Chapter 19

Emma thought, "Liam's so insecure and must be jealous again. He wasn't there when Elijah's parents confronted me, and Jack played the hero. Liam's probably in a foul mood. I need to do something about it."

Just then, Liam's wheelchair stopped. Emma seized the opportunity, wrapping her arms around him and hugging him tightly. "Did you come back because you got my message and were worried about me being bullied?" She felt his muscles tense beneath his suit.

Levi stood to the side, watching Liam's gloomy expression transform into a smile the moment Emma embraced him.

Liam's Adam's apple bobbed. "Yes," he said.

"Liam, you're so nice to me!" Emma exclaimed.

Liam was speechless. Her sweet words disarmed him. He couldn't maintain his jealousy, even if he tried. Awkwardly, he raised a hand, gently lifting her face. "Are you hurt?" he asked, looking closely at her.

Emma shook her head docilely.

Liam's face softened further. "Don't worry. I'll take care of the Taylor family."

"Okay," Emma nodded, kissing his handsome face. "You really spoil me, Liam. I love you so much!" She knew this always worked on him, so she continued until his anger subsided.

Liam's voice grew hoarse, his breathing heavier. "Don't do this in public."

Emma, though sensing his outward composure, knew he was internally thrilled. "You mean we can do this at home?" she teased.

Liam raised an eyebrow. "Wanna try?"

Emma, deciding against further teasing, said, "I think I have classes."

Liam narrowed his eyes, a smile playing on his lips. "I've asked for a day off for you." He wouldn't let her escape so easily.

He then pulled Emma onto his lap. She didn't resist, unwilling to spoil his improved mood. They were sitting in the wheelchair, Levi looking bewildered. "Are we…going back to the car, Mr. Liam?" he asked.

"Push my wheelchair," Liam replied faintly.

Levi's internal monologue ran: Who? Me? Isn't this an automatic wheelchair? And wouldn't it be better to let Miss Wilson push you? Why do I have to be here and watch your PDA? He lacked the courage to voice these thoughts, however, asking with near-welling eyes, "You mean, I push both of you?"

"Or," Liam said coldly, "how about you sit in the wheelchair, and I'll push you? Emma can't walk. She's just been frightened."

Man, Levi thought, did you hear yourself? A little fright won't stop her from walking!

Upon arriving at the Icovine Estate, Emma exited the car, surprised by the group of reporters gathered at the gate. Mateo and Nora were at the forefront. "What's happening here?" she frowned.

Nora rushed to Emma. "Emma, the police are arresting Aria today. She's your sister. You can't just stand by and watch her go to jail! Look, she's truly sorry. Can you bear to send her to jail?" Nora showed Emma a video on her phone.

In the video, Aria pleaded, "Emma, I'm so sorry for everything. I was young and ignorant. I regret it so much! I've lost my baby, and the Taylor family has rejected me. All I want is to avoid jail. Emma, I'm your sister. Please forgive me and save me!"

Emma looked at Aria's pale face. It was hard to believe this was the same woman who had pushed her into a fire in her past life. Emma sneered. "Who am I to forgive? Only the law can judge her. None of us has the right to interfere."

The Taylor family had visited Emma at school earlier; now the Wilsons had come to Liam's manor. The atmosphere was already tense as Liam sat aside.

A reporter then spoke. "Emma, you married Liam Hall and then watched your family go bankrupt. That's heartless! They're your father and grandmother. Even if they didn't raise you, they gave you life, right? Will the Hall family accept a heartless woman like you? Please answer my question!"

Emma retorted, "The most important thing for a reporter is to seek truth from facts. What kind of reporter are you if you lack even basic professionalism?"

The reporter, young and reckless, snapped photos. "You pushed your sister, causing her miscarriage. Am I wrong to call you heartless?"

Nora gritted her teeth. She had paid him to ask aggressive questions; he was the only one daring enough to do so in Liam's presence.

"Who told you Emma pushed Aria?" Liam's voice grew colder, his face hardening. He exited his car, immediately surrounded by bodyguards. The reporters, however, surged forward, even bumping into Liam with a camera. They knew his mobility limitations prevented easy escape.

Emma rushed to Liam's defense, shielding him with her arms. "What are you doing? Are you out of your minds?" Her forceful presence startled the reporters.

"The police released surveillance video clearly showing Aria's fall was intentional. I didn't want to take it personally, believing you were doing your jobs, but you're making this harder on yourselves. I always held a grudge. Come near again, and I'll break your legs," Emma stated firmly.

The reporters fell silent, even the bodyguards surprised. Emma's words had silenced them.

Liam watched Emma protectively, a complex expression on his face. Is she protecting me? It's not just me protecting her. She's got my back, too. Even though everyone wants me dead, she stands by me, despite the cameras, he thought, his heart pounding.

After a long moment, Liam spoke indifferently, "You disgrace your profession by distorting facts," then ordered a bodyguard, "Take him."

The reporter panicked. "What do you mean? What are you going to do?"

A bodyguard stepped forward. "Samuel Taylor, Elijah Taylor's cousin, a journalism student, right?"

Samuel was shocked. "How do you know?"

The bodyguard replied, "You've fabricated scandals about Miss Wilson repeatedly, and Mr. Hall has been aware of it." He smashed Samuel's camera.