Rejected Heiress, Reigning Queen novel Chapter 87

Hearing Charles's words, Carter's expression darkened, an icy, oppressive aura radiating from him.

Emma let out a mocking laugh, her tone completely indifferent. "Go back to the Lockwoods to discuss what? Surely not family affection?"

Violet tried to interject, but Emma cut her off.

"Earlier, when you two were insisting I was perfectly fine and telling me to just let it go, you didn't care about our relationship. There's certainly no need to pretend now."

Without another word, she slid gracefully into the passenger seat. Charles tried to step closer to continue arguing, but Carter's arm shot out, blocking the door.

"Mr. Lockwood, mind your manners."

Carter's voice dripped with an overwhelming, absolute authority.

Charles hesitated. The look in the younger man's eyes made it abundantly clear he wasn't joking, forcing Charles to step back in awkward silence.

Inside the car, Carter turned to stare directly at Emma.

"Let's g—"

"Carter, is your uncle's wife a Palmer?"

Emma spoke first, completely drowning out his attempt to ask her to marry him.

Carter blinked, taken aback. Though he had no idea why she was asking, he nodded instinctively.

"Yes."

Emma frowned. "What kind of person is she?"

Carter raised an eyebrow. His gaze inadvertently drifted down to the faint, lingering marks on her neck now that she had removed her silk scarf.

His eyes darkened a fraction. The memory of that night, even without crossing the final line, was enough to leave his throat painfully dry.

"Carter?"

Emma prompted him softly. Carter snapped back to reality and blurted out, "Marry me, and I'll let you investigate anyone in the Harrington family you want."

The moment the words left his mouth, it was too late to take them back. He immediately averted his gaze, staring out the window in sheer panic.

He was doomed.

Completely doomed.

His mouth had moved faster than his brain, blurting out his deepest, most desperate thought.

Did he terrify her?

It was too sudden. Too aggressive.

VERIFYCAPTCHA_LABELVerify