Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 308

"Emma is nothing like you. She's kind-hearted and values the people who raised her. That's why she was willing to trade business assets just to see Mrs. Lockwood after she got hurt—simply because she's the woman who raised her."

Carter strode in from the entrance, pinning Charles with a sharp, glacial glare.

"But don't mistake her kindness for a weakness you can exploit."

Carter shrugged off his jacket and tossed it casually over the sofa. Seeing Emma in her apron, his eyes practically sparkled with delight.

"Show him out."

He didn't even spare Charles a second glance as he ordered security to throw him out.

Charles still wanted to argue about the development zone, but Jeff didn't give him the chance, practically shoving him out the door.

Carter washed his hands and hurried to the dining room. He had arrived at the perfect time; the entire table was filled with steaming, fresh food.

"Julian contacted me. Mom and Dad are completely safe."

Emma walked over to him, her eyes shining with gratitude.

Carter pretended it was no big deal, giving a nonchalant hum as he took his seat.

Yet, his gaze kept drifting over every single dish.

He loved this one.

And he loved that one.

Emma knew him far too well. How had she managed to cook all his favorites?

Just as Carter was silently rejoicing, another set of uninvited guests arrived.

It was Percy's parents, Stuart and Evelyn Harrington, accompanied by Tessa.

"Oh, you're eating? We must have come at a bad time."

Evelyn said the words, but she marched straight into the dining room regardless.

She looked at the lavish spread and gasped, "Which maid cooked all this?"

"That's not convenient."

Carter's refusal was swift and merciless. Evelyn forced a smile. "The internship is only for a few months. Just throw her in one of the spare rooms. I wouldn't trust anyone else with her safety."

"Evelyn, Carter already told you it's not going to work. When someone gives you an out, you should take it."

After speaking, Emma took a bite of a drumstick and nodded, highly satisfied with her own cooking.

Carter watched her from the corner of his eye with unabashed adoration, immediately infuriating Tessa.

Tessa immediately put on a pitiful act to grab his attention. "Carter, I'm still so young! What if something happens to me living out there all alone?"

"Plus, since Emma is so close to Jocelyn, it would be amazing if she could drive me to the internship every day! That way, no one in the office would dare bully me."

Tessa's demands grew increasingly ridiculous, but Emma was still stuck on the fact that Carter supposedly hated her food. The more she thought about it, the angrier she got.

Taking a deep breath, unable to contain her mounting fury, she suddenly stood up. An unreadable smile tugged at the corners of her lips.

"Since you refuse to take a hint, don't blame me when this gets ugly."