Jeremy glared back, the tension between them sparking in the quiet room
“What are you both looking at?” Emily’s hoarse voice startled them. Their heads snapped toward her at once.
Emily blinked at them as she pushed herself up against the pillows.
In the next breath, both were on their feet, rushing to her bedside.
“How are you feeling?” Jeremy asked, his voice careful, eyes scanning her face with concern. “Do you feel better now?”
Harold’s eyes glossed over instantly, his lips trembling as he blurted, “You scared me so much, Miss Emily.” His voice cracked, and his eyes watered. “I haven’t stopped crying since you disappeared last night. Look, my eyes are still red!’ He jabbed a finger toward his swollen eyelids as proof.
Emily’s expression softened at the sight. She reached out and patted his shoulder gently. “Don’t cry. I’m okay. I wasn’t hurt that badly.”
Before Harold could respond, Jeremy slapped him hard on the back, making him yelp and whip his head around to glare.
“Shut up,” Jeremy said flatly, earning a scowl from Harold before he reluctantly stopped.
Turning back to Emily, Harold quickly tried to regain his composure. “Would you like to eat something? I can order food for us. Let’s have lunch together.”
Emily smiled and nodded. “Sounds good.”
Just then, the sharp chime of the doorbell echoed through the house. Jeremy straightened. “I’ll get it,” he said quickly, already jogging toward the stairs, expecting to see Sebastian at the door.
However, when he swung open the front door—he froze.
Adam stood there, eyes blazing. Without a word, he shoved Jeremy aside roughly and barreled into the house, his eyes darting around frantically.
His boots struck the floor like thunder as he called out, voice booming, “Emily? Emily?!” He stalked every room in the house until he reached her bedroom.
When he reached her bedroom door, he froze for a moment—then relief and urgency collided. Emily, startled by the noise, leapt out of bed, her hair falling in disheveled waves around her face. She barely had time to react before Adam closed the space between them. His hands gripped her shoulders.
“Are you hurt?” he demanded, his voice low and urgent, vibrating with a barely contained storm. His eyes scanned her from head to toe, searching for any sign of injury. “Where does it hurt? Tell me!”
Emily’s pulse raced, a mix of shock and surprise flooding her chest. “Adam! What… what are you doing here?”
But Adam didn’t let her finish. In one swift move, he scooped her up into his arms, holding her securely against his chest. “Hold still,” he muttered, his tone sharp yet protective, as he strode toward the door.
“What are you doing? Put me down!” Emily demanded, her hands pressing against his chest, but he didn’t budge.
Harold, seeing the scene unfold, bolted forward, stepping into Adam’s path. “Hey. What are you doing? Where are you taking Miss Emily?” he demanded breathlessly.
Adam’s jaw hardened. His glare snapped to Harold, sharp and venomous. “Tell Sebastian I’m taking my sister back. Have him prepare the divorce papers. We’ll meet him at the courthouse.”
“Wait—” Harold tried to intercept, but Adam shoved him aside as easily as Jeremy. Emily’s protests rang out behind him as he stormed out with her in his arms.
Harold stumbled, panic flashing across his face. He spun toward Jeremy. “Who the hell was that?”
Jeremy straightened his jacket, jaw tight. “That was Adam. Her brother. Don’t you remember? You saw him at the club the night Lucas tried to take her away.”
Recognition dawned in Harold’s eyes, quickly replaced by alarm. His fingers trembled as he fumbled for his phone and dialed Sebastian’s number.
“I already screwed up last night… my brother is going to kill me this time!” he cried.
Meanwhile, Adam carried Emily straight into his car and drove her to his house. He didn’t speak a word the entire ride—his grip on the wheel was so tight his knuckles had gone pale. Emily sat beside him, stealing nervous glances, her fingers twisting in her lap as the silence pressed down heavier than the night around them.
An hour later, as they reached home, Adam all but dragged her inside. His face was tight with anger.
Emily stumbled to her feet in the living room, brushing her tangled hair back as she tried to steady her breath. “What are you doing, Adam?!”