Emmie Stewart changed into something comfortable and knocked on the door of Russell Woods’ study on the second floor, east side. Russell shot her a sharp look, irritation clear on his face, and got straight to the point: "What are you trying to do, mess everything up?"
"I, I didn't..."
Not sure what Russell was referring to, Emmie felt a sinking feeling in her chest. Could it be that Finley Thomas told Martin Thomas about what happened this afternoon, and Martin decided to call off the engagement? The thought made Emmie turn pale. Was Russell thinking of cutting off her mother's medical care, leaving her no choice but to pack up and leave?
"Still denying it?" Russell furrowed his brow, watching her face go white, which just confirmed things for him. He lowered his voice, reprimanding loudly, "Kolson called and said you drank too much. How could you do something so embarrassing? I'm warning you, if you can't marry Kolson, I'll have the hospital stop your mom’s medical care, and you can watch her suffer."
"Please don’t do that. I’ll call Kolson and apologize. I promise I’ll make things right and won’t give him a bad impression again."
Her nerves finally relaxed a bit. Finley had kept his word and said nothing. As relief washed over her, Emmie couldn't shake the cold-heartedness Russell showed her mother, pushing her to the edge over something like this.
Loving someone completely—what's the harm in that? Even strangers share some kindness. Why be so hard-hearted towards poor Fiona Stewart? If the man she loved could watch her suffer without batting an eye, how would she feel? Emmie didn’t know and didn't want to consider it...
"Use this phone and call now!"
Russell tossed an elegant phone to Emmie. She was taken aback; she'd only seen this model in ads. It hadn't hit the market yet. Scrolling through, she saw it stored only one number. Hesitant, she dialed the contact under Kolson's name, waiting for someone to pick up. Soon, a warm voice came through, and she quickly said, "Hello, this is Emmie Stewart."
Kolson Perkins was in the middle of a shower. Pleased to see the call was from Emmie, he stepped out, towel-drying his hair as he sat on the balcony lounger, and replied in his smooth voice, "Are you feeling better? I was out of line this afternoon. I sincerely apologize for overstepping."
"It's alright; I didn’t really mind. I shouldn’t have had so much coffee. I’m really sorry." Recalling the events of the afternoon, Emmie’s mood sank.
"If you’re really sorry, how about a date tomorrow?"
"Tomorrow?" Emmie hesitated, looking at Russell, who nodded. She quickly replied, "I’m free. Where should we meet?"
"I’ll pick you up. Thank you for agreeing."
Hearing her agree to the date, Kolson was thrilled. He barely finished drying his hair, eager to keep listening to her voice through the phone.
"Okay, I’ll wait for you."
Emmie hung up and returned the phone to Russell, her smile fading into a steely demeanor. "Kolson will pick me up tomorrow. He didn’t specify where."
Russell listened, satisfied, and nodded, pushing the phone back to Emmie. He pulled a gold card from his drawer, issuing a command: "Use this phone for all communications with Kolson from now on. Feel free to use the money on this card. Alright, you can go!"
Feel free to use it? Emmie gazed at the elegant card, realizing it held a significant sum. She could escape with Fiona using this card!
She chuckled bitterly. Surely Russell would monitor every transaction, knowing how much was spent and where it went. It was just a fleeting thought, nothing more.
Lying in bed, her mind raced. The silence was shattered by her old phone ringing on the table. Lazily, she picked it up to see an unfamiliar number. Cautiously, she answered, "Hello?"
Silence lingered before a playful voice reached her ear, "Emmie, guess who?"
After a moment, recognizing the voice, she nearly shouted, "Are you out of your mind?" Biting back the words, she calmed herself, sat up, and asked in a low voice, "How did you get my number? Finley, did you dig into my background?" Did Finley know everything about her? Was he telling everyone, making her the joke of the town?
"Investigations are for cops; I just asked a few friends. Who knew those bored folks had your number?"
Finley's tone was even more teasing. Without seeing Emmie’s face, which must have been turning all shades of red—perhaps the reaction he aimed for—Emmie raised her voice, coldly asking, "What do you want?"
"Hey, you’re going to be my sister-in-law. What could I possibly want? But if you don’t want Kolson to know you once worked in a club..."
"Name your terms."
Yes! She had worked in a club. But so what? To support herself and pay for Fiona’s medical expenses, she didn’t steal or cheat; she earned an honest living. It was certainly not lower than those who spend without earning. She never expected Finley, her future brother-in-law, to use this against her.
"Well, considering your less-than-pure past,” Finley feigned innocence, adding with a hint of humor, “I just need someone to have a drink with. Are you free?"
More drinks. Emmie tilted her head back and reluctantly agreed, "Fine, where are you? I’ll find you." She couldn’t afford any mistakes before the wedding; regret and guilt would haunt her forever.
"The Fox’s Den." Finley ended the call, a mischievous grin on his lips, telling the group around him, "My future sister-in-law is quite amusing."
A guy with multicolored hair chuckled, "Our charming lad won’t let even the sister-in-law off the hook, will he?"
Finley gave him a sidelong glance, smile unreadable, "What do you think...would I?"
"Heh, you’re quite a devil. It’s hard not to admire you a bit! Come on, folks, let’s toast to the king of hearts."
Pouring strong liquor into Finley’s glass, Moe knew Finley was a seasoned drinker, rarely drunk. As Moe finally stopped, Finley coldly smirked, "Trying to drink me under the table, Moe? Your courage is impressive!"
"No way." Moe flipped his head, gesturing to the heavily made-up women with Finley, feigning envy, "How could I dare? These temptresses with you could outdrink me in no time. I don’t think you fear my attempts."
"Alright, if you all want to drink, find a quiet spot. I need to conserve my energy for my future sister-in-law! If you fancy them, take them along."
Realizing Finley wanted solitude, Moe tactfully led the group away, finding a cozy spot to enjoy themselves. Finley ignored them, about to light a cigarette when he noticed Emmie weaving through tables, searching for him.
At this moment, she lacked the daytime elegance of a swan, barefaced, in casual home attire, like a fresh spring sprout, untouched by the world.
Finley dropped his unlit cigarette to the ground. Flicking his fingers, he signaled Emmie, pulling her into his lap as she approached, offering a devilish smile, whispering quietly in her ear, "Shall we do something to betray my brother?"
