Chapter 15

Shirley said. "Patrick, what are you doing here? I was supposed to meet Karen, but she just called to say she can't make it. I wwas about to leave."

Emily couldn't believe her rotten luck. bumping into Shirley while just trying to grab a bite. She wished she could hurl her steak right into Shirley's smug face.

"Emily, what a surprise seeing you here." Shirley said, her voice oozing with fake sweetness.

Shirley's eyes locked onto the bracelet on Emily's wrist. "You found the bracelet! I was just thinking about how to explain it to you.I swear. I didn't toss it on purpose."

Emily shot her a cold look. "You're the one who threw it. Don't push your luck,Shirley."

Shirley turned to Patrick with a pitiful expression. "Patrick, Emily's been holding a grudge against me ever since you taught me how to handle the airline and hotel accounts. I've explained it to her so many times,but..."

"But what?" Patrick asked, his voice icy.

"But Emily is still upset about you teaching me the job!" Shirley said.pouting.

Emily said, "Shirley, stop making stuff up! I'm just an employee.How Mr. Rivera teaches you is none of my business. I have no reason

to hold a grudge over it!"

"An employee..." Patrick repeated, his face darkening. After all these years. she still saw their relationship as just a professional one. Had she not noticed how he treated her all this time?

Shirley. undeterred. shamelessly sat down next to Patrick.

Marlon handed a plate of cut steak to Emily. "Weren't you hungry?Eat something. It's not good for your stomach to stay empty."

Emily was grateful for Marlon's help in this awkward moment. But seeing Patrick's furrowed brows. she hesitated.

"Marlon, when did you become so considerate? But your kindness might not be appreciated." Shirley said, trying to stir up trouble.

Emily, who initially wanted to refuse, took the plate of steak, picked up a fork, and started eating. The tender meat melted on her tongue,filling her mouth with a rich aroma.

"Why are you eating steak? This place is famous for its Grilled Shrimp with Smoky Paprika. Don't you know that?" Shirley batted her eyes at Marlon.

Marlon sighed, "Shirley, is there a reason you're acting so flustered?Did you forget how to hold a conversation?"

"Marlon, watch your language!" Patrick scolded harshly.

No wonder Shirley dared to be so brazen. Emily shook her head in resignation.

Soon. Grilled Shrimp with Smoky Paprika was served. Marlon carefully peeled a shrimp and placed the tender meat in Emily's bowl.

Emily feIt a warm surge in her heart. She looked at Marlon gratefully."Thank you."

However, this scene deeply hurt Patrick. Watching Marlon care for Emily so tenderly, a flash of anger crossed his eyes. He couldn't stand seeing his woman being doted on by another man.

Shirley, on the other hand, had a sly smile on her face. She brought a peeled shrimp close to Patrick's mouth. "Patrick, you usually peel them for me. This time, let me do it. Open up."

"Look at that couple over there, so sweet."

"Stop staring, they're just a pair of lovebirds!"

"The guy is really handsome, and the gir1, well, she's quite pretty too.They make a great pair!"

Emily listened to the comments from the neighboring table and watched Shirley cling to Patrick. Her mood plummeted, feeling like a clown in this situation.

Shirley looked at Emily with a triumphant expression. "By the way,Emily, I think you misunderstood something."

Emily asked,"What?"

Shirley said, "The incident where you were drugged."

"Drugged?" Marlon almost spat out his drink, whispering in shock.

This reaction was exactly what Shirley had hoped for.

Shirley said. "Marlon doesn't know? I shouldn't have said anything.Never mind. it's nothing."

Shirley's face was full of malicious glee.

Marlon remembered the day Emily texted him to come to room 316at the hotel. When he got there, the room was empty, and later he heard she had gone to the hospital. He knew something was off but didn't dig deeper at the time.

That unease led Marlon to visit the Rivera Group, just to check on Emily.

Emily,who had anticipated Shirley bringing this up, stayed calm and resolute. She looked at Shirley for a moment before speaking slowly,"Don't worry, I won't let the person behind this get away. She will pay for what she did!"

Shirley's face turned pale, her eyes darting nervously. She glanced at Patrick, hoping he'd back her up, but his expression only brought her disappointment.

Marlon looked at Emily with deep sympathy. "It's allin the past.You have me now."

Upon hearing that Marlon was still defending Emily,Shirley remarked with a hint of malice. "Marlon, your feelings for Emily are truly admirable!" She then feigned innocence.

Patrick, sitting across from Emily, looked like he could kill someone

with his glare.

"Emily, did you report it to the police?" Marlon asked, concerned.

"Yes, I will. I won't let this go!"

Emily looked Patrick in the eye, her words firm and serious.

Patrick chose to remain silent.

The meal ended on a sour note.

Outside the restaurant, the lights were dim and romantic.

"I'll take you home," Marlon offered.

Emily refused, "No need, it's close by. I'll just grab a cab."

Marlon was full of concern.

Shirley, meanwhile, clung to Patrick's arm, planning to leave with him. But Patrick shook her off, his gaze fixed on Emily.

Patrick said, "Shirley, I have something important to discuss with Emily. You can take a cab."

He added, "Emily, get in the car."

Patrick's tone left no room for argument.

Emily hesitated but got into Patrick's car.

Marlon shook his head in resignation and went to get his car.

Shirley stood there, stunned. She thought she had Patrick wrapped around her finger, but she watched Patrick and Emily drive away.her heart filled with anger and resentment.

Shirley thought, 'Emily, you don't think this is my last move,do you?I won't let you off easily!'

The Bentley stopped in front of the apartment building. Patrick and Emily got out, one after the other.

Emily said, "What do you want to say? Say it here."

Knowing Patrick well, Emily knew he had something important to discuss.

"What, I can't go to the apartment I rented myself?"

Before Emily could react, Patrick had already stepped into the elevator.

Using the fingerprint scanner, they entered the apartment. Before Emily could change her shoes, Patrick had her pinned against the wall.

Patrick asked,"Why didn't you tell me this was left to you by your father?"

Emily was puzzled, thinking, 'Is that what he wanted to ask? Is this so important? But he never lets me explain.'

Just as she was about to answer, Patrick leaned down and kissed her.

Patrick's familiar scent surrounded Emily, but this time, she had no

interest in continuing.

She struggled fiercely, the taste of blood filling Patrick's mouth.

Patrick stopped, saying. "This ends here. As compensation,I've bought this apartment and put it in your name."

Although the apartment wasn't large, it was located in the bustling city center, right by a winding river, with convenient transportation,shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities. Recently, the arrival of a prestigious university neaby had driven up property prices.

But was her reputation worth just an apartment?

"Patrick, what do you take me for?" Emily looked at Patrick with anger, tears welling up in her eyes.

"Think it over." Patrick turned and left.