Chapter 65

Brad and Elsie remained at the hospital, determined to monitor Liam's condition and prevent Emma from discovering the mastermind behind the car accident. With Liam's fate uncertain, Emma found herself dealing with these two unwelcome guardians.

"You don't need to accompany me," Emma said calmly. "I'll inform you of any updates."

Elsie retorted sarcastically, "Inform us? Liam is family, and Brad is his own brother!"

"Emma, I'm free from the company today," Brad added. "I'll stay and keep Liam company."

Emma thought, With a few words, they refuse to leave. Since they're uncooperative, I'll have to get tough. She devised an excuse, heading to the fire escape to make a call.

"Vere, your first assignment awaits," she said.

Several days had passed since Vere joined Emma's organization. Besides preparing for his studies abroad, he'd become acquainted with Josiah and other subordinates. This call from Emma was thrilling. He was eager to prove himself in the bustling surroundings.

"What do you need?" he asked.

Emma sneered. "Your target is Brad, the most powerful member of the Hall family. Dare you do it?"

Ten minutes later, Emma returned to find Brad and Elsie still guarding Liam's ward. While Emma was gone, Elsie had attempted to inquire about Liam's condition from the doctor, only to discover the doctor and Levi were complicit with Liam. They refused information and treated her coldly, leaving her sullen.

Upon seeing Emma, Elsie's sarcasm sharpened. "Humph, afraid we'll play tricks?" she sneered. "Making calls instead of guarding the ward 24/7?"

"Mom, don't speak to Emma like that," Brad interjected politely. His public demeanor was humble and polite, often leading people to believe he was a more desirable employer than the forceful Liam. He was adept at misdirection, appearing to defend Emma.

Emma remained unmoved. "How much longer will you stay?" she asked. "Should I call Mr. Simon to send you home?"

Elsie smirked. "Don't rely on cleverness to get Simon's support. He's never taken sides, especially not with an ambitious ingrate like Liam!" She paused, then added, "By the way, Mr. Simon's in Ralbridge for a meeting. Too busy for calls, perhaps? Need me to call him for you?"

Most would have been furious, but Emma remained unnervingly calm. Soon, Brad's phone rang. He answered, stepping away. "Hello? What?"

Emma sensed the shift in his tone. Though expressionless, he's anxious! she thought.

After hanging up, Brad returned with a grim expression. "I have urgent business at the office. Mom, you should go home."

Elsie was stunned. "What's more urgent than this?"

Brad glanced at Emma, his expression complex. Without further explanation, he arranged transport for Elsie.

"So, you've come to your senses and want to leave?" Emma remarked. "Show some sincerity if you want to pray for your brother. Go to church and pray earnestly. Nobody prays facing a ward! People would laugh! Haha…"

Her bright smile was guileless. Levi noticed the menace in Brad's gaze. She actually laughs at him! Fearless! he thought.

Brad's expression turned sinister. "Then you stay and keep my brother company!"

Emma ignored the threat. Brad thought, If I can cripple Liam, I can send her to the grave with him.

Emma simply smiled and waved. "Thank you. I won't wish you to jail to keep Kate company. Drive safely."

As Brad left, his forehead veins bulged. Levi gave Emma a thumbs-up. "Mrs. Hall, you're witty! I've never seen Mr. Brad lose his composure!"

Emma sneered. "Everyone has weaknesses. Weak characters reveal themselves under pressure."

Levi nodded, suddenly realizing something. Mrs. Hall was pale at first, then instantly changed when she saw Brad and his mother, ready for confrontation. She mocked Brad innocently, then turned cold and calculating... seamless transitions! Her mental fortitude is incredible!

Emma said, "Levi, it's late. Go eat. I'll handle things here."

"Um… Alright. I'll be right back," Levi replied.

After Levi left, Emma contacted Vere.

Vere reported, "I not only crashed their system but also obtained evidence to control Brad. He'll be salvaging the company's market value, so he'll have no time for his brother."

"Well done," Emma said calmly, as if Vere's success was expected.

Vere paused. "It's thanks to your precise guidance… The Halls Group's security systems are top-notch."

"No problem," Emma replied. "You'll improve with practice. Your first mission is a success. Collect your reward."

Vere was ecstatic. Stox's organization, which rooted out traitors and punished the wicked, attracted top talent. Vere was proud to be part of it. His scholarship only covered tuition; now, he wouldn't worry about living expenses.

Levi returned after eating. Emma, initially reluctant to eat, only wanted to watch over Liam, but gave in to Levi’s insistence.

Upon returning, she found Levi anxiously pacing.

"What happened?" Emma asked, frowning.

Levi was flustered. "Mrs. Hall, the doctor says Mr. Hall is missing!"

"Missing?" Emma's expression changed drastically. How could a living person disappear? A deep sense of foreboding settled upon her.

"I'm contacting security for surveillance footage," Levi said.

"Too late!" Emma gritted her teeth. "They've planned this. Levi, come with me!"