Chapter 10

When Emily headed to the bathroom, she caught the unmistakable sound of John and Veda making out inside.

Her scalp prickled with irritation at their shamelessness.

Emily frowned, knocked on the door, and said calmly, "Hey, could you be any louder? Might as well let everyone know."

The kissing noises stopped abruptly, followed by the rustling of clothes.A moment later, the door opened, and Emily raised her phone, confronting Veda as she stepped out.

"Veda, I'm still married to him. If you think being the other woman is something to be proud of, I don't mind showing everyone what you're up to."

Veda looked mortified, but before she could respond, John emerged and pulled her behind him protectively.

Emily smirked, remembering how John used to protect her like that when she first came back to the Johnson family. Funny how feelings change.

"Emily, you're being ridiculous," John said, leading Veda away.

Veda glanced back, probably expecting to see Emily looking humiliated,but Emily had already stepped into the bathroom. The wine stains on her red dress weren't visible, but the sticky feeling was gross. Emily locked the door, walked to the sink, and carefully untied her dress,revealing a white slip stained with red wine. She frowned, knowing this stain wasn't coming out easily.

She glanced at her phone, thinking about asking someone to bring her a new outfit.

Just as she picked up her phone, she was startled by a noise from one of the stalls. She turned to see James stepping out.

James had those delicate features that made any woman envious, but right now, his furrowed brows and cold demeanor were intimidating.

Emily hadn't expected to see James here. It wasn't until her back was pressed against the cold door that she snapped out of it.

She struggled. "Mr. Smith, my husband is right outside. Don't you think you're crossing a line?"

"Your husband? Emily, have you forgotten our first meeting?"

He was nothing like before, his domineering presence making it hard for her to breathe.

Emily started to remember the past. If she hadn't been so forward that night, they might not have stayed together for three years.

Unable to break free, Emily stopped struggling and smiled slightly. Her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, adding a touch of allure. She lightly tugged at James's belt. "Mr. Smith, do you want to settle things from three years ago right here?" Seeing his restrained expression, Emily noticed the corners of James's eyes were even redder than hers, and his chest was heaving faster. James leaned in for a kiss, almost forceful, without any hesitation. Knowing his kissing style, Emily knew she couldn't avoid or resist it, so she decided to enjoy it. Anyway, she wasn't losing out.

James's cool hand gently stroked her back, tearing off the remaining slip.

Emily felt a chill on her back. Then, James took off his coat, draped it over her, and opened the bathroom door. This was nuts!

Since there weren't many people upstairs paying attention, they quickly slipped into a bedroom.

The black and white decor screamed James's style.

James let go of Emily, who went straight to the closet,rummaging through it only to find his clothes.

Emily shot him a look. "Isn't it a bit awkward to go out in your clothes?"

James smirked. "Then go out naked!"

Emily still had her pride. She frowned, her gaze fixed on James. "Mr.Smith,can you look away?"

James sat on the bed, his expression cold, his eyes lingering on Emly's body. He calmly said, "What if I don't?"

Emily had no choice, so she boldly stripped off her clothes.

During their three years at Crystal Valley Manor, they had done all sorts of wild things and seen every part of each other's bodies. Emily leisurely changed clothes. James's shirt was a bit big, so she tied a nice knot around her waist and then cut her red dress into a short skirt. It was a waste of fabric, but she had no other option. James had been staring at her the whole time, his eyes gradually becoming unreadable. He said coldly, "Emily, leave John."

Emily walked over, lifted his chin, and smiled slightly. "Leave him to become your mistress?"

Although Emily did plan to leave John, it had to be her choice, not forced by anyone.

"Are you so attached to John?"

Emily didn't deny it. "Of course, we grew up together as childhood friends.

I liked him throughout his teenage years. And being Mrs. Williams is better than being your mistress."

James frowned. "I never intended for you to be my mistress."

Raising an eyebrow, Emily asked again, "James, then do you want to marry me?"

James fell silent.

Emily played with her long hair, smiling as she spoke, "It seems like you're not willing to."

It was obvious that the Smith family wouldn't want a divorced woman.They would want someone who was a better match for their status.

Emily spoke up, "Mr. Smith, we were just having fun. These three years,we've had a great time playing. Don't tell me feelings can be developed through sleeping together; that's something only kids believe." She continued, "And in these three years, I haven't neglected you. I've given you compensation, and I'll just consider the deception as Mr.Smith your little quirks. Let's part on good terms."

Emily couldn't understand him. As the heir of the Smith family,why would he put on a facade of a male escort for three years?

If Emily had known James's identity from the beginning, she would never have dared to have such a connection with him. Emily's mood today was like a roller coaster.

With his cold gaze and already exquisite face, Emily felta sense of guilt with just one look. His face was his most perfect disguise.

He asked, "Emily, can you tolerate that John's affair is with your s