Winning Her Heart Back

 The Gift

"Mr. Middleton, are you talking about my feelings?" Emelie asked.

Then, she sneered. "Well, you're absolutely right."

William said, "I've told you. I don't believe that you've never loved me. You called me Liam once, and I'll remember that for a lifetime."

Then, he said softly, "But that's not what I meant."

He didn't elaborate, and Emelie didn't ask. They just stood side by side.

The sky outside was dark, and the streetlights casted a dim glow over a small patch of ground, offering little to see.

William said, "You've taken quite a few things from Swanson Corporation lately."

"Mr. Middleton, are you here to chastise me on behalf of your partner for my aggressive behavior?" Emelie said.

William chuckled lightly. "I'm not that noble. If you think that causing us trouble will make you feel better, by all means, keep playing."

"Of course. These are just minor inconveniences to people like you," Emeliea said.

Suddenly, she smiled and stepped closer to him. There was a scent of gardenia on her, one that was unfamiliar to William.

As she moved nearer, the fragrance drifted to his nose, and he was suddenly reminded of the intimate moments they had once shared.

He was lost in thought when her soft and low voice broke through. "Guess when I'll make the account book public?"

The fleeting warmth between them vanished in an instant.

Even the dim light couldn't conceal the darkening of William's eyes. "I would advise you not to play with fire."

They were standing very close to each other, just inches apart, well beyond what would be considered a safe social distance.

From an outsider's perspective, it might have looked as if they were whispering secrets to each other, perhaps even making up.

Bryan and Beathan exchanged a glance.

However, the reality was far from romantic. There was an underlying tension, a sharpness had began to surface between them.

William took a deep breath. "Do you really think now is the right time?"

Emelie smiled and said nothing. She sipped her wine calmly, just like a rogue who had set a fire and walked away without a second thought.

William's expression grew serious. His eyes, which were sharp and clear, were fixed on her. He said, "I'm not joking with you. Do you really think taking a few projects from the Swanson Corporation can hurt them? You haven't even scratched them. You..."

"Mr. Middleton, what are you and Ms. Pierce whispering about?" Beathan called out to them from the living room.

Emelie seized the opportunity to leave William's side and walked over to the four men. "We were discussing, Mr. Swanson, what kind of feast you have in store for us tonight."

"Of course, it's something hearty, which is why it's taking so long. But don't worry, Ms. Pierce, you won't be disappointed," Bryan said.

He glanced at his watch. "Just drinking is getting a bit dull. How about we have some entertainment?"

Emelie smiled. "Entertainment? You've got a show planned?"

William frowned slightly. He hadn't heard about that.Text content © NôvelDrama.Org.

Emelie seemed intrigued. "Interesting. What kind of show?"

Bryan turned to Samuel and asked, "Sam, don't you have a student you need to call back?"

It was obvious that he wanted to send Samuel away.

Samuel quickly caught on and exchanged a glance with Bryan. He sighed and asked, " Alright. Is half an hour enough?"

"If dinner's ready by then, I'll have a maid come fetch you," Bryan signaled to a maid to wheel Samuel upstairs.

Emelie's smile faded slightly. "What kind of extraordinary show requires sending Samuel away?"

She raised an eyebrow. "I get it. It must be something that's not family-friendly, which is why you're avoiding having a gentleman like him around."

Just then, Beathan set down his wine glass and clapped his hands twice.

Immediately, two bodyguards brought in a large box.

"Ms. Pierce, weren't you looking for this person recently?" he said.

The lid of the box was lifted and, inside, Daphne was bound hand and foot, gagged and blindfolded. She was thrust into everyone's view.

William's face darkened. Meanwhile, Emelie narrowed her eyes.

She smiled, "This gift really hits the mark."