Chapter 46

If word got out, Emily would be hit like a ton of bricks, leaving her floundering in her new surroundings.

Acting out at someone else's company? Bad move. Was she trying to tank the Hughes Group's stock?

Emily fought to break free, but Patrick's grip was like iron.

Patrick's voice was rough as he whispered, "Don't move. You know if you keep struggling, I might actually do something right here."

He breathed near her ear, his warm breath making Emily fee1 both disgusted and terrified. She shuddered involuntarily, as if she could smell the breath of a demon.

Seeing the desire creeping onto Patrick's face, Emily dared not move.She pleaded softly, "Mr. Rivera, can't you just let me go?"

Her eyes filled with helpless despair, swallowing all hope.

All she wanted was to escape from Patrick, start a new life, and stay far away from this man who was a mix of love and hatred.

"No way!" Patrick's response came through gritted teeth, filled with anger and determination. "Why should I let you go just because you say so? You're mine! I don't agree to this, so you're not going anywhere-not even a step! You better stay by my side, no matter what!"

His eyes were full of crazed possessiveness, like flames ready to

consume Emily.

He wouldn't allow Emily to leave, seeing her as his property,not to be coveted by anyone else.

Emily closed her eyes, fearing her anger might reveal her pregnancy.If Patrick found out, he'd force her to have an abortion. She had already decided to keep the baby and didn't want Patrick to interfere.

Her heart was in turmoil, filled with fear and loathing for Patrick,but also a protective hope for her child.

Seeing Emily avoid his gaze, Patrick's anger flared. His face turned ashen, veins bulging on his forehead. He grabbed her cheek tightly.causing intense pain.

Patrick glared at her, his voice low and menacing. "Look at me! You can't even spare me a glance now? What's the deal? Now that you're cozying up to Marlon, you've got no room for any other man? You were anything but faithful when you were with me, so don't pretend you want to be loyal to him now. Let me tell you, that's not happening!"

His words were full of insult and jealousy, stabbing at Emily like a knife. He glared at her, his eyes blazing with anger, jealousy、and resentment.

Emily listened to his humiliating words, her veins throbbing with anger. Tears welled up, but she held them back, refusing to let them fall, a final act of defiance.

She mustered all her strength to pry Patrick's hand off her face and

slapped him hard. The sound echoed in the stairwell,breaking the silence.

Patrick turned his head in shock, using his tongue to probe his teeth,spitting out blood-tinged saliva. He said quietly, "You dare to hit me?1

Like an enraged beast, he grabbed Emily's hair, forcing her face up.

Emily bit her lip stubbornly, refusing to cry out in pain, her lips turning white in defiance.

Patrick, standing at 6-foot-1, looked down at the barely 5-foot-5Emily, pulling her close to his chest. The pressure was overwhelming.making it hard for her to breathe.

"I'm telling you, Emily, don't make me angry, or I'll take the Hughes Group down with you!"

Patrick's eyes narrowed like an enraged lion, his hot breath on Emily's face made her shiver uncontrollably, herbody trembling as if facing a fierce beast, powerless to resist.

"Don't think you can provoke me easily. The money, time, and effort I've spent on you over the years and your drug-addicted mother, who do you think supported all that? Now you want to leave, found a new backer? Think climbing into someone else's bed will get you the same treatment? Don't come crawling back to me when they kick you out. I have standards."

Patrick's roar was like a knife to Emily's heart, exposing her deepest wounds, making her feel unbearable pain.

Emily used all her strength to pull her hair free, stomping hard on Patrick's foot, struggling with every ounce of her being.

Patrick let go due to the pain.

At that moment, Emily seemed to have exhausted all her strength,her body trembling slightly, breathing heavily, but her eyes were firm and resolute.

Patrick glared at Emily like an enraged beast. "Are you really not coming back with me?" Emily lifted her head stubbornly and said,"Even if you kill me today, I'm not going back. It's over. You despised me when I was with you, and now that I want to leave, you come after me. What do you want?"

Her voice trembled but was strong, a cry for freedom and dignity.

Patrick sneered, looking Emily up and down. "If you can be here today, you'll be in someone else's bed tonight. Emily, you really disgust me. You're just a whore."

His words grew more venomous, trying to hurt Emily enough to make her return to him, his eyes full of disdain and mockery, as if she was worthless.

After speaking, Patrick turned and left through the fire exit. The sound of the door closing startled Emily, making her heart tremble.