What Willaim said made sense, and Emelie's expression grew solemn.

William saw her contemplative look and said, "No matter what you want to do, I'll help you."

William had said this many times. Emelie had gone from scoffing at him to being strangely suspicious.

His stance was indeed peculiar. He was always revolving around her, yet he was indifferent when Charles or Bryan got into trouble. They were supposed to be allies that would share both glory and defeat.

Emelie looked at him. "I have a few questions to ask you."

William nodded. "Go ahead."

It was too complicated to explain in just a few words, so Emelie decided to ask him another time. "I'll come to you when I have time."

Emelie was focused on more serious matters, but William smiled. He remarked, "Didn't you just say you wouldn't come looking for me?"

Emelie ignored his teasing and turned to leave. But William grabbed her arm. "Since you've come this far, why not see me all the way to the gate?"

This way, he could spend a little more time with her. He didn't usually ask for much.

Emelie saw the pleading look in his eyes and finally relented. She walked him to the estate's entrance.

William repeated, "I'm staying at that hotel. Let me know if you're coming, no matter how late it is. I'll wait for you."

Even if she had no choice but to look for him since she wanted answers, she would go during the day, not at night. What was he thinking? That she wanted a secret rendezvous with him?

Emelie shot him a glare before turning to leave.

William was baffled by her sudden anger. What had he done wrong this time?

He had only assumed that she would be busy and wouldn't have time until the evening, so he mentioned waiting for her. Why was she upset? Did she think he was trying to take advantage of her?

William smiled to himself, standing there until Emelie's figure disappeared from view. Then, he walked out of the estate.

William hid the gentleness that he only showed when Emelie was around, and he returned to its usual reserved

state.

He nodded and got into the car, instructing, "Continue keeping a close watch on Beathan back home."

Ashton replied, "Yes, Mr. Middleton. We've been monitoring him."

When the explosion occurred at the Swanson Technology Park, William hadn't known Beathan was behind it, but his instincts told him that Beathan's recent quietness was suspicious. So, he had ordered Ashton to keep an eye on him.

William rested his head against his hand, his injury doing nothing to diminish his presence or authority. He had always believed that, out of Charles, Bryan, and Beathan, Beathan was the most dangerous one.

When Emelie returned to the house, she happened to see Marcel directing his subordinates to drag away a few staff members, who were crying and begging for mercy.

"Spies?" Emelie asked.

Marcel nodded. "You guessed right. These are the ones who were secretly passing information to Mrs. Russo. Mr.

Graham has ordered them all to be expelled from Mercianna."

Emelie had put on a show in the estate for these spies, so that they would report back to Natalia about Emelie's supposed downfall. Now that everything was over, these "actors" naturally had to get off the stage.

"Is he in the study?" she asked.

"Yes," Marcel said.

Emelie headed to the study, where wesley stood by the window. The cold spring wind ruffled his hair as he gazed distantly outside.

Emelie stood by the door, she had never looked at him so intently before. She examined his features, searching for any similarities between them.

Wesley sensed her staring, and he lowered his gaze before turning to look at her.

It was only then that Emelie walked in and closed the window. "The cold spring breeze can be harsh. You should take care of yourself."Belonging to .

Wesley spoke almost simultaneously. "Is there something you want to ask me?"