Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 243

The entire drive there, Carter was plagued with anxiety. It seemed he had just gained another rival.

But when he followed her into the airport, he saw Emma linking arms with a woman, while a man trailed behind them pulling their luggage.

Carter hesitated for a long moment before deciding to walk over.

"Honey."

As if asserting his dominance, he glanced first at the woman clinging to his wife, then at the man behind them.

Emma blinked, surprised to see him there.

"Wow, Carter Harrington is way better looking than his cousin," the woman said with a bright smile.

Emma recovered from her surprise and introduced them. "Carter, this is my colleague Jocelyn King, and that's her boyfriend, Jared Young."

Realization dawned on Carter. He had completely misunderstood the situation.

A smile reached his eyes as he politely greeted Jocelyn.

"Since you just got back, let me know if you need any help getting settled."

Carter handed her his personal business card. Jocelyn took it, turning it over in her fingers. "I like you already."

With that, she tugged Emma along, picking up their previous conversation.

"Things abroad are mostly wrapped up. Julian kept rushing me to come back. I'll drop by the Vance residence first to see what he wants."

Emma wanted to go with her, but before she could offer, Jocelyn added, "I need two days to get over the jet lag. Let's go shopping the day after tomorrow. For now, you should focus on your own work."

"Okay." Emma always listened to Jocelyn. She knew how exhausted her friend must be from rushing her flight, so she didn't push to tag along to see Julian.

The four of them grabbed a meal together before parting ways. Jocelyn arrived at Julian's place and lazily collapsed onto his sofa.

"Why did you rush me back here so urgently?"

Julian adjusted his glasses, his gaze shifting to Jared.

Jared took the hint and hauled the suitcases into the guest room. Only after he left did Julian speak.

"Travis has feelings for Emma."

Mid-yawn, Jocelyn instantly snapped awake. She sat up, bewildered. "Are you overthinking this? Sure, Travis is a bit overprotective of her, but it doesn't mean he's in love with her."

"If Emma liked him back, I wouldn't interfere. But she's married now, and Carter Harrington is a solid match. He's very protective of her."

Julian could see clearly that Carter truly cared for Emma.

Jocelyn frowned, deep in thought for a long time before finally replying, "If you're sure about this, let me handle it. I'll keep an eye on Travis."

Carter reached out to adjust a frame. Emma kept walking, typing on her laptop, completely missing the charger cable snaking across the floor. She tripped.

Just as she pitched forward, Carter reacted with lightning speed, catching her around the waist while smoothly taking the laptop from her hands.

"Careful."

With one arm firmly wrapped around her slender waist, Carter suddenly found his mouth going dry.

Emma's heart raced. Surrounded by the comforting, masculine scent of ebony and sandalwood, she unconsciously swallowed hard.

"Miss, Tristan is downstairs and wants to see—"

The housekeeper's words died in her throat. She quickly shut the door she had just opened.

"Tell him to wait."

Realizing what it looked like, Emma flushed bright red and scrambled to stand upright.

Carter's ears burned. He looked away, not daring to meet her eyes.

The study was instantly filled with a suffocating wave of thick, undeniable tension. Just as Emma opened her mouth to say something, Tristan's voice drifted up from downstairs.

"Emma is my sister! Why can't I see her?"