Chapter 9

The business partner glanced at Emma and found her feisty. Nonetheless, he believed she'd submit to him once she was drunk. With Frank's approval, many people rushed to clink glasses with Emma. Her stomach churned violently with each glass. She instinctively searched for Frank. He was in the distance with Lea, and his formerly indifferent expression was replaced with a relaxed smile. The sight pierced her heart. Frank belonged to Lea. She realized that no matter how hard she tried, she could never be part of his world. The alcohol hit her quickly, causing an odd flush on her cheeks. Holding onto the last thread of her rationality, she shoved away the men around her and made her way to the restroom. Someone tried to stop her, but a voice spoke up, saying, "Ms. Dyer seems drunk. Let her go throw up. Forcing a woman to drink isn't exactly gentlemanly." From a distance, Frank could hear their conversation. When he turned back, he saw Emma holding her mouth and rushing toward the toilet. His brows furrowed slightly at the sight. A fleeting emotion crossed his eyes, but before he could dwell on it, Lea's soft voice chimed in, "Frank, Emma really can hold her liquor. I can't even handle half of what she can drink. I'm honestly a little jealous. From now on, I need to practice drinking more!" Her words successfully diverted Frank's attention. He frowned and responded, "You won't have to attend these gatherings anymore." As for Emma, he had seen firsthand how she partied wildly at bars with Carl. He wondered if she was so easily drunk today because she was trying to compete for his attention again. Had she not grown tired of these childish games? Meanwhile, Emma's face was deathly pale. The strong liquor roiled her stomach, sending waves of burning pain through her abdomen. After rushing into the toilet, she crouched by the toilet and vomited everything out. Her head spun, and her knuckles turned white. By the time she threw everything up, she stood up and felt the world spinning around her. She wiped her mouth and turned to leave, hoping to splash some water on her face to sober up. But the moment she pushed open the door, a drunken man stumbled in. His face was flushed, and his hands fumbled with his belt. The moment he saw Emma, a sinister glint flickered in his eyes. He smirked and lunged toward her. "Why's your face so red, sweetheart? Let me take care of you." A sharp pulse throbbed at Emma's temples. She immediately tried to walk past him as she sensed danger. But just as she brushed by, the man grabbed her arm. A shiver ran down her spine. Without thinking, she swung her purse at him. The metal chain struck his forehead, and he howled in pain. Emma took the opportunity to break free. But her body was extremely weak, and the man, now enraged, chased after her. "I was being nice, and this is how you repay me? I'll take you to my hotel! Let's see where you can run then!" Summoning the last of her strength, she sprinted toward the restroom entrance. Just as she was about to step out, the man viciously yanked her hair backward. A sharp sting shot through her scalp. Terror froze her in place. The man took advantage of this and tugged her into his arms. His fat hand clamped down on her waist, sending waves of revulsion through her. "Let's see where you can run to! Do you even know who I am? How could you hit me? I'll give you one last chance. Come upstairs with me for a good night, and I'll let you off!" As Emma struggled, she saw Frank across the room, his arm wrapped around Lea's waist as they prepared to depart. She stared at him. Even if he didn't care about her, he would save her, right? Surely, he wouldn't be that cruel! She wanted to scream for help, but the man's palm clamped around her lips. Just then, Lea looked over. Their gazes met. In that instant, Emma clearly saw the cold mockery on her face. It was the smile of a victor. Emma's heart clenched tightly. The next second, Lea leaned into Frank, faking weakness. "Lea, I'll take you away." Frank looked at her with concern. Emma continued to struggle and called for help. Left with no choice, she bit on the man's palm as hard as she could. The man's loud yelp managed to attract Frank's attention. Frank's expression darkened when he saw Emma cozying up with a stranger. "Frank, I think my stomach is hurting again," Lea muttered weakly. With just one sentence, Frank's attention was fully diverted. He lowered his gaze and left with Lea, ignoring Emma's silent cries for help. At that moment, Emma's heart broke completely, and her eyes were filled with tears. The kindness Frank had once shown her now felt like countless blades stabbing into her heart. Pain spread through her chest, suffocating her. As the alcohol burned in her body, the man took the chance to roam his hands freely over her waist. She bit down hard on her lips until the metallic taste of blood filled her mouth. "Let go of me." "Stop pretending. You wore this kind of outfit just to seduce a rich guy, right? I've seen plenty of women like you!" The man chuckled. His fat face scrunched up, and his forehead shone with grease. The sight made Emma ill to her stomach. But she didn't have the strength to fight back. Just as danger approached, a deep, low voice sliced through the air. "Does bullying a woman make you feel like a man?" Emma's eyes clouded. Still, she pushed herself to concentrate. A tall figure stepped forward, and his sharp features exuded an undeniable air of power. His lips were pressed into a firm lime, and his presence radiated a noble yet lethal demeanor. "Sir, please help me," Emma whispered through clenched teeth. The man inched closer, his lips curling into a cold smirk. "I dare you to touch her again." The drunken man froze, and the color drained from his face. Emma suddenly felt her body lighten and her legs give out before she stumbled straight into the stranger's arms. She pressed her lips together, struggling to stay upright. The man before her felt familiar, but in her dazed state, she couldn't place him. Her body reeked of alcohol, and she expected him to push her away. But instead, he caught her. And the next moment, she felt herself being lifted into the air.