Chapter 100
+25 BONUS
Sean tightened his grip on his utensils, his knuckles turning white, barely suppressing the anger from being called out so directly.
“I’ll grow. I’ll fix all of this in time,” he said through gritted teeth, his voice firm but strained.
“You might grow, but Emily doesn’t need to waste her time waiting for you,” Wilfred replied calmly.
Sean’s suspicion only deepened. Wilfred was clearly interested in Emily.
“If I can’t give her happiness, what makes you think you can?”
Meanwhile, Zac left Heidi’s room once he was sure she was fully recovered. Walking from the hallway to the main hall, he scanned the crowd but didn’t see Emily anywhere.
Had the Yates family driven her off?
If Emily had gone to vent to Helen, Zac was sure Helen wouldn’t let this slide. The mere thought of Helen causing trouble for him sent a chill down Zac’s spine.
Spotting Justin in the crowd, Zac waited until he wasn’t surrounded by others before approaching.
“Where’s Emily? Did she leave? After all the crap she went through tonight, you couldn’t bother to check on her?” Zac’s tone carried a hint of reproach.
“Why would I? She’s just a stand–in I paid for to replace Emma. Not worth my energy,” Justin replied coldly, his gaze fixed on Emma, who was chatting with a group of women her age.
Zac followed Justin’s gaze and shook his head with a sigh. “You’d better figure out your feelings before it’s too late. If you wait too long, you’ll regret it.
“There are plenty of ways to repay someone. Sacrificing your love or marriage to do it isn’t one of them,” Zac added, patting Justin on the shoulder before walking off to mingle with other guests.
Giving him space to think, Zac walked away. Justin stood still for a moment before heading to the garden
Taking out his phone, he called Emily. The call barely rang before it was cut off. His expression darkened as he stared at the screen, his thumb pressing harder than necessary to end the call.
He hesitated before dialing another number. Remembering that Sam was still busy investigating the mastermind behind the attempt on Heidi, Justin changed his mind and called Mrs. Zimmer instead.
“Mrs. Zimmer, let me know the moment Emily gets home,” he ordered, his tone clipped.
As the evening progressed, more guests approached Justin to chat and propose toasts. He accepted every drink without hesitation, glass after glass piling up.
“Justin, you should slow down. You’re going to overdo it,” Emma said softly, her face tinged with concern.
“Emma, you’re still as kind and gentle as ever! You were like this back in college, and you haven’t changed a bit. Justin’s so lucky to have you as his girlfriend!” one of Justin and Emma’s former college friends remarked.
Back in their university days, Emma had only gained entry into their social circle because of Justin’s influence.
“Speaking of which, you two were dating in college, right? Sure, there were a few hiccups along the way, but it
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Chapter 100
seems like everything worked out in the end. So, when’s the wedding?” The friend’s tone was playful.
Emma shyly glanced at Justin, her voice soft and sweet. “Whatever Justin decides, I’ll follow his lead.”
“Why are you all trying to rush me into marriage?” Justin shot the friend a pointed look.
The friend laughed awkwardly. “We’re just worried about missing the big celebration!”
“Don’t worry. You’ll definitely get an invite,” Justin replied, taking another sip of his drink. Despite the casual response, irritation simmered beneath the surface.
“Alright, Justin, maybe you should drink a little less. I’m just worried about you,” Emma said gently, her tone soft and sweet.
“Worried about you~ Give me a break. She’s such a gold digger,” one of the women in a nearby group whispered mockingly.
The group of women, also former college mates of Justin and Emma, stood chatting at a distance. They kept their voices low, careful not to let Justin or his circle overhear their conversation.
