Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 264

When Carter received the divorce agreement and the returned property deeds from Emma, the color instantly drained from his face.

"Mr. Harrington is swamped with work today. I'll contact you once it's signed," Jeff told her assistant.

Jeff quickly ushered Emma's assistant out, then instructed the secretary to cancel all of his boss's meetings for the day.

When he returned after sorting things out, Carter was still clutching the divorce papers, his expression as pale as a ghost.

"Boss," Jeff called out softly.

Jeff frowned. The slight tremor in the paper was proof enough that despite his cold, stoic exterior, his boss was emotionally crumbling.

"I called the security at the estate. Your mother visited her earlier today."

Carter slowly brought his focus back as Jeff continued to gently persuade him. "She definitely did this so you wouldn't be caught in the middle. And honestly, if you keep resisting and something terrible happens to your grandmother, Emma will be branded a sinner by the entire Harrington family."

"I know," Carter said, his voice raspy.

He set the divorce papers down. Staring at Emma's elegant signature, he picked up a pen.

But he simply couldn't bring himself to sign.

Having grown up alongside his boss, it pained Jeff to see him like this.

"Once I sign it, there's no turning back," Carter murmured.

He knew better than anyone that Emma had only agreed to marry him as a business arrangement; there was zero romantic foundation between them.

Once he put his name on that dotted line, given Emma's personality, she would never look back.

She was fiercely proud. The innate arrogance in her bones meant she never retraced her steps.

With the Harrington family forcing her out like this, she would never choose him again. And she had no shortage of exceptional men surrounding her.

The tip of the pen trembled in the air from Carter's iron grip. Jeff watched carefully, realizing that his boss—who hadn't shed a tear since childhood—now had bloodshot eyes.

"Boss, I have an idea," Jeff blurted out.

Carter lifted his gaze to look at him.

"It's just... you might have to suffer a bit."

After having her assistant deliver the divorce papers to the Harrington corporation, Emma had Zachary drive Jean to a brand-new apartment.

It was a spacious four-bedroom unit, fully furnished and ready for immediate move-in.

When dealing with her two male seniors, Emma might play her cards closer to her chest.

But Jocelyn was the one person who would never meddle in her affairs.

"So you're just going to fund their lifestyle?" Jocelyn asked, then quickly realized the truth. "You probably already have a plan to deal with them, so I won't pry. Just let me know if you need any backup."

Emma happily hugged her senior, nuzzling against her shoulder. "You're the best."

Jocelyn's heart melted at the affectionate gesture, but she still looked at her with concern. "I heard you signed the divorce papers. I honestly thought Carter was a good catch. Who cares if that old hag goes on a hunger strike? Once she's starved of energy, just force her into the hospital. Hook her up to an IV and see if she actually manages to starve herself to death."

Emma gave her a helpless look, while Jocelyn fumed on her behalf. "If that doesn't work, just hire two burly nurses to force-feed her. I refuse to believe she wouldn't fall in line."

Emma couldn't help but laugh. If she and Carter weren't just in a partnership, she might have actually taken a harder stance.

But this was merely a transaction. Carter had already lost enough because of her; she couldn't drag his reputation through the mud.

She lowered her eyes, a strange, indescribable emotion twisting in her chest.

Just then, Jeff's name flashed across her ringing phone.

"Emma, it's terrible! The boss has collapsed!"