Chapter 208

Emma turned and saw the photograph: Liam holding their marriage certificate. She quickly recalled the details of their registration that day—she didn't remember Liam speaking with her.

In the photo, Liam looked down diagonally. Tall, his clothing was recognizable as recently worn. Clearly, this wasn't a picture from their wedding day. Someone had surreptitiously taken a recent photo of Liam and photoshopped the background.

Emma used the mouse to adjust the image parameters. Within seconds, the Photoshop alterations were evident.

“Look. This photo was maliciously photoshopped,” Emma stated.

One teacher mused, “But if this picture gets out, the repercussions will be severe.”

Another teacher exclaimed, “Maya, look! Someone’s already tweeted that our school’s top female student is a mistress.”

Both teachers gritted their teeth. Expelling Emma was impossible, yet they couldn't bear the burden of reputational damage.

“Emma, you could record a statement and post it online,” one teacher suggested. “Say it’s a misunderstanding.”

“Right. Sit down while we think,” the other added.

Emma remained silent, her long lashes shading tired eyes as she sat, leaning against a wooden chair. The teachers continued their discussion.

Emma sat passively, fingers crossed. She didn’t care; a terrible headache rendered her averse to argument. She just wanted to resolve this quickly and return to Icovine Estate to rest.

The internet erupted.

One netizen wrote: “[Fuck. Is she really a mistress?]”

Another chimed in: “[So the pink Ferrari is the boyfriend, and the black Maybach is just her tool?]”

A warning followed: “[Your account will be deleted.]”

Someone else commented: “[Oh my god, this woman is quite something. As expected, she’s beautiful and outstanding, so she can do whatever she wants, including playing two men.]”

Sarcastic comments flooded the internet. The teachers were in a quandary. They wanted to contact Twitter to remove the posts but couldn't. Several related topics were trending.

“We can’t continue like this. Emma, you need to clarify this personally,” the teachers said.

“How?” Emma’s gaze was indifferent.

The teachers exchanged glances, outlining their proposed solution. “You can post an apology on Twitter first, and then—”

Emma’s appearance had worsened since arriving. She looked listless.

Suddenly, a sharp pain pierced her head. Her vision blurred; she nearly fainted.

The classroom door opened. The newcomer was initially on the phone. Seeing Emma’s distress, he rushed to her side, placing a warm, strong hand on her waist.

Liam’s hand, slightly cool, touched Emma’s forehead, checking her temperature. Emma felt better, raising her head to meet his gaze. “You…”

“We’re going home,” Liam said curtly, taking her hand and preparing to leave, ignoring Charon Military School.

A teacher immediately stood. “Hey, she’s still—” Unfamiliar with Liam, she was struck by his imposing presence, staring in shock until he openly escorted Emma away.

The other teacher stopped her. “Shut up. That’s Liam Hall.”

The first teacher was dumbfounded. She’d heard of Liam in Troln City; extraordinary and powerful, not someone to be trifled with. A chill ran down her spine. “What did you say? Liam… But shouldn't he want to sever ties with Emma now?” The forum implied Liam was married and Emma had another boyfriend. Shouldn't he distance himself?

Another teacher observed, “Look at him. Does he look like he wants to cut ties with Emma?”

Liam brought Emma back to Icovine Estate. In the car, she dozed off, wrapped in a white cashmere shawl, leaning against Liam. Fortunately, she didn't have a fever this time.

While Emma rested, Liam, with a cold expression, called Jerome to handle the school commotion. Liam swiftly removed all online posts and tweets, but Levi remained anxious. “Mr. Hall, the impact of the wedding photo is serious. Should we contact media relations to refute the rumor, or…?”

“Refute the rumor?” Liam frowned slightly. “What rumor?”

Levi’s voice softened. “It’s…” He hesitated. “Right. What rumor? It’s a fact Mr. Hall is married. You wouldn’t deny that.”

Realizing his error, Levi stopped. “Sorry, Mr. Hall. I didn’t mean that.”

Liam’s slender fingers toyed with a fountain pen, his expression unreadable. His voice was cold. “The person and evidence in the photo are real. It’s not a rumor. As for the other rumors—” He paused. “Contact Troln City’s major media outlets. The news of our marriage will be announced soon.”

09:02 Tue, Jul 23

Levi was momentarily stunned, then quickly nodded. “Alright, I’ll go now.”

“Also,” Liam added to Levi’s departing back, “you didn’t handle this well. Half a month’s salary deduction from Human Resources.”

Levi’s face fell. “Okay.” He inwardly cursed, lamenting the lost salary. He vowed revenge on whoever manipulated the surveillance footage and photoshopped the picture.

When Emma woke, Liam entered the bedroom from his study. Their eyes met. “You’re awake?”

Emma nodded softly. “I’m fine. A few days’ rest will do it.”

Liam cautioned, “Don’t go out when you’re unwell, okay?”

Seeing his displeasure at her illness, she nodded obediently.

Liam’s expression softened slightly. He offered her a bowl. “I made soup for you.”

This was the “painstaking effort” of hours of brewing. The soup was milky white and thick, fragrant, light yet nourishing, with herbs. Emma’s previously dismal appetite returned. “Hubby, I suddenly want spicy beef.”

“Drink the soup first,” Liam replied.

Emma obediently picked up the spoon, then put it down. “If I finish this, can I have spicy beef tonight?”

A vein throbbed on Liam’s forehead, a faint smile playing on his handsome face. His black eyes narrowed gently. “What do you think?”