Chapter 5

“It’s your first time in Troln City. Anything you need—food, clothes—just swipe this card. And if the Wilsons give you any trouble, use it.” Liam gave her a serious look. “No spending limit.”

Emma’s fingers trembled as she accepted the card. Still reeling from the past, she wasn't entirely comfortable with the exchange. She tried to return it. “No, thank you.”

Liam’s expression darkened. “Why?” he asked, puzzled by her reluctance.

Emma smiled, shaking her head. “Wouldn’t it be better if you were with me while I shop, Mr. Hall?”

Her invitation surprised Liam, making him wonder if she remembered him. Her lashes fluttered; a faint rose scent filled the air. He gulped.

“Would you like to go shopping with me, Mr. Hall?” she repeated.

“I’d love to. But the card’s yours—keep it,” Liam replied.

Despite his gentle tone, Emma felt his insistence. She took the black card. “Sure. I’ll call you then, Mr. Hall.”

“Okay,” he agreed, smiling.

As Emma walked away, her steps noticeably lightened. ‘Liam really has a soft spot for me. And I’m totally going to marry him,’ she thought.

Returning home, Aria recounted the day’s events to her mother.

“What? Emma finished her test in half an hour? Wow, she’s really proving her worthlessness. Forget the results; I’ll just ask your father for the money,” Nora declared.

Aria hesitated. “Mom, what if she knew all the answers? Rural kids are often good students.”

Nora, cautious, opted for a different approach. “Alright,” she said, glancing at Emma relaxing on the lawn. “Why don’t you test her? See what she actually knows.”

Aria retrieved a workbook and went outside.

Emma basked in the sun, remembering the countless months spent underground at Delta-27 Base. Now, she cherished every moment. Her peace was shattered by Aria’s voice.

Aria approached with the workbook. “Hey, Emma, Mom sent me to help you study!”

Emma, wearing sunglasses, rolled her eyes. The irony of Aria attempting to tutor her wasn't lost on her. Maintaining composure, she replied, “Oh? How, exactly?”

Already irritated, Aria continued, “The teacher said trigonometry is crucial. Have you mastered it?”

Emma glanced at the book, her expression unchanged. “What’s there to learn?”

Aria, interpreting Emma’s demeanor as laziness, fumed. “Now that you’re part of the Wilson family, you better not embarrass us. This isn’t your village. If you can’t handle trigonometry, how will you pass exams?”

“Why does it matter to you?” Emma retorted.

Aria’s face flushed crimson. “You handed in your test after only thirty minutes?” Nearly crushing the notebook, she shouted, “Don’t think I didn’t notice!”

Her suspicions seemingly confirmed, Aria stormed off, convinced Emma was incompetent and that she and her mother had overestimated her.

Emma, unfazed, continued sipping her coffee. After Aria left, she made a video call. “Did you spread the information?”

A girl in sunglasses replied coolly on the screen, “Yes, it’s out. Don’t worry, boss. Vark College will soon suspect you’re Stox.”

Stox, a globally renowned computer genius, possessed exceptional intellect and was highly sought after.

Emma responded calmly, “Good, but let’s not rush things.” She needed perfect timing, while keeping Aria off balance.

That evening, an uneasy tension hung over dinner. Nora must have informed Mateo, who pressed Emma for the two million dollars. “The teacher called; Aria aced her test.”

Nora added, “Emma, the teacher said Aria did great. She only missed a couple of the hardest questions. With grades like hers, studying abroad would be a shame to miss.”

Emma wiped her mouth impassively. “What about my scores?”

“They’re still being graded. Yours probably hasn’t been looked at yet,” Nora replied awkwardly, forcing a smile. Everyone assumed Emma was a poor student due to her rural background and rapid test completion.

Emma remained composed. “I’ll wait for my scores before we discuss this.”

Mateo slammed his hand on the table. “That two million dollars goes to Aria for her studies abroad,” he declared.

“Why?” Emma slammed her fork down.

“Because it’s part of my and your mother’s marital assets!” Mateo growled.

Emma jumped up and overturned the table. Dishes shattered. Everyone screamed. Mateo jabbed a finger at her. “What the hell are you doing?”

Emma smirked coldly. “Seriously, Dad? You cheated on Mom, and now you’re talking about joint assets?”

Mateo, furious, cursed at her, but she remained unfazed.

The meal ended disastrously. Emma surveyed the mess. “Liam wants me, not Aria. I’m saving this business, whether you like it or not. So you better start begging, even if you can’t treat me right. And I’ll say it clearly—none of my mother’s money is going to Nora and Aria.” She strode upstairs.

News of the family’s conflict reached Liam. In his Troin City office, Liam, sharply dressed in a wheelchair, considered the situation. He hadn’t expected the Wilsons to target Emma so quickly after their departure from Vark College. He wouldn’t allow her to be treated that way. “Levi,” he called.

“Yes, Mr. Hall?” Levi responded.

“Get ready. I’m proposing to Emma at the Wilson house tomorrow,” Liam stated, his words carrying both affection and authority.