Chapter 78

Seeing Emma's disheveled state, Robert felt both anger and anxiety. He quickly removed his jacket and draped it over her shoulders. Then, turning to the men, he shouted, "You're all jerks!"

One man crouched, meeting Robert's gaze. "Getting riled up, huh? Listen, don't meddle in our business, or you'll deal with me too!"

Emma tightened her grip on Robert's hand. Noticing this, Robert glanced down. He thought, Perhaps she's worrying about me. Could she care for me?

He covered her hand with his, gently patting it reassuringly. Then, he turned back to the men. "Since you're so concerned with money, how much do you want?"

The men exchanged glances. He must be wealthy, they thought. "Three hundred thousand dollars!"

Robert's brows furrowed. He'd expected a large sum, but this was excessive. Five hundred thousand dollars? Do they know what that means?

"Think about it. Pay up, and this ends today. Don't pay, and we'll keep bullying her."

"You asked for three hundred thousand! Why five hundred now?" Emma yelled, frustrated.

"We changed our minds. Don't spoil the fun. Can't pay? Just lie down and relax."

Robert's brow furrowed even deeper at their insult. "Five hundred thousand, but I'll need a couple of days to gather it."

"As long as you pay. Five hundred thousand."

Relieved, the men gathered their things and left the villa, brimming with an indescribable joy. They hadn't expected such easy money.

After they left, Emma leaned on Robert's shoulder, tears silently falling. "Robert, do I have a future?"

"What are you saying? You're eighteen. You have a long road ahead," Robert said.

"But I almost lost my purity. What if no one wants me now?" Emma asked.

Robert hesitated, then said seriously, "If no one wants you, I will."

Emma's eyes sparkled with hope. Robert was her last hope, and her words a gamble—a gamble she'd won.

Justin still held a special place in her heart, but she knew their future was impossible. She needed to hold onto Robert; otherwise, she'd lose everything.

"Of course it's true," Robert said, gently rubbing her head.

"But, Robert, I almost got raped. Aren't you grossed out by me?" Emma asked.

"How could I be? It's chilly; let's go inside," Robert replied.

Emma felt awkward. "I forgot the password."

After calling Bella, Robert obtained the password and explained what happened.

Bella stomped her foot. "Is Emma okay?"

"I got there in time. Everything's fine," Robert replied.

Bella breathed a sigh of relief. "That's good. Do you know who did it?"

Robert's eyes flickered. He suspected someone, but wasn't sure. If it's that person, would they have let me find Emma today?

12:07 PM

Chapter 78 (continued)

Bella also had suspicions. The hotel incident was unclear. It might have been Elysia, but there was no certainty. Besides Elysia, she couldn't think of anyone else. They both suspected the same person.

After hanging up, Robert entered the password. The door clicked open.

The house had been unoccupied for a long time; the air was dry, and dust covered everything under white sheets.

Robert and Emma frowned. Neither was used to manual labor. Robert decided to find them lodging for the night and hire a cleaning service.

Elysia and Nicole were leaving a restaurant. Longreach Road was bustling.

Elysia and her friends attracted attention.

"Why are there so many people?" Jeremy asked.

Nicole rolled her eyes. "It's the annual food festival. How could you not know?"

Jeremy, feeling put down, shifted the blame to Zane. He probably doesn't know either.

"Do you think everyone's as clueless as you? Always slacking off," Zane replied.

Elysia smiled. Does this sound like playful teasing?

Suddenly, a boy dashed from the crowd. Zane pulled Elysia into his arms to protect her. The boy ran off. Zane watched him with a cold look, while Elysia, still shocked, nestled in Zane's arms.

The incident was so fast, Elysia barely registered it before finding herself in Zane's arms. His minty scent filled her senses, causing her cheeks to flush. It was their first time so close.

Nicole and Jeremy were stunned. They'd been about to warn Elysia, but Zane had acted protectively. Is this the cold-hearted Zane we know?

Zane quickly released Elysia. "Sorry, he almost ran into you."

Nicole and Jeremy were shocked. They'd never seen this side of Zane. Nicole teased Elysia, "What were you thinking? That guy almost hit you!"