Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 30

Emma stared at her dead phone and rolled her eyes in sheer disgust.

Seeing that Carter still hadn't arrived, and having already taken a bite of a blue box cake that absolutely wasn't to her liking, she decisively shot him a text.

[I'm so sorry, something urgent just came up. I owe you dinner next time. You pick the time and place. I swear I won't bail.]

Carter, who was currently stuck in traffic, felt a sharp sting of disappointment. But the moment his brain processed the words 'next time,' his mood instantly skyrocketed.

His lips curved up into a grin. Just as he was about to type his reply, Emma sent another text.

[If you're already on your way, you should still stop by the cafe. I ordered a really good cup of coffee for you. Consider it an apology for ditching you.]

The thought that she was busy yet still took the time to order him a coffee melted the coldness in his chest entirely. He was practically vibrating with absolute euphoria.

Emma, meanwhile, headed straight for the Lockwood Group tower. Charles was waiting for her in his expansive office.

"The factory inspection has been cancelled."

Emma nodded and smoothly played along. "I can sign the contract right now."

Charles looked at her in surprise. Why was she agreeing so easily this time?

Recalling Gillian's hysterical phone call, Charles's mind raced. Was Emma planning to flee the country?

He narrowed his eyes and waved a dismissive hand. "I heard you threw coffee all over Gillian."

"Is that what she told you?" Emma's eyes curved into a brilliant smile. "Are you going to seek justice for her?"

To her surprise, Charles shook his head. His tone softened, offering a rare moment of apparent fatherly defense.

"Gillian can be a bit spoiled. I know you've had to endure some unfair treatment since you got back."

"You were completely alone abroad for six years, fighting your way into CFT with a finance degree. You must have suffered a great deal, didn't you?"

The second those words left his mouth, Emma completely dropped the act. She sank gracefully into the leather guest sofa, crossed her arms, and stared at Charles with a razor-sharp, predatory gaze.

"Is Gillian incapable of shouldering the liability... or are you just desperate to make sure she isn't the one left holding the bag?"

Charles's face violently changed colors. "What the hell is that supposed to mean?"

"Dad, I have a degree in high-level corporate finance." Emma's voice dripped with absolute contempt. "It only takes me one glance to know exactly how catastrophic the factory's tax fraud is."

Charles's expression twisted through a dozen different emotions before finally snapping into humiliated rage.

"Is this really how you view me?! Gillian was right, you are an ungrateful wretch!"

Emma stood up, a chilling, mocking smile on her lips.

"If the factory is such a golden opportunity, give it to your precious biological daughter. You didn't give a damn if I lived or died for six years, and now you suddenly care about my financial future?"