Spoiled By My Nine Beast Husbands (Emma Tibarn) novel Chapter 19

**When She Opened the Door to the Life She Was Afraid to Live by Nora Vale Kingsley**

“Don’t worry,” Emma said, her smile warm and reassuring, like sunlight breaking through a cloudy sky. “Once I gather enough star coins, I promise to replace this cheap nutrient for you. I won’t let you suffer for long.”

Damian fell silent, his mind swirling with thoughts. This woman possesses a remarkable ability to weave her words with both sweetness and sharpness, expertly navigating the delicate balance between comfort and discomfort.

Noticing that he remained quiet, still clutching the bottle as if it were a lifeline, Emma continued in a gentle tone, “If you ever feel wronged by staying with me like this, you don’t have to endure it. You can simply request a dissolution through the system. I’ll be sad, of course, but if it means you’ll find a better life, I’ll let you go without hesitation.”

Her sincerity shone through, each word laced with genuine concern, making it hard for Damian to dismiss her intentions.

Taking a deep breath, Damian reminded himself to hold on just a little longer. The ore is gone, and I still don’t have the star coins I need. Leaving now would mean losing everything.

“Don’t say things like that,” he managed to say, forcing a smile onto his face. “Why would I leave you over a vial of nutrient fluid?”

To emphasize his point, he twisted the cap off the bottle and downed the liquid in front of her, grimacing internally. Ugh! This tastes absolutely dreadful. I feel like I might throw up!

Suppressing the urge to gag, he maintained his smile. “Ms. Tibarn, I just need to step into the washroom for a moment. I’ll be right back.”

Emma, ever understanding, nodded. “If you’re not feeling well, you should rest. You don’t have to stay with me all the time.”

Impossible. I haven’t yet achieved my goals.

“I’m fine. Just wait for me,” Damian replied quickly, his urgency propelling him toward the washroom.

Werk!

As he hurried away, Emma stifled a laugh, her spirits buoyed by his flustered retreat. She made her way to the kitchen, her thoughts swirling. What on earth is he plotting by forcing himself through something so revolting? I hope he doesn’t end up ruining himself in the process.

If only Damian would be honest—if he could simply admit he’s broke and wants to dissolve their match—I wouldn’t make things difficult for him. I’d agree without a second thought. Instead, he complicates everything with his schemes, making a simple situation far more tangled than it needs to be.

By the time dinner was ready, Emma had prepared a steaming pot of dumplings, their enticing aroma wafting through the house, mingling with the scents of two delectable side dishes. The rich fragrance filled every corner, making her stomach growl in anticipation.

Drawn by the mouthwatering scent, Drake arrived almost immediately, his eyes lighting up. “Delicious! You really have a talent for cooking,” he remarked, his enthusiasm palpable.

Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Damian managed to expel the low-grade nutrient fluid from his system. After rinsing his mouth, he retrieved a vial of high-tier herb nutrient fluid from his band and drank it down, savoring the refreshing tart-sweet taste. Now this is what an Etherian should be drinking.

Suddenly, a new aroma wafted through the air—warm, savory, and utterly unfamiliar. He sniffed at the empty vial in his hand. Not that.

Emma continued to ignore him until she finished her last dumpling. Then, with a calm demeanor, she said, “But I didn’t make your share tonight.”

His eyes darted to the untouched bowl beside Drake, and he felt his mouth water. “Then I’ll have that one.”

“No.” Emma swiftly caught his hand before he could reach for it. “That’s Drake’s.”

“Why is it only him who can eat? Ms. Tibarn, you’re playing favorites. Is it because I came later? Do you favor him over me?”

We’re all matches—who’s supposed to be nobler than the other?

Emma met his glare with unwavering composure, explaining, “The reason Drake gets to eat is simple—he pays me in star coins. 30 billion a month for my cooking.”

Leaning forward, her expression turned serious. “Since you’ve seen it, I’ll clarify the rules here. Until there’s an official bond between us, everything must be fair between matched partners. If you want something, you pay for it in star coins. Once we’re bound, then we’ll share everything as a family.”

Family? Who on earth wants to be family with her?

Damian almost choked on his own fury. So Drake hands over 30 billion, and she gives me nutrient fluid worth a measly 20 star coins a vial? She’s toying with me on purpose.