low voice. "Everyone here is with the Smiths. Making a scene will only embarrass you more."
Emily's eyes widened as she shook her head desperately, but she was dragged out of the hotel lobby.
This happened in a corner where few guests passed by, and the handful of witnesses were blocked from view by another bodyguard's body.
She was shoved into the back seat of a black business car, and the door slammed shut.
A faint smell of leather filled the car. Emily's heart sank.
She forced herself to sit up straight, her fingertips quietly reaching into her trench coat sleeve to confirm the tiny recorder was still working.
The car drove smoothly through the neon-lit downtown area, finally stopping at the entrance of a relatively secluded hotel.
Emily had heard of this hotel—it was known for its privacy and high prices. Many wealthy people chose to hold discreet meetings here.
The bodyguards escorted her into the elevator, straight to the top-floor suite.
The hallway was carpeted with thick rugs, footsteps silent, only her heartbeat pounding like a drum.
The door opened to reveal a spacious suite.
Through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows was Emerald City's dazzling nightscape, and James stood with his back to her by the window, holding a glass of red wine.
"You're here." He slowly turned around, his face wearing his signature gentle smile, but his eyes held something unsettling.
Emily forced herself to stay calm and looked around the room.
The suite was large, with a living room, bedroom, and bathroom all complete. Only she and James were in these rooms—all the bodyguards were stationed outside the door.
"Have a seat." James pointed to the sofa, his manner elegant and proper, as if simply inviting an old friend for a chat.
After a long moment, Emily didn't move. She asked coldly, "James, isn't this way of inviting someone a bit inappropriate?"
James gave a cold laugh, set down his wine glass, and slowly approached. "Special times call for special measures. Emily, you know how much I wanted to see you."
Such sickly sweet words made Emily feel nauseated. She stepped back half a step, only to be blocked by the sofa.
"We're not that close." Emily's eyes were full of resistance, her tone ice-cold.
The smile on James's face faded a bit, but since Emily had come, his goal was already achieved. He didn't bother arguing with her now, instead pouring two cups of tea on his own and pushing one toward her. "Don't be so distant. After all, we almost became family once."
Emily's fingers tightened slightly. "But we're not. Besides, there's no need to bring up the past now."
Emily avoided the tea, watching James warily.
"How can we not bring it up?" James sat across from her, his gaze lingering on her body.
"You were so innocent back then, like a budding flower. Now you're even more beautiful, with a mature charm."
His words became increasingly explicit. Emily felt sick listening to him.
She suppressed the urge to vomit and demanded coldly, "James, what exactly did you bring me here for?"
"You know my purpose better than anyone. Why pretend now?" James swirled his wine glass, his eyes showing naked aggression.
"It's been so long. We should catch up properly. These past years, you seem to have had it rough."
Ignoring Emily's resistance, James reached out and grabbed her wrist.
"My business has nothing to do with you." Emily shook off his hand, her voice cold as ice.
James's smile completely faded, a sinister look flashing in his eyes. "Emily, you're still so stubborn. Don't you understand the situation yet? Who's in control and who's the victim—do you really know?"
As he finished speaking, he picked up his own cup of tea and took a sip, then pushed the other cup in front of Emily.
"Have some tea, relax, and let's have a good chat."
Emily stared at the tea, her vigilance at its peak.
She'd heard too many similar tricks—drugging drinks, and then...
"I'm not drinking." She refused flatly.
James raised an eyebrow and suddenly leaned in, almost pressing against her face. "What? Are you afraid I drugged it?"
He laughed softly and picked up the cup in front of Emily, drinking a large gulp right in front of her. "See? No problem."
He set down the cup, staring at Emily with burning eyes.
Emily felt her stomach churning and almost actually threw up. "James, please show some respect."
The warmth on James's face completely disappeared, replaced by undisguised desire and a need for control. "Emily, you came alone to meet me late at night. Don't you know what could happen? Isn't it a bit late to play hard to get now?"
Emily's heart skipped a beat, but she kept her composure on the surface.
"I just came to discuss business."
"Discuss business?" James sneered and suddenly grabbed her wrist. "Wearing a dress like that, makeup like that, coming to a hotel to discuss business with a man late at night—do you really think I'm an idiot?"
Emily struggled hard, and the two began wrestling on the sofa.
She was stronger than expected, and James couldn't completely control her for a moment.
"Let go of me!" she growled.
"Keep pretending, go ahead." James panted heavily, his eyes vicious. "Back then, when you were down and out and came begging me, you weren't like this."
Those words were like a knife stabbing into Emily's heart.
"Shut up!" She pushed hard and managed to shove James away.
James steadied himself, his face terrifyingly dark.
He loosened his tie and suddenly smiled. "Good, got some spirit. I like that."
Emily knew confrontation wouldn't work. Her mind raced.
She took a deep breath, forced herself to calm down, and softened her voice a bit. "You go take a shower first. I... I need some time to prepare."
James narrowed his eyes, clearly not believing her change in attitude. "Prepare for what?"
Emily avoided his gaze, putting on a shy expression.
"I'm nervous. Give me a little time. After you shower, we can..." She didn't continue, but the implication was extremely obvious.
James stood up and looked down at her, his gaze full of scrutiny, as if judging whether her words were true or false.
After a moment, he smiled.
"Fine, I'll give you time."
He stood and walked toward the bathroom, but stopped at the door, turning back to look at her, his voice cold.
"Don't try anything clever, Emily. You know the consequences."
The bathroom door closed, and soon the sound of running water filled the air.