Chapter 58 Coughing Up Blood
As soon as the words left her mouth, the elevator doors creaked open. Emma was about to step out when she spotted George not far off, looking all dark and stormy, like a thundercloud ready to burst.
Her heart started racing. No matter how hard she tried to forget George, her body had other plans.
"Emma!" George's voice was icy, cutting right through her. "Why'd you hang up on me?"
Emma was caught off guard, panic bubbling up inside her. She tried to play it cool, forcing a smile. "Didn't save your number. Thought it was spam."
"Spam?" George's eyes flashed with anger as he closed the distance, getting all up in her space. "You really wanna cut me off like that?"
"George, chill out," Michael cut in, trying to defuse the situation. "No need to blow up over a little spat."
"Stay out of it," George snapped, his eyes still locked on Emma like she was the only thing that mattered.
Emma felt like she couldn't breathe, emotions swirling inside her. She took a deep breath, silently promising herself she wouldn't lean on George anymore.
She turned to Michael, managing a small smile. "Michael, let's go."
"You sure you don't wanna ride with me?" George's voice came again, tinged with desperation.
Emma's grip tightened on her bag, nails digging into her palm. She turned and saw the lonely, intense look in George's eyes, feeling a stab of pain. But she knew she had to decide.
"I'm sure." Her voice was steady, like she was convincing herself.
"Emma," George's voice was low, filled with helplessness, but Emma didn't waver. She followed Michael, leaving quickly.
She knew if she stayed a second longer, she'd cave and go back to George.
Emma and Michael walked into the Russell Mansion, the warm light of the spacious hall doing nothing to thaw her icy heart.
As soon as they stepped in, George was right behind them, his gaze sharp and fixed on Emma.
"Emma!" He yanked her into his arms, all forceful and overbearing, making her squirm. She tried to push him away, but he held on tight, like he wanted to fuse them together.
"What are you doing?" Emma's voice was tinged with anger and helplessness.
"Grandpa wants to see us getting along. Don't you wanna make him happy?" George's tone was cold, almost like an order.
"I get it." Emma felt a wave of bitterness. She didn't want to, but she knew she had no choice at this family gathering.
Emma shot an apologetic glance at Michael, said a quick goodbye, and let George take the lead.
But their little act of marital bliss had no audience. Charles, feeling under the weather, was resting in his room.
Seeing George holding Emma, Anna clenched her fists in anger, her face twisted, but she couldn't do anything.
Then she saw Michael behind George and was stunned!
Michael was actually George's uncle!
Not only did he help Emma, but he also sent her a lawyer's letter! And now Michael was standing right next to Anna. She glanced nervously at Michael, pretending nothing was wrong.
Michael looked at Anna, then casually looked away.
Since it was a family dinner, the seating was pretty chill. Emma and George, being a couple, naturally sat together, while Anna plopped down on George's other side, all busy pouring him wine and serving him food.
Emma found it super annoying. With a table full of dishes, she had zero appetite, and because of her health, she could only eat light stuff.
George said, "Emma, try this chili beef stew."
To keep up appearances, George picked up a piece of bright red beef and carefully placed it in Emma's bowl.
"I don't like this," Emma said, not wanting to mention her health issues. She just made up an excuse.
Emma's refusal made George's face darken.
"Emma, Scarlett made this herself. How can you refuse? Besides, you love chili beef stew. Why are you lying?" Anna chimed in, all innocent-like.
Emma almost laughed. Since when did she love chili beef stew?
Scarlett's face immediately soured. "Eat it if you like, don't if you don't. Do you honestly think I care whether you eat my food?"
"Eat it, don't be a party pooper." George's voice was low and commanding, like he was laying down the law.
"Emma had a long day at work and didn't eat much for lunch. Spicy food isn't suitable for her. She should eat something light," Michael cut in, placing a piece of vegetable in Emma's bowl. "Eat this instead."
Emma was stunned for a moment, then thanked him, "Thank you, Michael."
Michael's actions were a lifesaver for Emma, but George didn't see it that way. He felt humiliated, thinking his wife Emma was flirting with Michael.
"Michael, is it appropriate for you to be so considerate of my wife?" George said, his cold gaze fixed on Emma. "Think carefully about what you should eat."
In this house, Emma didn't even have the freedom to choose her food. To avoid dragging Michael into her mess, Emma picked up the piece of beef and forced herself to swallow it. The spiciness hit her instantly, making her stomach churn.
George felt a twisted sense of satisfaction and kept piling more beef into Emma's bowl.
Emma endured the burning sensation in her stomach, forcing herself to swallow the beef. The spiciness spread like wildfire in her throat, making her face turn pale. Her hand trembled slightly, silently praying for it all to end soon.
"What's wrong, Emma? Didn't you enjoy eating tacos with Ethan by the roadside?" George's voice was filled with disdainful mockery.
"I'm fine." Emma forced a smile, but inside she felt like a storm was raging, the pain in her stomach growing more intense.
"Emma, drink some soup," Anna said coldly, pushing a bowl of steaming chili soup in front of her, her eyes gleaming with cunning.
Under Scarlett's disdainful gaze, Emma picked up the bowl and forced herself to drink the scalding chili soup.
The soup slid down her throat, bringing another wave of burning sensation. The pain in her stomach felt like it was being scorched by flames, making her feel extremely uncomfortable. Her hand gripped the edge of the bowl tightly, her nails almost digging into her palm, cold sweat beading on her forehead.
"Emma, are you okay?" Michael noticed her discomfort and asked with concern.
"I'm fine; it's just a bit spicy." Emma tried to cover up, but her voice was weak and feeble.
At that moment, the pain in her stomach suddenly intensified, like it was being torn apart. Emma's body trembled uncontrollably, her face turning pale.
She felt a strong wave of nausea, and with a rush of heat in her throat, blood mixed with chili soup spewed out.
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