Chapter 3

Hearing that, Ethan glanced at his watch. It was almost six. "Okay, let's head out." ... Sunhold Grand Hotel. "Emma, once the event starts, make sure to talk to as many people as you can. It'll really help with your future career," Amy reminded her. "Got it, Amy," Emma nodded gently. She looked around the grand, dazzling lobby and instinctively wrapped her arms around herself. It felt cold around her shoulders. Half an hour earlier, Amy had dragged her to a stylist, saying her original outfit was way too plain. Now, she was wearing a strapless nude-colored gown, and her long hair flowed freely down her back. Sure, she'd attended fancy events back when she was at the Grace household, but nothing on this level. This was a whole new world. Taking a deep breath, Emma put on a polite smile, champagne in hand, trailing behind Amy as they mingled with the crowd. Since this was a design award gala, the place was packed with design industry elites. Surprisingly, Emma managed to connect pretty well with everyone. Then Ethan walked in—and what he saw stopped him in his tracks. Emma, his so-called wife, was chatting with men, smiling and looking completely at ease. "What the hell is she doing here?" he muttered, frowning. Watching her express herself so confidently like that, Ethan suddenly realized how little he really knew her. It was his first time seeing her look this sexy and vibrant. There was something off-puttingly unfamiliar about it. "Mr. Hunt, those two ladies are representing Daisy Design Studio tonight," his assistant quietly informed him from behind. "Alright, I get it," Ethan said, brushing off the weird feeling in his chest. Without another glance at Emma, he walked away. "Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the 36th Annual Blossom Design Awards!" As the host's voice echoed through the hall, Emma's attention shifted to the stage. But as she took a closer look at the people up there, her eyes widened. What's Ethan doing on stage? "Hey, I heard that Ethan took over Hunt Group when he was still pretty young. Only took him three years to turn the whole place around and expand it like crazy. That guy's legit impressive," someone whispered behind her. Emma lowered her eyes, the emotion in them unreadable, and quietly slipped away toward the restroom. Up on stage, Ethan noticed her leaving. What, see me and immediately turn the other way? Completely unaware of what he was thinking, Emma just kept her head down and walked on. But she hadn't gone far before a man suddenly stepped in front of her. "Hey beautiful—are you here alone?" In the dim corner near the restroom, a chubby man with a sleazy look blocked her path, eyeing her up shamelessly. Emma instinctively stepped back. "Excuse me... who are you?" "Doesn't matter who I am. What matters is—I know who you are." Ronald Howard licked his lips, his gaze glued to her. He'd noticed her the moment she walked in. A sweet-looking beauty like this? No way he was gonna let her slip by tonight. "I-I don't know you." Emma's voice trembled a little as she caught the greedy glint in the man's eyes. It was the kind of look a starving wolf might give a piece of fresh meat. She turned abruptly, trying to leave. "Hey now—where do you think you're going?" Ronald Howard grabbed her by the waist, his act completely dropped. "Pretty girl like you, how could I let you walk off just like that? C'mon with me, I promise you'll be taken care of..." He leaned in, breath reeking of alcohol. Emma jerked her head to the side, trying to dodge him, but he was too strong, no matter how hard she struggled, she couldn't shake him off. Right then, she spotted a familiar figure out of the corner of her eye—Ethan had just finished speaking and was stepping down from the stage. "Ethan—" She opened her mouth, trying to call out. But just as her voice was about to leave her lips, he looked over. His gaze fell on her, paused for a brief moment, then... he turned away, blending right back into the crowd like nothing had happened. Watching his back disappear, a cold ache spread through her chest. Just then, a deep voice suddenly cut through the air behind her. "What do you think you're doing?" Emma and Ronald froze and turned. Standing behind them was a tall, sharply-dressed man with a serious expression. Michael Owens had just stepped out of the restroom and walked right into the scene. His brow furrowed on reflex. But when he saw who the woman was, his face changed instantly. "Emma? What's going on here?" The concern deepened between his brows as he reached out and pulled her toward him without hesitation. "You... you know her, sir?" Ronald asked nervously, eyes darting between Michael and Emma. "She's a friend of mine. Got a problem with that?" Michael's gaze turned cold, and there was an unmistakable threat in the way he looked at Ronald. "N-no, not at all..." Ronald stammered as he backed away with a sheepish grin, then bolted out of sight. "Emma, are you okay?" Now that Ronald was gone, Michael bent down slightly to meet her eyes, voice filled with worry. "I'm okay... Thanks, Michael." She forced a small smile, still flustered and more than a little embarrassed to be caught in such a mess by him of all people. "You don't have to thank me. What happened? How'd you end up here? Maybe I should take you home, huh?" Seeing her pale face and shaking legs, Michael offered kindly. "I..." Before Emma could respond, a cold voice snapped through the air behind them. Ethan had walked off the stage after wrapping up his speech, only to catch sight of her being dragged around by some sleazy guy. Strictly speaking, she was the one being harassed, but to him, her outfit was the real problem. Maybe if she hadn't dressed like that, she wouldn't be attracting trouble. But after just a few steps, Ethan stopped himself and turned back. And what he saw made his jaw clench. She was leaning on another man's shoulder, being doted on like something precious. All at once, something hot and irrational flared in his chest just as Michael spoke again, and Ethan couldn't help but cut in. "No need. I'll take her home." Michael turned around in surprise and frowned when he saw who it was. "Ethan? What the hell are you doing here?" The irritation in Michael's voice was plain, and not entirely unwarranted. Ethan, for his part, just let out a short laugh. "Really? That's your question?" he scoffed. "She's my wife. You seriously think I don't belong here?"