Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 8

The atmosphere inside the luxury car was incredibly suffocating.

Emma sat with her arms firmly crossed, lounging with an air of complete ownership as if the multi-million-dollar vehicle belonged to her.

"How long are you staying?"

Carter finally spoke, shattering the dead silence in the cabin.

Emma mulled it over for a second before offering a beautifully vague response. "Until I completely untangle the Lockwood pharmaceutical shares. It shouldn't take too long."

Assuming he was already stressing over the hotel bill, she quickly added, "Percy doesn't owe me a dime, so there's absolutely no need for you to play the hero and compensate me on his behalf."

Carter studied her from the corner of his eye before suddenly barking, "Pull over."

Emma tensed up defensively. Was he seriously about to kick her out of the car on the side of the road?

She clicked her tongue, reaching for the door handle, only to hear Carter instruct the driver, "Her leg is bleeding. Go find a pharmacy."

Only then did Emma glance down and notice a faint, jagged cut running across her calf.

She arched an eyebrow in genuine shock. He actually managed to spot something that minor?

"It's nothing. You're making a mountain out of a molehill, Carter," Emma muttered, leaning over and instinctively reaching down to brush against the cut.

Before her fingertips even grazed her skin, a massive, warm hand clamped firmly around her wrist.

"A minor cut is still an open wound. You'll risk a serious infection."

Emma stared at him, utterly stunned, prompting Carter to realize his aggressive grip. He released her instantly. "My apologies. That was out of line."

"It's fine." Thoroughly derailed by the bizarre interaction, Emma sat up straight and practically glued her eyes to the passing scenery, desperately trying to ignore the hyper-charged tension flooding the car.

Carter watched her intently for a long time before finally asking, "Do you still have feelings for Percy? If you do, he will marry you."

Emma was totally blindsided. Were the Harringtons seriously willing to strong-arm Percy into marrying her?

She let out a breathy, relieved laugh. "Hard pass. You can't force genuine affection. He only ever wanted to marry the Lockwood heiress, not me."

"You could still be the Lockwood heiress."

Carter's tone was deadpan, yet it carried the terrifying, undeniable authority of an absolute apex predator.

Emma merely chuckled, her eyes flashing with unshakable pride and self-assurance. "I am exactly who I was meant to be. I refuse to surrender what is rightfully mine, but I have zero interest in stealing what isn't."

Carter didn't push the issue, and the car once again plunged into a heavy silence.

The driver returned shortly after, armed with a handful of first-aid supplies.

Carter personally escorted her to The Grand Harrington Hotel, but just as she was about to step out of the car, he blocked her path.

"Your phone."

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