Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 63

Carter sidestepped the question entirely, and Emma wasn't the type to aggressively pry.

"I've taken charge of CFT's domestic operations. I won't be leaving until Julian returns to the country."

Emma's statement gave Carter a clear, definitive answer.

He breathed a sigh of relief, while his mind immediately started spinning with alternative plans.

Was there a way to ensure this 'Julian' got indefinitely delayed abroad?

When they arrived at the restaurant, Emma ordered their food and then became utterly fascinated by the beautiful butterfly enclosure the owner kept near the counter.

She sat by the display, admiring the fluttering wings, while Carter took a seat nearby, his eyes entirely captivated by Emma.

"Em, Mr. Harrington, what a coincidence running into you here."

Sebastian was surprised, but not overly so. This private kitchen was famous; bumping into acquaintances was bound to happen.

Hearing her cousin's voice, Emma turned and gave a polite nod.

As for Logan and Gillian standing right beside him, she looked right through them as if they were made of glass.

Carter exchanged pleasantries with Sebastian, adopting the exact same strategy—acting as if Logan and Gillian didn't exist.

"Would you like to join us? It's been a while since I've seen my cousin. I've honestly missed her."

Sebastian offered with a warm smile. But he noticed that upon hearing the invitation, Carter immediately looked at Emma for her cue.

"We've already ordered. Besides, her appetite is delicate enough as it is. If she has to look at something unpleasant, she won't be able to eat a thing."

Carter's pointed remark made the blood drain from Logan and Gillian's faces.

"Carter and I are going to be family eventually. There are no outsiders here today, so eating together is bound to happen sooner or later."

Gillian took the initiative to speak, then feigned a gasp of realization. "Oh, my mistake. There is one outsider."

"Gillian, don't put him in a difficult position," Logan advised, though his concern wasn't for Emma.

Gillian puffed out her cheeks, visibly annoyed. "How am I making things difficult? Who knows what lies Emma has been feeding him behind closed doors? As his future sister-in-law, I'm just worried Logan might be getting scammed."

"Emma was broke abroad. She was just a student in a foreign country with no connections. How do you think she paid her tuition? It was all by selling her b—"

"Selling her what?"

Carter cut her off, his voice dropping to a glacial, predatory pitch. His eyes promised absolute ruin.

Gillian was so terrified the words died in her throat, and she began to stutter incoherently.

"Mr. Harrington, Gillian is young and spoke out of turn. Please don't take offense." Logan quickly pulled his sister behind him.

Carter narrowed his eyes, a dark, chilling smirk curving his lips.

"Has the Lockwood family outstayed their welcome in Capital City?"