Chapter 22

Luna kept her head down. She had loved Liam for years, but Emma's arrival had shattered her illusions. Liam, engrossed in business documents, didn't look up. "Take this back, and tell the kitchen to heat the soup when Emma returns."

Luna gritted her teeth. "Mr. Hall, a healthy diet will aid your recovery. If Mrs. Hall desires soup, the kitchen can prepare another batch."

"Luna, how long have you been here?" Liam asked, still not looking at her.

Luna's heart leaped. Does he finally notice me? she thought. "Three years," she answered.

Liam's next words were a cold shock. "Pick up this month's salary. No need to come in tomorrow."

Luna's eyes widened. "Why, Mr. Hall? Did Mrs. Hall request my dismissal because she dislikes me?"

Liam's patience thinned. "She's too preoccupied to concern herself with this, let alone know who you are."

"Then why am I being fired, Mr. Hall?" Luna persisted. I've loved and supported him for three years, waiting for his recovery. What have I done to deserve this? she wondered.

Liam looked at her coldly. "No more questions."

Luna fell silent, knowing the consequences of defying him. The last person who had vanished. Desperately biting her lip, she left, clutching the bouillon, her heart aching.

Emma returned to find a maid staring at her with red, tear-filled eyes. Luna's hatred was palpable. "What's wrong? Do you have a problem with me?" Emma asked.

"Miss Wilson, Mr. Hall saved the bouillon for you. He's so kind to you. Why do you constantly cause him trouble?" Luna said.

Emma chuckled. "Excuse me? Who are you? How do you know I'm causing trouble?"

"I overheard it outside the study," Luna said spitefully. "You had a fight at school today, and Mr. Hall helped clean up the mess."

Emma raised an eyebrow. Good job, Joshua. Finishing the video so fast, she thought. Seeing Emma's pleased expression, coldness flashed in Luna's eyes. "Mr. Hall also asked Levi to investigate you, Miss Wilson. He wondered why you fought so effectively."

Emma, slightly annoyed by Liam's secret investigation, remained outwardly calm. Stepping forward, she looked down at Luna condescendingly. "Are you finished? Aren't you afraid of being fired? Or have you already been fired, and you no longer care?"

Luna was startled by Emma's quick deduction.

"You're trying to tell me Liam's investigating me, right? If you're trying to drive a wedge between us, it won't work. Liam is far beyond your reach. If I were you, I'd quit and leave the country," Emma said.

Luna's attempt at mischief had failed. Her last chance was gone. Wiping away tears, she fled.

Emma's good mood soured. She went to Liam's study. "Liam Hall," she called from the doorway.

Hearing his full name, Liam sensed trouble. Closing his laptop, he looked at her intently. "What's wrong?"

What's wrong? I sent you the video to show off my amazing fight, but you investigated me! Why didn't you just ask me? she thought, but instead said, "Nothing. I don't like that maid with the double ponytail."

"She's already fired. Did she upset you?" Liam asked.

Emma shook her head, approaching him and cuddling close. "I was awesome in the video, don't you think?"

"Absolutely," Liam replied.

"Are you a fan of your badass wife?" Emma asked.

Liam's eyelashes fluttered. "Indeed. What reward does my dear wife desire?"

"A kiss and a hug," Emma said, holding up a finger.

Seeing her sweet smile, Liam kissed her deeply. Emma, dizzy from lack of oxygen, mumbled, "I said one. You gave me too many."

"For your future good behavior," Liam said hoarsely.

Emma poked his cheek. "What about you? You should behave and keep your distance from other women."

"No other woman will come near me except you," Liam said.

Emma, satisfied, cupped his face and kissed him again. "This is your reward."

They hugged and kissed again. The study grew warm.

Emma thought, Liam probably thinks I'm connected to that organization. That's why he investigated me. Joshua's video was okay, but Liam's a pro. I should have been more careful!

Videos of Emma defeating Ruby, the former national champion, quickly spread online – an unedited version filmed by her classmates. Liam immediately ordered Levi to remove them. He had to protect her secretly. He also discreetly handled Ruby's parents' concerns. Vark College warned other students against similar behavior, and the matter was resolved.