Chapter 214

“Coincidentally, we’ll have school holidays in a few days. I haven’t seen your rings yet!” Lane added.

Emma hadn’t thought of that. She blinked and asked, “Do you want to go with me?”

“Of course I do!” Lane jumped up excitedly. “Every girl dreams of her wedding! I’m already looking forward to seeing your reaction.” Emma smiled brightly. “Alright, I’ll let you know then. After we get the rings, I’ll treat you to a meal.”

This was Lane’s first time going out alone with Emma. She was so excited she started preparing days in advance.

On the day to collect the rings, Liam repeatedly insisted on taking time off to accompany Emma. However, Emma said, “You’ve been busy recently, so you don’t need to make a special trip. Besides, I’ve already arranged to go with Lane. We’ll grab something to eat after collecting the rings and then watch a movie. When I get back, you’ll be almost done with your work—perfect, isn’t it?”

“How can I let you take our rings with someone else?” Liam’s voice was calm, but his brows were slightly furrowed.

“Lane isn’t ‘someone else’!” Emma pouted, poking the tip of Liam’s nose with her finger. “And she’s my best friend, not a man.”

Seeing Liam remain silent, she hugged his neck and coaxed, “But the stock market’s been in turmoil recently. You’re busy; it’ll take up quite some time.”

Although they had chosen the rings together, going alone to pick them up did feel a bit lonely. Ideally, they would go together, but going alone saved Emma time. Fortunately, Lane had offered to join her.

Emma added, “Just focus on your work. There are plenty of other wonderful things we’ll do together in the future.” She sensed that Liam’s work was particularly challenging lately. She sometimes overheard his calls; they seemed related to Simon. Simon would surely learn of their wedding plans, which could complicate things. If she didn’t interfere, Liam could finish dealing with things sooner, and it wouldn’t delay the wedding.

Liam still wasn’t convinced. “A wedding happens only once in a lifetime.”

“That’s exactly why we should take our time,” Emma said, her gaze gentle yet firm, her words filled with determination. Seeing her resolute support, he relaxed, tapped her lightly with his index finger, and said, “Just come back early after collecting them, okay?”

“Okay. Thank you, honey! I love you!” Emma said happily. Liam pinched her nose.

There was nothing he could do but pamper her. Emma and Lane agreed to leave at 3 p.m. Originally, Emma would pick up Lane. Unexpectedly, Lane had learned to drive at Charon Military School while Emma was on leave.

Lane emerged from the army-green SUV, shaking her driver’s license. Not only did she have a license, but she was also one of the school’s top drivers. They had agreed to meet at 3 p.m., but to Emma’s surprise, Lane arrived at Icovine Estate by midday in a rented car.

Emma stared in astonishment, while Lane scratched her head and said confidently, “Emma, this car may seem normal, but it’s quite spacious. And you can trust my driving skills 100%! So, should we leave now or wait a bit?”

Seeing Lane’s serious expression, Emma wanted to see her driving skills. “Let’s go now!”

“Okay, let’s go!” Lane replied.

The two girls happily drove out of the Icovine Estate gates. Meanwhile, Liam watched them leave, feeling a little jealous.

Lane drove very steadily. Emma, sitting in the passenger seat, was impressed by Lane’s skills. Having missed some classes, Emma teased, “If you’d stayed away a few more days, would you have learned to fly a plane?”

Lane smiled embarrassedly. “I originally wanted to enroll in the pilot program. I passed the physical exams, but my psychological evaluation wasn’t up to par. What a shame.”

Seeing her regret, Emma smiled warmly. “If you like flying, I can teach you next time.”

Lane was so shocked she nearly slammed on the brakes. “What the heck, Emma? You can fly a plane?”

Emma quickly grabbed the safety handle. “Lady, focus on driving, don’t get too excited!”

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Shit, I forgot,” Lane apologized. Emma thought, Her psychological resilience is indeed a bit lacking. I almost let it slip that I know how to fly a plane.

The autumn air was refreshing, and the sky was clear. Road conditions were good. The journey from Icovine Estate to the mall wasn't far, making it an easy drive for Lane. Seeing her serious focus, Emma decided not to disturb her. She gazed out the window as the green median strips flew by, fresh air drifting in.

The rearview mirror reflected her lightly made-up face, a smile playing on her lips. “Lane,” Emma said.

Then, Emma noticed a car in the rearview mirror. Her dark eyes narrowed slightly.

“What’s wrong, Emma?” Lane asked.

Emma stared at the rearview mirror, her expression serious. “Has anyone been following you recently?”

Lane was stunned. “Wh–what… What’s going on? Is someone following us?”

Emma said calmly, “Third car on the right, license plate 275.”

Lane saw it. Her fingers on the steering wheel felt cold. She hadn’t noticed the inconspicuous white sedan blending into the traffic. Emma, however, more sensitive than average, had sensed the driver glancing their way.

“Emma, what do we do now?” Lane was anxious.

Emma hadn’t expected to be targeted without Liam. With a calm expression, she tapped the door handle and said emotionlessly, “Pull over at the crowded intersection ahead. I’ll drive.”

Even if she didn’t know their purpose, few people were bold enough to follow her so openly. The safest course was to get to a crowded place in the mall and inform Liam. Emma called Josiah to find out who owned the license plate.

Just then, the army-green SUV was suddenly rammed from behind.

“Boom!”