Chapter 6 Old Matters

Emery felt a tightness in her chest. She hadn't gotten proper rest for several days and hadn't had dinner before coming. She was just waiting to pick Kieran up before heading back to the Carter residence. But now, she had to travel across half the city to send Tessa home. Emery wanted to refuse, but Kieran tossed the car keys at her. She froze for a moment and heard Kieran say, "Take my car. Tessie's luggage is still in the trunk." Emery gripped the keys tightly and said with a tinge of bitterness, "Kieran, it's late. Grandfather is still waiting for us." Upon hearing this, Kieran glanced at her sideways. He replied indifferently, "Okay, you can go back first. I'll send her home." Emery knew he was doing this on purpose. She looked at Kieran's side profile and chewed on her lower lip. Then, with a strained voice, she said softly, "Alright. I'll drive." Seeing this, Tessa glanced shyly at Kieran, and she said seemingly apologetically to Emery, "I'm sorry for the trouble, Emery." Tessa spoke deliberately, yet her tone carried an air of entitlement. … Tessa lived downtown. The area was remote and rundown, filled with all sorts of people. The government had recently issued approval for redevelopment projects, and this area was included in the list of locations. As a result, the value of the land multiplied several times over. This deal happened to fall into Kieran's hands, while Tessa coincidentally caught wind of it and suddenly returned. Emery suspected she must be here to sign the papers and collect the subsidies. Kieran and Tessa chatted and laughed in the backseat, treating Emery like the chauffeur. Emery couldn't help but suspect they had already been in contact for a while. Otherwise, with Kieran's vengeful nature, he wouldn't have tolerated Tessa's sudden reappearance. Emery clearly remembered the day Kieran was dumped by Tessa out of the blue. The scene had been ugly. He wouldn't give up and flew abroad personally. Before he could even start his search, Logan had dragged Kieran back. That night, in the Carter residence, within the dimly lit great hall, nearly all the Carter family members had gathered. It was quite the spectacle. In front of the entire family, Logan, standing on the steps, exuded authority while looking down at Kieran, who was sprawled on the floor. "Kieran!" Logan's voice was forceful as he tapped his cane loudly. "You bastard! How could you do this to Emery?" They were already engaged at the time, and no matter how much Kieran resisted, it was a done deal with no room for negotiation. Kieran had been beaten up, with bruises on his face. He looked at Emery with anger in his eyes at Logan's words. Emery stiffened. She could see the outright hatred in Kieran's eyes and guessed that he had thought she was the whistleblower. Kieran had blood dripping from the corner of his mouth. In front of everyone, he spat out the blood and grinned through gritted teeth. He was tied up but still raised his chin. He looked at Logan with a venomous gaze. "You must be mistaken, Grandfather." He gave Emery a sidelong glance and sneered. "It was Nelson who wronged Emery, not me!" Nelson, who was the Carter family's oldest son, was a criminal on the run, and a hopeless case that couldn't be helped. Yet, Logan continued to coddle him as always. At the sudden mention of Nelson, Emery's face paled, and even the other members of the family fell silent. In their eyes, it was Nelson who had ruined Emery's innocence. This was an old matter from the past, and as the head of the family, Logan had given a direct order that no one was ever allowed to mention it again. But Kieran still chose to bring it up in public. As a result, the looks people gave Emery were mixed with a subtle, unclear sense of mockery. Emery knew Kieran was the type who preferred gentleness over force. If he wasn't happy, he didn't care if others were put in an awkward position. At that moment, everyone was staring at her. Emery could feel the heat burning on her face as she dropped to her knees next to Kieran. "Grandfather!" Emery lowered her head, hiding the tears in her eyes. She said softly but also resolutely, "I was the one who let Kieran go." She didn't dare to look up, humbling herself greatly for Kieran's sake. "Tessa is my friend…" Before she could even finish speaking, a low chuckle came from the great hall. "Oh, look. Someone's trying to be a pimp." Pimp was a dirty word. The chatter of the family wasn't loud, but it was harsh and stinging, making Emery feel utterly humiliated. Kieran tensed with anger at the chatter and snapped at Emery, "Stop pretending to be kind. Do you think the Carter family members are all fools?" After a pause, he spat out angrily, "It's all your fault! Ever since you came to the Carter family, nothing good has ever happened!" Emery couldn't help but let tears flow. She intended to stop Kieran's suffering, but despite taking the blame, she still received his disapproval. Fortunately, Logan was a reasonable man. He was furious and had a hot temper. He personally punished Kieran to the brink of death. All of this was because of Tessa. … Emery was in a daze from recalling the past. Hearing the navigation prompt, she came to her senses and suddenly slammed on the brakes. The tires screeched loudly, and Emery lost her balance, throwing herself against the steering wheel. Her head was hit hard. Everything happened so suddenly. She felt a sharp pain shoot through her, and she absentmindedly glanced up. Through the rearview mirror, she watched the two people in the backseat. The moment the car hit the barricade, there was an obvious nervousness on Kieran's face. He had instinctively pulled the frightened Tessa into his arms. His brows furrowed, and his expression was full of concern as he asked, "Tessie, are you okay?" It was an extremely glaring sight.