Chapter 181

“Yes, Mr. Hall,” Levi replied, immediately springing into action.

Only Emma and Liam remained. They appeared calm, but both were acutely aware of the gravity of the situation. Liam stepped forward, placing a large hand on Emma’s head, gently pressing her cheek against his chest and pulling her into his embrace.

“Don’t be afraid,” he comforted her. “I won’t let anything happen to you. If we can’t find the chip within forty-eight hours, I have other options.” He was even prepared to take the blame for her. The dignified heir to Halls Group would rather go to prison than let Emma suffer.

Emma, understanding his feelings, hugged him tightly. The scent of cedarwood on his skin calmed her. Having experienced their separation in a previous life, every moment in this one was precious. She refused to be separated from him again.

“I have a suspect,” she confessed.

Liam looked into her eyes. “A lead?”

Emma recalled Faith’s unusual friendliness that morning, and a detail in the video’s angle sparked a suspicion. It was merely speculation, however. The police had the video; they couldn’t review it. Fortunately, Emma possessed a sharp memory and could reconstruct the filming location. She immediately called Josiah.

“Josiah, send me screenshots from all security cameras at Charon, now!”

Josiah, adept at accessing surveillance footage, quickly sent Emma the images from every camera at Charon Military School. She meticulously examined hundreds of screenshots, soon discovering the video wasn't from any of them. Even the slightest discrepancy was immediately apparent.

She stared at the screen. “Honey, someone has been secretly following me recently.”

Liam’s expression darkened. “You’re saying the video wasn’t from a security camera?”

“Yes,” Emma replied, “someone followed and recorded me.” This person was intimately familiar with her movements. She was clearly targeted.

“If I find out who it is, I won’t let them go,” Liam said, his tone laced with lethal intent.

Emma closed the program and stood. “We just need to find out who took this video to find the chip.” She then instructed Lane, “If you see Faith acting suspiciously or attempting to plant anything, catch her in the act and report it immediately.”

Faith found her scheme increasingly difficult. No matter what she tried, she couldn't get near Emma's belongings. Someone was always guarding, whether in the dorm, classroom, or even the locker room where they'd tampered with Emma's possessions before—Emma had replaced the lock with a custom one. Frustrated, Faith contacted Derek, hoping they could send someone to draw Lane away.

The forty-eight-hour deadline loomed. A significant portion of the time had already passed, and Emma had made no progress. Taking leave to focus on finding the chip, she returned to Icovine Estate. As she passed through the large black iron gates, her phone vibrated. Recognizing the number, she stopped.

“Hello?” A voice modulator disguised a woman’s sharp, cold voice. “Guess what happens if I reveal your glorious past deeds in the King’s Association?”

Emma’s face hardened. The King’s Association was an underground organization. Exposing her past training at this juncture would only worsen the situation. She knew that if something happened to her, the Association would abandon her.

“What do you want?” Emma asked.

The caller continued, “Even outside the King’s Association, many people have ulterior motives. Without their protection, how long do you think you’ll last? Come back. Show undivided loyalty, and I’ll let bygones be bygones. Or do you want to go to jail, separated from your beloved Mr. Hall?”

Emma didn’t respond, glancing at the brightly lit villa. Under the streetlight, a cold smile curved her lips.

“Now that you mention it,” she said, “I feel like giving it a try.” She wanted to see if she could manage without the King’s Association. Anything that didn't break her would only make her stronger.

Emma hung up and walked inside. The living room was brightly lit, four exceptionally handsome men—Liam, Daniel, Richard, and Sean—seated on the sofa. They looked at her in unison. Any one of them was strikingly handsome; together, the effect was almost overwhelming. They could debut as a boy band, she thought.

“Uncles, why are you all here?” Emma asked.

Sean, fresh from filming, stepped forward, dazzlingly handsome. “Emma, we’re worried about you. We’re discussing a plan.”

Richard nodded in agreement. Daniel added, “Philip will be here in an hour. He’s usually busy in the lab, but he chartered a flight back when he heard.”

“What? Uncle Philip’s coming too?” Emma was surprised. This news brightened her stressful day. She’d never met Philip but had heard of his genius and long admired him.

Liam approached, gently removing her backpack and handing it to a servant. “You must be tired. Rest while we talk.”

“Okay. You’re the best!” Emma replied, feeling better surrounded by them, especially with Liam’s reassuring presence.

Sean felt a pang seeing their affectionate interaction. “Emma… we’re heartbroken. You only have eyes for your husband.”

“You should be happy for me,” Emma retorted. “My husband treats me well.”

Richard agreed, “Liam is a good man. It’s wonderful Emma is in love with him. Sean, we should bless them.”

Sean thought, What do you know, you clueless straight guy? But he remained silent, fearing Richard’s wrath.

Daniel, accustomed to their bickering, smiled faintly. The villa’s tense atmosphere eased with Emma’s return. She sat on the sofa, leaning against Liam, enjoying the dessert he'd brought.

“Uncle Philip will support me, right Uncle Daniel?” Emma asked.

Daniel nodded. “Yes, he came back to help you.”