Chapter 14

In the bathroom. Emily peeled off her mud-stained clothes,revealing her smooth skin, firm breasts, and long, toned legs. She stood there.staring at her naked reflection in the mirror, her eyes a swirl of emotions.

The bathtub was surrounded by fancy tiles, and a crystal chandelier hung above, casting a shimmering light onto the water. The whole setup made the bathroom feel like a private sanctuary. cut off from the world.

Emily dipped her hand into the water but didn't get in. Instead, she turned on the shower, letting the warm water wash over her tired body.

Outside the bathroom, Patrick and Marlon were sitting on the couch,facing each other.

Patrick heard the shower and couldn't help but furrow his brows,clearly annoyed.

The living room atmosphere got awkward.

Marlon turned on the TV and switched to the game console.

"Want to play a round?" Marlon suggested.

Patrick and Marlon had met while studying abroad. They were the heirs to the Rivera Group and the Hughes Group,respectively,and had unknowingly crossed paths. They were notorious for skipping classes. Patrick still pulled A's, while Marlon hovered around C's and

D's.

Unexpectedly, they were paired together to represent their school in the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest. The competition was fierce, but their teamwork and skills led them to victory in the global finals.

"Sure," Patrick said. grabbing the game controller.

The game was a popular battle game that required high-level skills and quick reflexes. As the game started, the screen filled with intense combat scenes.

Marlon quickly gained the upper hand, his familiarity with the game evident. "What's the matter? Haven't played in a while, and your skills have gotten rusty?" he teased.

Patrick ignored Marlon, focusing intently on the game. He didn't want to lose. Soon, his deep understanding of the game mechanics and strategic thinking turned the tide.

The match grew more intense, with flashy skills and effects lighting up the screen. But Marlon wasn't about to lose either.

The game went on for a long time, and Marlon eventually won by a narrow margin. He looked at Patrick's slightly frustrated expression and said with a teasing smile, "Mr. Rivera, it's just a game. Don't take it too seriously."

Patrick shot Marlon a glance, not wanting to engage.

At that moment, the bathroom door opened softly, and Emily

emerged,steam swirling around her. Her wet hair fell loosely over her shoulders, and water droplets trailed down her face.

Her eyes were a bit dazed as she looked at Patrick on the couch.surprised to see him there but not showing it much.

Emily was already disappointed in Patrick.

Patrick's face darkened further upon seeing Emily. He couldn't understand why she had so easily come to Marlon's place. But when he noticed she was still wearing her dirty clothes. his expression softened slightly.

At the office, from the moment Emily had started frantically searching for her bracelet, Patrick hadn't taken his eyes off her. When he saw Marlon take her away, he had followed them, driving like a madman.

"I remember leaving you some clean clothes in the bathroom. Why didn't you change?" Marlon asked gently.

"No need to trouble yourself. I'll wear this," Emily replied calmly.

Patrick felt ignored, and Emily's response triggered his temper.He stood up. walked over to her, and grabbed her wrist tightly.

"You're really something, looks like you need a man on speed dial!"Patrick whispered harshly in her ear.

Emily, unlike before, used all her strength to shake off his hand,looking at him coldly.

"It is none of your business! Mr. Rivera. I think you might want to reconsider what you just said!"

Patrick said angrily, "None of my business? Emily, get a grip. As long as you're with the Rivera Group,you're mine!"

Emily looked at him, her feelings complicated.

Patrick was domineering, always wanting things his way. Emily had known this, thinking it was just a facade he put up. She believed he was kind and soft-hearted underneath, shaped by his tough experiences. She had tried to warm him, to soothe his anxieties. But now, she needed to reassess their relationship.

"Patrick, you really went too far this time!" Marlon stepped in, trying to ease the tension.

Patrick ignored Marlon, his eyes fixed on the bracelet on Emily's wrist.

Patrick sneered, "Which man gave you that?"

Emily looked at Patrick, saying nothing. She had tried to understand him, but had he ever tried to understand her?

Marlon stepped forward. "Patrick, what are you thinking? Don't you know what kind of person she is?"

Patrick glared at Marlon. "I don't need you to remind me. I know exactly what kind of person she is!"

Marlon sighed, "If you know so well, then you must know how

important that bracelet is to her. It's her everything."

Patrick was puzzled but didn't show it.

Marlon continued. "It's the last and only thing her father left her."

"What?" Patrick was shocked. He knew how much Emily cherished the bracelet but had never imagined it was her father's last gift.

"Now that you know, Mr. Rivera. please leave. I have nothing more to say to you." Emily said, her voice cold and firm.

Emily had never imagined she would speak to Patrick like this. He had always been special to her.

Patrick felt a mix of guilt and anger. Emily had never shared this with him, not even when he was upset about it. Yet, she had easily told Marlon everything.

"Come with me!" Patrick demanded.

They stood there, locked in a standoff, until Emily's stomach growled.

"How about I treat us to dinner?" Marlon suggested.

The three of them went to a restaurant.

Marlon and Emily sat on one side, Patrick on the other. The restaurant was small but famous, serving only 20 guests a day.

However, the atmosphere was tense and awkward.

Just then, Shirley walked over.