Chapter 38 James Is Not Interested

Of course, James knew they were already divorced.

He shot Emily a look, feeling both heartbroken at her messy appearance and swollen lips, and pissed that she hadn't come to him right away when something went down.

James grabbed Emily's face, making her look at him.

Their eyes locked, and Emily tried to look away, but James held her chin firmly.

The car was already cramped, and with their noses almost touching, their breaths mingled. James's intense presence filled the space, his gaze boring into her, making Emily suddenly feel short of breath. She had always been unable to resist James, and even now was no exception.

"What do you want?" she forced herself to ask, trembling as she tried to find a way to escape from James.

James wasn't letting her go. He let out a shallow, cold laugh and held Emily firmly in place. He lit a cigarette with his right hand, the tip flickering in the dim car.

After a while, he spoke in a helpless tone, "Emily, I'm the one who shares the deepest bond with you. Even though we're divorced, we still have Michael as a bond, and you and I can never be completely unrelated. I've heard about the Johnson Family's issues and have been working behind the scenes for your family. But Eli has pissed off someone big. Have you heard of Joseph Miller? You might have come across his name during your eight years with the Smith Family. Joseph started his career abroad, and his influence was once strong enough to rival the military abroad. He came back because his hometown is in Mist Isle City. On the surface, it looks like he was recruited, but it's actually a collaboration. No one knows how complex his background is. Even my father..."

James paused, pressing the cigarette butt hard against the side, then continued with a colder tone, "Even my father can't force him to do anything. If he's targeting Eli, Eli must have seriously pissed him off. Otherwise, he wouldn't bother with such a small fry. I can't directly pressure my father; his status prevents him from getting involved. But I do have some ways, though it won't be easy to get results. The Johnson Family has already asked me for help. If it weren't for you and Michael, I wouldn't be involved. I didn't tell you because I didn't want to use it as leverage before there was a conclusion, but it doesn't mean I didn't do anything."

Emily was stunned and stopped struggling, looking at James in disbelief as she realized that he was willing to help her even after the divorce.

Seeing Emily's reaction, James sighed inwardly, 'I believe that Emily and John are just friends. Emily is always naive; thinking she is unfaithful is overestimating her intelligence. But I wasn't her first choice when she got in trouble?'

"But Emily, next time something like this happens, tell me first. No matter what, you're Michael's mom. Even if we're not together, I'll always be there to help you." With that, James didn't wait for Emily's response, drove her back to her small apartment, and left, leaving Emily staring at the back of his car, unable to process what had just happened.

James's words made her heart flutter, and she thought, 'Maybe he doesn't hate me as much as I think. Could he still have some feelings for me?'

Back at the Smith Villa, James felt vexed; the mere thought of Emily's distrustful expression left him with a sense of suffocating frustration.

Once home, he barely touched his dinner before retreating to the bedroom. After washing up in the bathroom, he found Olivia leaning against the door.

She was wearing a white silk nightgown that outlined her graceful figure. The thin fabric clung to her skin, revealing her delicate skin and enticing curves. The neckline of the nightgown was slightly open, showing her exquisite collarbones and a hint of cleavage, sparking imagination. A few strands of hair fell on her cheek, and she carried a faint fragrance.

James glanced at her briefly before sitting back at his computer, ignoring her.

Olivia's smile froze instantly. She looked down at her beautiful body and then at James, who showed no reaction. Her expression became complex; she hadn't expected this response from James.

She had specially put on new clothes and dressed seductively, yet James showed no interest.

Unwilling to give up, Olivia bit her lip for a long time, then walked over to James, gently massaging his temples with her slender fingers, forcing a smile, "James, you've had a long day. I made some delicious soup. Want to try it?"

"Olivia." James turned around, but his eyes showed no trace of desire, only fatigue. "I'm really tired today and just want to rest. Can I have your soup tomorrow?"

James understood Olivia's intentions and knew it wasn't fair to her. But he simply didn't have the energy to deal with her right now.

James didn't realize how unreasonable his response was, but Olivia did. She clenched her fists tightly, hatred swirling in her heart, her nails almost digging into her flesh.

'James and I used to be so close, willing to forsake our families for each other. Now that we are back together, it is only natural for us to be intimate. But it's been over a month, we are still sleeping in separate rooms, maintaining a superficial relationship. Meanwhile, he has slept with Emily several times. Why is it so easy for Emily to get what she wants, but so difficult for me? I am James's rightful girlfriend. I won't allow myself to lose what I have already gained. I have to possess James's heart and body.' Olivia thought as her jealousy and hatred grew, but she didn't show it, instead giving a gentle smile. "Then I'll go. James, good night."

Watching her leave, James sighed in relief, but confusion rose in his heart. 'I am supposed to love Olivia. But the thought of being intimate with her makes me instinctively reject it. What is wrong with me?'