Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 111

Gillian's words pushed Emma right into the center of the storm.

Whispers immediately rippled through the gathered crowd.

"I heard Emma has some connection to the Shaws. The Lockwood family doesn't have that kind of pull, so how could she? Who knows what dirty tricks she pulled."

"I agree. Carter is famous for keeping women at arm's length. If he was backed into marrying her, she definitely used some underhanded methods."

The gossip echoed around them, but Emma merely let out a soft, amused scoff.

"You're absolutely right. I'm just after him for his body," she said with a breezy smile. "Carter is tall, has great legs, and a gorgeous face. What's not to like?"

Her casual admission left everyone, including Gillian, entirely stunned.

She admitted it just like that?

Wasn't she supposed to claim it was all for true love?

Meanwhile, Carter, who had been wearing a brooding scowl just moments before, was internally doing backflips.

His wife just praised him.

In public, no less.

He kept his expression serious, but his gaze dropped slightly.

Well, his legs weren't short. He was quite satisfied with that assessment.

"You... you..." Gillian sputtered, at a complete loss for words.

Pamela stepped forward with a warm smile, affectionately taking Emma's hand. "You are such a joker. Carter isn't just any man; he's the head of the Harrington family. The fact that you two ended up together means it was simply meant to be."

The head of the Harrington family couldn't exactly be coerced into marriage by some cheap trick, could he?

Anyone could see she didn't give a damn about finding her real parents; she was just being utterly defiant.

Still, it perfectly aligned with the persona Emma had established since returning to the country. From slapping faces at her engagement party to her arrogance at the Auto Salon, she played the part of the untouchable diva flawlessly.

"Would it really be that hard for the Harringtons to track someone down?"

Raymond Harrington suddenly rolled over in his wheelchair, glaring at Emma with undisguised distaste.

She was entirely too disrespectful.

"We adults shouldn't interfere in your relationship with Carter, but since you joined the Harrington family, you need to learn some respect. Pamela is your aunt. Do you not even know how to greet your elders?"

Raymond's tone was sharp and unforgiving. Emma glanced at Carter, noticing the flash of worry on his face. Assuming he was anxious about her clashing with Raymond, she reined in her attitude.

"Gillian is Pamela's adopted daughter, and she'll be marrying into the family eventually, making her a Harrington too. If you ever dare bully her in public again, don't blame me for enforcing the Harrington family discipline on you."