Chapter 209

Eventually, Emma said, "I think it's better to wait until I recover before eating spicy food."

Liam's eyes lit up. He touched Emma's forehead and said, "Good girl."

Dealing with Charon Military School and online voices was easy for Liam. However, even after this incident, rumors persisted that Liam was "married." No one knew Emma was his wife, though private discussions continued.

After Emma recovered, she prepared to return to school, but Liam extended her leave. "There's no hurry," he said. "We have more important things to do."

"What?" Emma, slightly thinner after her illness, her chin sharper, her eyes bright and lively, asked.

Liam smiled, remaining silent. Levi, beside him, smiled knowingly.

Emma smiled. "Is it a surprise?"

"You'll see," Liam replied.

Liam's car stopped at the mall, home to a Sayekine Restaurant. Emma anticipated another ice cream cake tasting, but Liam bypassed the restaurant.

"Aren't we here for cake?" Emma asked curiously, following him past the bakery.

"We can come back later," Liam said, "but that's not today's main mission."

"Main mission?" As she pondered this, they passed an electronics store.

A salesperson, recognizing their affluence, approached. "Sir, ma'am, would you like to see our latest mobile phones?"

Liam hesitated. New electronics had recently arrived. While manufacturers had sent prototypes, he preferred buying Emma a phone outright.

"Shall we take a look?" Liam asked.

"Sure," Emma replied calmly. Though uninterested in phones, she was curious about computers, tablets, and accessories.

As they were about to enter, Emma spotted a familiar figure at the checkout. A woman in a simple white t-shirt and jeans. "Lane?" she exclaimed, raising her eyebrows.

Liam followed her gaze. "Go say hello!"

Emma observed Lane, who seemed to have just paid, clutching a white bag. She wondered about Lane's purchase.

Lane, oblivious to their presence, quickly left.

Chapter 209

Emma pursed her lips. "There's no need. She's probably busy."

Emma understood Lane's frugality. The store's electronics were expensive; this purchase likely repaid a favor. Emma didn't want to intrude; everyone had their secrets.

Taking Liam's arm, Emma browsed, selecting hardware and software. After their purchase, Liam led her upstairs.

Half an hour later, in the gloomy afternoon rain, at the dimly lit entrance of Troln City's Mysterios, Lane took a deep breath and entered a private room, laptop in hand.

Smoke, alcohol, and cigarette fumes filled the air. Everyone turned as she entered, her long black hair shielding her anxious expression. She hurried to a boy seated at a central table, avoiding eye contact and the sight of him embracing women. Quickly, she pressed a white paper bag into Erza's arms and left.

A boisterous commotion erupted.

"Yo, Mr. Burnson, where'd you find this innocent girl?" someone asked.

"Are girls this generous these days? That's the latest Mac, over two thousand dollars, right?" another chuckled.

The room was filled with wealthy children. Lane knew that since dropping out, Erza hadn't returned home or sought employment; he spent his days drinking and partying.

Erza's dark purple hair gave him a punkish look, yet his striking features belied a flirtatious charm.

"Stop," Erza commanded.

Lane halted.

Erza raised an eyebrow, glancing at the bag. Without touching it, he asked, "What's this?"

Lane straightened, clenching her fists. "I know you don't need this, but I didn't want to owe you."

Erza frowned, cigarette smoke curling around him.

Lane started to leave, but Erza impatiently said, "Take it away."

Lane, fists clenched tighter, took a deep breath and left with a slam of the door.

"Damn," someone teased. "Mr. Burnson, she's got spirit. Don't you like her?"

Erza coldly replied, "Does she look like my type?"

Two women in revealing clothing and expensive accessories laughed loudly.

"Then, Mr. Burnson, what is your type? Am I your type?" one asked.

Erza narrowed his eyes and blew smoke near her collar. "I like big breasts. Are you big?"

"How naughty…" she said flirtatiously.

Laughter filled the room. Suddenly, the door opened again.

Lane returned, anger etched on her face. "I know you don't like what your grandfather did, but how long will you live like this?"

The room fell silent. These heirs, usually deferential to Erza, were stunned by Lane's boldness.

Erza's expression hardened. Stubbing out his cigarette, he looked down at Lane, sneering. "It's just a lousy phone. Think you're familiar with me?"

Meanwhile, Emma and Liam arrived at a nameless, black-fronted shop on the mall's second floor; its small, unassuming door offered no clue to its contents.

Emma was puzzled. "So mysterious? Are you giving me something?"

Liam's smile deepened.

A salesperson ushered them inside, quickly closing the door behind them.

Liam explained, "This shop only accepts one couple a day." He emphasized "married couple," not just any pair.

Emma immediately understood. Before she could react, two assistants entered carrying rows of haute couture wedding gowns.