Chapter 65: Jealousy

Louis Campbell's POV

I carried Emma into the room.

The moment I lifted her, I knew it was just an excuse.

She didn't want to stay down there.

As soon as I closed the door behind us, Emma suddenly shoved me hard against the wall. I had no idea where she'd found such strength—she pinned me there with surprising force.

Then her scorching kisses rained down on me like a storm.

She nipped and bit as if she wanted to devour me whole.

Her hands roamed everywhere, restless and possessive.

"What's wrong, Emma?"

I was enjoying this, of course, but it was completely out of character for her.

"That Anna was flirting with you." She finally stopped, pressing her forehead against mine, her words thick with emotion.

"You saw that?" I let out a low sigh, pulling her into my arms to soothe her, my voice rough. "I don't know why she'd do that."

"She did it on purpose. She knows you won't make a scene in public, so she picked that moment to come on to you."

Emma bit down on her lower lip. "I want to kill her."

"Don't talk like that." I couldn't help but laugh.

In the darkened room with no lights on, I held her tightly.

The only illumination came from the pale moonlight streaming through the window, casting our intertwined shadows across the floor.

"There's something wrong with her," Emma panted, biting my ear. "You're not allowed to look at her even once."

"I know." I responded, "But she's Uncle Harry's wife. I can't cause a scene, but I promise you—there won't be a next time."

"Hmph, that's more like it." Emma's tone suggested she'd calmed down a bit.

We stood there quietly for a while longer, until Emma seemed to remember something and pushed lightly against my shoulder. "You've been up here too long. They're all waiting for you downstairs."

I didn't want to leave.

But reason told me I had to, so I reluctantly let her go. "Alright, get some rest. I'll be back up soon."

I closed the door, and the expression on my face vanished completely.

I understood Anna's intentions better than anyone.

But for Harry's sake, I'd tolerate it this once. Only once.

I returned to the table, where Grandma asked, "Louis, how is Emma?"

"She's sleeping. She's been overworking herself lately. She didn't want to spoil our evening, so she asked me to tell everyone to continue." I responded simply, raising my wine glass. "Please, everyone, carry on."

Anna suddenly spoke up with concern. "If she's not feeling well, should I go check on her?"

That unexpected comment reignited a topic that should have ended.

I looked at her. Her face was flushed with a seductive glow, her eyes practically dripping with suggestion.

But inside, I felt absolutely nothing.

"That won't be necessary." I refused coldly but politely. "She's already resting."

The atmosphere shifted slightly after my words, leaving the others somewhat confused.

But from that point on, Anna didn't cross any more lines. She stayed obediently by Harry's side, letting him serve her food.

"By the way, Louis, have you considered any investments lately? Or perhaps partnering with me on something?" Harry flashed a genuine smile, proposing, "You're the best of the younger generation. I've discussed this with your parents—they're very supportive. But I wanted to hear your thoughts."

Faced with Harry's invitation, I had no reason to refuse.

Especially since my parents had already given their blessing.

Grandma clearly knew about it too. She looked at me. "Louis, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Uncle Harry wouldn't have made this trip personally otherwise. You could learn so much from him."

"Grandma, I understand."

I nodded gently.

"So does that mean you agree?" Harry's face lit up with a smile.

"When you've asked me personally, Uncle, how could I possibly refuse?"

"I knew I was right to care about you. Don't worry—this investment will definitely pay off handsomely. I have high confidence in it." He raised his glass. "Let's have a private toast, just the two of us."

I stood, and our glasses clinked with a crisp sound.

It was getting late, and we were all planning to stay overnight at the estate. Guest rooms had already been prepared upstairs.

Grandma, being elderly, had been helped to her room to rest earlier.

Only a few of us remained downstairs.

"Uncle Harry, Aunt Anna, feel free to take any room upstairs. I'm going up to be with Emma now."

Harry had drunk quite a bit tonight, but fortunately he'd shown some restraint and wasn't completely wasted.

After bidding them goodnight, I headed upstairs and pushed open the door.

Emma was lying in bed reading, looking completely refreshed.

Hearing the sound, she looked up and gave me a small smile.

"Finished dinner?"

"Yeah." I pulled off my tie and approached, knowing I still reeked of alcohol. I didn't dare get too close, so I just crouched by the bedside, watching her quietly.

"Right now you look like a big puppy." Emma set down her book and gently touched my cheek with her hand. Her keen sense of smell immediately made her wrinkle her nose.

"How much did you drink?"

She didn't seem angry, but I felt guilty nonetheless.

"Not much, just four or five glasses."

"That's 'not much'?" She stared at me in shock, her eyes wide with disbelief.

"I'll go shower right now." I immediately stood up. Though my mind was still clear, I knew how unpleasant the alcohol smell must be.

Emma smiled at me as I removed my jacket to hang it up. Suddenly, my phone in the pocket started ringing.

Seeing the caller ID, I couldn't help but frown.

"Who is it?" Emma seemed to notice something. "Why that expression?"

"It's Uncle Harry." I turned the phone screen toward her. Why would he be calling at this hour?

"Interesting." Emma laughed. She reached out her hand toward me. "Let me see."

I handed her the phone without hesitation. Emma pressed the answer button.

Then Anna's voice filled the room, clear as day.

"Louis, your Uncle Harry seems to have gotten drunk. Could you come help me out?"

The deliberately softened voice, saccharine and affected—it was obvious she had ulterior motives.

I instinctively looked guiltily at the hand holding the phone, shaking my head.

This truly had nothing to do with me.

Emma let out a cold laugh and pointed the phone at me, silently mouthing words.

"Say yes."

I froze, but quickly realized what she was planning. I felt somewhat helpless.

But Emma seemed determined. Under the substantial pressure of her gaze, I had no choice but to speak. "Alright."

"Really? That's wonderful! I'll wait for you in the room then."

With that, Emma ended the call.

"Emma, let me explain—"

I was anxious to clarify.

But Emma simply sat up in bed. "Louis, I trust you wouldn't do anything. But we can't let Anna down, can we?"