Chapter 69

Last time the Skyline Club's expenses went through the roof, John dipped into the company account to cover it. Wilder caught on fast and yanked John's permissions right away.

The Johnson family hadn't given Veda any money in ages, and she wasn't about to go begging. She'd been burning through her own savings lately.

But Veda had a taste for the high life, and now John definitely wasn't going to fork over any more cash.

Plus, working at Golden Birch Group was a big deal. As long as she was still there, John might keep an eye on her.

Calliope ignored Veda and turned to the design director, saying, "Using plagiarized work is bad forGolden Birch Group's rep too, right?"

The director quickly agreed, "Absolutely. Our branch company,Quigr Jewelry,values patents and hates plagiarism."

Then he looked at Veda and said coldly, "Submit your resignation to HR yourself. It'll save everyone some face."

Veda bit her lip, her nails digging into her palms.

Everyone went from praising her to keeping their distance.

"She's bad luck as a colleague."

"She was always asking about Mr. Smith. Bet she was trying to seduce him.

Veda knew she couldn't stay. Her pride wouldn't let her be scrutinized, so

she headed straight to HR.

After Veda left. Calliope linked arms with Emily and said, "Let's go see Mr.Smith. I told him yesterday I wanted to give him a gift."

Emily hesitated. She wanted to explain that she and James weren't serious,but Calliope probably wouldn't believe her, so she letit go.

In the CEO's office, Ryan invited them in. When Calliope saw James at his desk, she whispered to Emily, "You've got good taste. I was glad when you dumped John. Why let a jerk control you?"

She added, "You should date more. Even if it doesn't go anywhere, at least you'll have some fun. And with Mr. Smith's figure and looks, being his girlfriend is not a bad deal at all."

Given the huge difference between Emily and James, Calliope didn't think they'd end up married. The power struggles in families like the Smiths were intense.

Calliope hoped Emily would steer clear of that mess.

Emily almost laughed at the last part. She was definitely drawn to James'looks.

After finishing his work, James looked at them and showed a lot of respect to Calliope, especially since Emily cared about her.

He poured tea for Calliope and handed it to her. Her hand trembled slightly as she took it.

James smiled and hugged Emily, whisperingin her ear, "Have you been to the design department?"

"You're doing this on purpose," Emily replied.

Without James' permission, Calliope wouldn't have gotten into the design department.

James smiled and sat on the sofa with Emily in his arms. When Emily saw Calliope staring, she quickly pushed James away and sat up straight.

Calliope cleared her throat. Seeing Emily and James together made her a bit envious-they looked like the perfect couple.

"Mr. Smith, here's a gift for you. I heard Mrs. Amelia Smith loves antiques,so we got this antique brooch for her. You can just have someone pick it up with this claim ticket."

Since the brooch was delicate, Calliope figured it was better for James to handle it.

She mainly came today to get Veda out of Golden Birch Group. As long as Veda was around, Emily would be miserable.

After a moment, Calliope added, "Mr. Smith, when you have time, come to the Williams Mansion for dinner. You two are dating, and Emmy's dad and grandpa want to meet you."

James nodded, his tone slighty accusatory. "If Emmy takes me, I'll go."

Emily felt a bit guilty. She glanced at James and sighed.

Seeing their cuddly behavior, Calliope hastily thought of a reason to take her leave.

As soon as-she was gone, James pulled Emily close,raising an eyebrow and kissing her deeply.

When Emily was out of breath, he whispered,"When am I going to meet your dad and grandpa? Am I not good enough?"

Emily caught her breath and said, "James, isn't it a bit early for you to come home for dinner? Didn't you notice? My mom's hands were shaking when she took the tea from you."

James squinted, biting her lip almost hard enough to draw blood.Emily winced, snapping back to reality.

"James!"

Emily pushed him away, her eyes misty. James's affection was purely physical; he just wanted to touch and kiss her.

He pressed her head towards his again, kissing her deeply, teasing her tongue,lightly biting, deepening the kiss.

Even through their clothes, they could feel each other's heat, intense and passionate.

Emily felt him pressing against her. They had been together all night, but he was ready again.

Emily tried to pull away, but James held her legs, his gaze intense.

Emily took a deep breath, knowing what his look meant, but in his office,she was hesitant.

James's fingers brushed her lips, and he whispered hoarsely in her ear,"Emmy,just once,okay?"

Whenever he called her Emmy, it was never a good sign.

Rolling her eyes, Emily tried to escape, but James caught her, wrapping an

arm around her waist, his fingers exploring under her shirt, teasing her.

His hot kisses trailed down her earlobes and neck, making her shiver.

"Don't tease me anymore. I'll do it."

Emily knelt in front of him, undoing his belt, and his huge erection sprang out, making her eyes widen.

It was her first time taking him into her mouth, and James pressed her head with his fingers.

Her warm, wet tongue and the coolness in her eyes, stubborn yet hazy,made James lose himself. He wanted to drown in this tenderness.