Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 269

Emma dragged Carter out of the estate.

Once they were in the car, Emma told the driver to step out.

"I did orchestrate the attacks on your uncle's companies. I broke the promise I made to you."

Emma lowered her gaze. She had promised not to hurt Carter's uncle, but her actions were nothing short of a hostile declaration of war.

Even if she didn't call off their arrangement, there was no way Carter would want to continue it.

But Carter's mind was racing in an entirely different direction.

The fact that Emma had physically pulled him out of there today proved there was still hope for their partnership.

His brain spun at lightning speed, quickly formulating what he considered the perfect excuse.

"At this point, our arrangement has shifted. Now, I'm the one who needs you."

Emma stared at him quietly, a wave of inexplicable relief washing over her.

She had fully expected Carter to use this as grounds to officially terminate their deal.

Carter watched her reaction carefully. Seeing no disgust on her face, he remembered Winifred's advice and leaned into his vulnerability.

"You saw it yourself. The Harrington family only needs one absolute authority."

He masked his true emotions flawlessly. He knew he couldn't hold onto Emma through love—he was at a massive disadvantage compared to the men surrounding her.

The only way to keep them tethered was through mutual benefit.

"Since my health isn't in the best shape right now, I could check into Mercy Private Hospital for a while."

Emma raised an eyebrow; he had just spoken straight to her core strategy.

"But a single test will expose your actual vitals. Julian's little tricks won't fool real medical professionals."

Emma still had no idea that Carter had actually coughed up blood.

Though Carter wanted to play the fragile card, he had no intention of explaining the blood, terrified Emma would think he was still faking it. He darkened his gaze. "Just leave that to me."

"Levi, where are you?"

The only response was a brief silence, followed by a low, mocking chuckle.

"He's at The Royal Crest Club. If you want to take him home, you'll have to come pick him up yourself, Ms. Lockwood. Someone hired me to play peacemaker."

The voice on the other end sounded young, dripping with a playful, sinister edge.

Emma's eyes narrowed. She grabbed her bag and strode out of the office.

On the drive over, she received a photo from Levi's phone.

It showed a shirtless Levi passed out under a comforter, clutching an unknown woman in his arms.

A voice note followed immediately after.

"Emma, if you don't want your VP spending the next decade in prison, get here immediately."

"Don't worry. We live in a civilized society. You'll be perfectly safe."