Chapter 77 Who is Emily's Dad
Raymond's calm, flat voice carried an unspoken mockery when it reached William's ears.
William's eyes were sharp as blades, his gaze ice-cold. "None of your business."
Seven years had passed.
Raymond was no longer the poor but handsome student working his way through college. After graduation, he started his own business, from a one-man operation to a studio, and now a tech industry rising star. He had earned his place in Empire City through his own abilities.
Even without the status of Roberts' family heir, he had still made a name for himself in Empire City's business circles. His return to the Roberts family was simply to gain more leverage when facing off against William.
William's power and presence were just too formidable.
Raymond met his gaze without fear and spoke plainly, "Then my pursuit of Sophia is also none of Mr. Smith's business."
He looked at him directly. "I like her—I really, really like her!"
These words...
Raymond had wanted to tell Sophia this seven years ago, but he felt inferior, afraid he couldn't give her happiness or would even hold her back.
After learning she had married William, he worked like crazy, desperate to close the gap between himself and William as quickly as possible.
Even if it meant just catching a glimpse of her from afar at some future gala, attending alongside William—that would be enough to satisfy him.
But by the time he finally broke into that circle and had the chance to attend galas where William was present, he never once saw Sophia.
"Mr. Smith, let me kindly remind you that you and Sophia divorced two years ago."
"She's single now, and so am I. Pursuing her is what my heart desires. Whether she accepts me or not is her business—it has nothing to do with you."
That final "nothing to do with you."
It was like throwing William's earlier words back at him.
Ignoring the bone-chilling coldness radiating from William that could crush a person, Raymond continued, "If I'm lucky enough to have my love accepted by her, please rest assured, Mr. Smith, I will treat James and Michael as my own."
He had originally wanted to mention Emily too, but seeing William's expression, it was clear he didn't know Emily was his biological daughter.
Raymond hadn't expected that William—who dominated the business world and struck fear into his competitors—could be so clueless when it came to matters of the heart.
Not only could he not see his own true feelings, but he even kept pushing her further away.
That was fine, though. It gave him a chance to pursue Sophia, to seek a possibility for that unspoken, hidden affection from the past.
His refined jawline tensed, thin lips pressed into a line, fingers digging into his palm—the aura surrounding William was frighteningly cold.
By this time, Raymond had already left in his car.
William stood still like a statue at the entrance; even the wind seemed to move carefully around him, afraid to disturb this demon god.
Divorce, single, pursuit, treat as my own... each word trampled on William's anger threshold. His fingers at his side trembled slightly, clenched into tight fists.
He closed his eyes and took several deep breaths, barely managing to suppress the boiling blood surging through him from rage.
Just then, a small hand grabbed William's pant leg.
He opened his eyes to see Emily, who had suddenly appeared. Emily hugged his leg with both hands, looking up at him with a big smile.
Having been comforted by Sophia, she couldn't help running out to find him when William didn't return.
Emily stretched her arms toward him. "Up."
William bent down and picked her up. "How did Emily get out of here? Where's your mommy?"
He looked back toward the doorway—no sign of Sophia.
As he asked, he turned to walk back inside.
The milky scent mixed with candy sweetness calmed the restless emotions in William's body. His cool cheek was kissed by Emily.
Emily smiled and thanked him. "Thank you."
After the incident by the pond, Emily's attitude toward William had clearly become much warmer, showing hints of trust and dependence.
William kissed her hair. "You're welcome."
In the time it took James and Michael to turn around, they discovered Emily was gone and immediately ran out to find her.
Seeing her nestled in William's arms, they both breathed a sigh of relief.
"Daddy, it's hot outside. Bring Emily back in quickly."
"Mommy made us cold desserts. Come eat with us, Daddy."
Hearing about food, Emily immediately perked up!
With one hand around William's neck, she pointed toward the house with the other and shouted, "William, charge!"
William laughed at her antics. "...Okay."
Sophia had just brought out the desserts she'd made herself when she met William's gaze as he held Emily. His eyes contained galaxies, filled with something mysterious.
She waved to the children. "Come have some dessert."
"Mommy, I want a big bowl!"
"Mommy, mommy, me too, me too."
"Emily too!"
After stating her own request, Emily didn't forget to order a bowl for William, too. "Mommy, William, big bowl."
A child's affection is simple and direct.
Sophia knew that Emily's current dependence on William was most likely due to the earlier accident, creating a kind of hero worship in her mind.
She didn't deliberately prevent Emily from liking William. After all, William was Emily's father.
Back then, because of that trending topic, she had been heartbroken and hadn't told William about her pregnancy.
But now, seeing the fatherly love James and Michael enjoyed, it was impossible to say she didn't feel she'd wronged Emily.
After the three children finished their desserts, they ran off to play in the toy room for a while before Sophia coaxed them upstairs for their afternoon nap.
Just as she came out of the master bedroom, she ran into William, who had been waiting there. His voice was low and deep, carrying a hint of seeking confirmation.
"Sophia, who is Emily's father?"