Chapter 23

Emma knew little about Brad from her past life; only that he was as cunning and calculating as Liam. Rumors now suggested the true power of the Hall family resided with Brad. She remained vigilant, greeting him with, "Hello, you must be Liam's younger brother."

Brad's face instantly froze at the words "younger brother." He quickly composed himself, replying, "Emma, you're perceptive. Since you married my elder brother, we are family; you are my sister-in-law." His deliberate emphasis on "sister-in-law" unsettled Emma.

"You're here for Liam? He's not around?" she asked.

"Liam is out," Brad replied, offering a cryptic smile. "Have you been settling in well at the Icovine Estate?"

"Why wouldn't I be? I was just a country orphan," Emma retorted, unconcerned, adjusting her hair before a mirror.

Brad sneered, taking a sip of his coffee. Emma's recent public appearances—at Aria's engagement party and the Vark College battle—had made her the talk of the city's elite. Brad had witnessed her defeat of the national champion. A woman capable of such a feat was clearly not ordinary; hence his visit. He sought to assess her, and Liam's motives for keeping her close. "Do you enjoy coffee, Emma?"

"No," she replied coldly.

"A pity," Brad said smoothly. "Liam adored coffee, but his disability… diminished that refined taste. Did you know?"

"Really?" Emma responded flatly, her irritation growing. If not for his familial connection to Liam, she would have retaliated; for now, she bided her time.

"Liam's personality has changed drastically since his injury," Brad continued, observing her expression. "He's dealt harshly with many former loyalists. One man was even… mauled to death by mastiffs. Understandable, I suppose. Disability often affects the psyche. If you ever need help, don't hesitate to contact me." He offered her a business card.

Liam's wheelchair then silently approached the villa entrance.

Levi began to speak, but stopped abruptly upon seeing Liam's darkened expression. He spotted Brad and Emma, nearly gasping.

Brad, noticing Liam's arrival, smiled sinisterly. "Emma, don't be alarmed. Liam has a temper, but I'm on your side. Taking my card signifies our agreement, wouldn't you say?"

Emma, unaware of Liam's presence, took the card, then immediately tore it to shreds. "Thank you for your concern, but Liam treats me well. This is unnecessary."

Levi breathed a sigh of relief. Liam’s murderous aura, evident when Emma had taken the card, vanished as she destroyed it; a slight smile even touched his lips.

Brad's grimace was unconcealed. "Emma, the Wilson family is gone, Liam is a powerless cripple. Without Hall family backing, aren't you afraid?"

"My husband is my backer," Emma retorted. "Would you dare say this to his face?"

Applause erupted from the doorway. Levi, following Liam, sneered at Brad. "Mr. Brad, why are you trespassing on the Icovine Estate without Mr. Liam's permission, and disturbing Mrs. Emma?"

Brad's face darkened, seeing the shredded card. He clenched his fists. "I have business at the company. I'll take my leave!"

"Goodbye," Levi scoffed.

As Brad reached the door, Liam's cold voice stopped him. "Hold on."

Brad turned, teeth gritted. "Anything else, Liam?"

Liam slowly rotated his wedding band, his mere presence heavy with unspoken menace. His warning was clear: "Icovine Estate is my territory. Interfere with my people again, and face the consequences!"

Brad, unable to challenge Liam, left with a cold humph. Liam immediately instructed Levi, "Use our influence in the black market to ensure Emma's information remains secure." He suspected Brad's interest in Emma stemmed from uncovered secrets, jeopardizing her safety.

"Yes, sir!" Levi replied.

Emma hesitated. "You… have connections in the black market?"

Liam turned, his eyes intense. "You may choose not to share your affairs, and I respect that. But that doesn't mean I'll stand idly by if others threaten you."

Overwhelmed with gratitude, Emma rested her head on Liam's chest. Her anger at his investigation melted into understanding. His actions stemmed not from doubt, but concern. Regretting her earlier sulking, she kissed his chin. "Don't worry about what Brad said. Your leg will heal. Trust me."

Liam stroked her hair. "Okay."

Emma silently vowed to do everything in her power to help Liam recover. She was the one Liam and Levi had been searching for.