Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 24

No one in the corporate world would dare disrespect an invitation to a CFT gala.

By the time Emma arrived at the venue, the Lockwoods were already there. She navigated the room, looking for the seat her assistant had assigned her.

Logan spotted her walking in and immediately approached.

"Emma."

Emma stopped, looking at him without saying a word.

"Gillian came tonight too, so when we asked the organizers for our seating assignments, we didn't include you."

When she remained silent, Logan added, "You have an employee seat, right?"

Emma gave a curt nod. "Yes."

She was holding a sleek gift box. Logan's eyes flicked toward it, flashing with surprise.

It was from a world-renowned luxury watch brand, and the packaging clearly indicated a custom-made piece.

Their custom pieces were astronomically expensive—starting at no less than eighty thousand dollars.

He frowned slightly, his lips pressing into a thin line. "You shouldn't be spending Lockwood money on something this expensive."

Emma raised an eyebrow. She had specially custom-ordered this watch before returning to the country, fully intending to give it to Logan.

She only brought it tonight because she didn't want it sitting around her apartment. She planned to hand it over to the company to be given away as a random corporate door prize.

"CFT pays me quite well. Why would you assume I bought this with Lockwood money?"

Her cold tone and biting sarcasm made Logan momentarily uncomfortable. He frowned and changed the subject.

"Gillian doesn't like these kinds of events. She'll probably leave early. You can come sit with us once she's gone."

"Sure."

Emma gave a dismissive, noncommittal reply. She had zero intention of sitting anywhere near them anyway.

Just then, Percy and Gillian walked over.

Percy seemed entirely zoned out, staring obsessively at the watch. Noticing this, Gillian snapped.

"Do you think I actually want your trashy watch? You spend my money and act so stingy. If you don't want to hand it over, then I'm definitely taking it."

Gillian acted arrogant and entitled, flanked by two men who completely supported her. She felt invincible.

Emma smirked, her hand already raising to defend herself, when a deep, protective voice resonated behind her.

"They teamed up to bully a single woman. The Lockwoods certainly raised an impressive pair of children."

Carter walked right through the middle of their standoff. He stepped in front of Emma, his commanding presence instantly creating an impenetrable wall between her and the other three.

"It was a bit windy when I left, so I brought a scarf. The AC is high in here, you should drape this over your shoulders so you don't catch a cold."

Completely ignoring the others, Carter pulled a luxurious scarf from a gift bag and handed it to Emma. As he did, he smoothly plucked the watch box right out of her hand.

"I really love this gift."