Chapter 17 Slap Alex
But with Andrew there, she didn't say much.
Andrew patted Emily on the shoulder and said, "Emmie, Dad still has some work to finish up. You go ahead first, and remember to say hi to your friends."
Emily forced a smile. "Okay."
Beside them, Rachel looked worried. "Uncle Andrew... still doesn't know? When are you planning to tell them?"
Emily fell silent. She didn't know either.
How could she bring this up with Dad... The two of them probably couldn't handle it.
Countless thoughts flooded her mind, and Emily just felt suffocated.
That evening.
The atmosphere in the private dining room was quite awkward.
Andrew had ordered a table full of good dishes, his expression stern yet kind. "Alex, it's been a while since I've had dinner with you and Emmie. Her mom was just talking about you two yesterday."
Alex looked up, his lips curving slightly. "Once I'm done with this busy period, I'll definitely come visit you both."
The man's smile was so subtle that you could barely tell unless you looked closely.
Emily frowned. Who was he putting on that poker face for?
He smiled so happily with Grace, but in front of elders, he didn't know how to pretend a little?
Just then, Andrew raised his glass. "Alex, we got through this project smoothly thanks to you. Come on, let's have a drink!"
Alex nodded slightly and took a sip of wine in response. "It's your excellent management. I didn't really help much."
His attitude showed no warmth, at most maintaining basic politeness.
Watching her father's careful manner, Emily felt a sharp pang of guilt.
She knew Andrew too well - he always cared about saving face.
Now for the sake of business, did he have to flatter Alex like this?
"Dad, drink less." Emily reached out and moved the wine glass in front of him aside. "Your health is important."
But Andrew waved his hand, still smiling, "It's fine, I'm happy today, a couple more drinks won't hurt!"
He didn't mention a word about the business troubles.
Instead, he kept talking about trivial family matters, his tone relaxed.
But Emily could see... the bloodshot eyes and exhaustion in her father's eyes.
Could something have happened to their family company?
What did it have to do with Alex?
This meal tasted like cardboard.
Alex barely spoke the whole time, only making small talk occasionally.
Emily silently ate the light dishes in front of her, her heart a mess of emotions.
Finally, the dinner ended.
Emily saw her chance and didn't stay longer. "Dad, you've had too much to drink. Let me help you out."
With that, she turned and helped Andrew toward the elevator.
Alex watched her retreating figure, cold air practically radiating from him!
In the stairwell, a clear but somewhat hesitant male voice suddenly called out. "Emmie?"
Emily stopped in her tracks and instinctively turned to look.
A man in a black suit with handsome features walked quickly toward them, his face full of surprise.
The man had a gentle temperament, calm and reserved - it was her childhood friend, Matthew Moore.
Emily suddenly broke into a smile, "You're back?"
Matthew was her best friend from childhood. After his whole family emigrated abroad, the two had lost contact.
She never expected to run into him here.
Matthew walked up to her, his gaze warm, "Just got back a few days ago, was thinking of finding you."
"Are you and uncle doing well?"
Andrew was startled, "Matthew! I almost didn't recognize you. You're looking better than ever, where are you working these days?"
Emily smiled, her eyes crinkling, "We're both doing fine. How long are you back for?"
Matthew politely greeted Andrew, then looked at Emily, his eyes gentle, "It's been so long. Want to find a place to sit and catch up?"
Emily was about to agree when a cold voice suddenly interrupted. "She's not free."
Alex had somehow come back and was standing beside Emily, an invisible sense of oppression emanating from him.
His cold eyes fell on Matthew, calm, but his arm wrapped around Emily's waist, declaring ownership as he spoke, "Emmie and I still have things to handle. We'll be going first."
"I'll have someone take my father-in-law home."
Emily's whole body stiffened. She instinctively tried to push him away, but he held her firmly in place.
The smile faded from Matthew's face. His eyes lingered for a moment on their intertwined waists, then looked at Emily. "Emmie, you..."
"We really do have things to do." Emily avoided Matthew's gaze, her tone stiff. "Matthew, let's get in touch another day."
Alex's lips curved with satisfaction as he steered Emily toward the elevator.
Inside the elevator, Emily shoved him away, her face cold. "Alex, what are you doing?"
"What am I doing?" Alex laughed coldly, closing in on her and trapping her in the corner of the elevator. "Emily, you can't wait to find your next guy before we're even divorced?"
Emily immediately looked up in disbelief, glaring at him. "What are you talking about! Besides, what right do you have to say that to me? Aren't you and Grace already living together?"
Those two questions made Alex's expression darken completely.
His large hand gripped Emily's slender waist tightly. "Emily, if you want me to help your family, you'd better cooperate."
Emily frowned. "My family won't go under without you."
Alex laughed in anger. "Really? Then just wait for the family business to go bankrupt and your father's hair to turn white overnight!"
"Alex, don't you dare curse my family and my dad!"
Emily trembled with anger and raised her hand to slap him.
Suddenly, the elevator fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.
Alex's eyes were deep, his tongue pressing against his cheek as he laughed coldly.
"Emily, do you really know nothing?" As he spoke, he moved closer, lifting his hand to grip Emily's face. "Before we're divorced, don't get too close to other men, especially that Matthew just now."
"You!"
Just as they were at a standoff, Alex's phone suddenly rang.
He glanced at the caller ID. "What is it?"
Whatever was said on the other end made Alex's expression grow darker and darker, his fingers gripping the phone tightening. "I'll be right there!"
After hanging up, he grabbed Emily's wrist and headed out. "Grandma's critically ill, come with me!"
Emily was shocked, "What?!"
Without another word, they drove straight to the hospital.
Half an hour later, Emily rushed to Margaret's bedside in the hospital room, her eyes instantly reddening at the sight of her pale grandmother. "Grandma..."
Alex walked to the doctor's side, asking in a low voice. "How is my grandmother?"
The doctor's expression was grave. "The patient is out of danger for now, but she can't be upset again in the future. Try to keep her in good spirits."
"Okay, thank you!" Alex thanked him, his eyes dark and unreadable.
After the doctor left, the hospital room fell silent enough to hear a pin drop.
Emily held Margaret's hand as tears fell.
Just then, Margaret slowly opened her eyes. Seeing Emily, she said with delight. "Emmie, you didn't leave..."