Since Emma was unaware of the details of Philip's health condition, she did not respond to his comments on the matter.Philip continued, saying, "You've seen the situation these days. Everyone wants to eliminate Ron."Given the topic's sensitivity, Emma did not dare respond. She just quietly listened to Philip.Philip chuckled. "I'm still alive, yet many people hope for my death to claim my wealth. Sometimes I envy ordinary families that have a good relationship between the parents and the children."Emma thought, 'I'm jealous of them too. Unfortunately, I was born into this kind of family.'Philip then asked, "You understand what I'm saying, right?"Emma nodded. "Grandpa, actually Ron isn't as bad as everyone says."Philip smiled. "Look, you're already speaking up for your fiancé. He doesn't even let you live with him, yet you're defending him."Emma responded, "I'm not defending him; I'm just sharing my observations. Moreover, choosing to stay at the dormitory was my decision
"Grandpa, I know which path to take; you don't need to worry about me. Right now, the most important thing for you is to take care of your health and not let those people get under your skin anymore."Ron suddenly spoke up, interrupting Emma and Philip's conversation.Emma spun around, surprised by Ron in the living room—he was supposed to have left. "Why are you still here?"With light and graceful steps, Ron approached Emma and Philip, his eyes bright and devoid of the desolation evident just moments before.Philip frowned disapprovingly. "What do you know? If you really knew, you wouldn't need me, an old man, to worry about you."Ron sat beside Philip. "Grandpa, I appreciate everything you've done to help me. I know that by keeping Emma here, you're sending a message to those people that I can't take over Hagrid Corporation. But I'm your grandson, and I know you won't just abandon me. But have you considered the implications for her, this scaredy-cat?"Philip responded, "With
Ron said, "Grandpa, if she turns out to be behind all this, I won't spare her. You should be prepared for that.""I allow them to showcase their talents in any way they want, but I've never allowed them to hurt each other. If it turns out she's responsible for these two matters..." Philip paused, seemingly making a significant decision, "then we'll do what needs to be done."Ron responded, "Your support means a lot to me."Philip said, "Jake might be back soon. Quickly take Emma and leave."Ron replied, "I want to stay and have dinner with you."Philip rejected him, saying, "Not tonight. Return and dine with me once you've found the real culprit and earned everyone's respect in taking over Hagrid Corporation."Ron knew that now was not the right time to let anyone know they were putting on a show. He got up and said, "Scaredy-cat, let's go."Emma got up. "Grandpa, take care. We'll get going now."Philip feigned impatience and waved his hand dismissively. "Quickly leave. You you
Ron said, "You've become quite clever."Emma responded, "I was never dumb."Ron did not say anything further, focusing on driving.After arriving at a certain spot, they switched to another car and finally arrived at Rebekah's place after a few more minutes.Rebekah lived in another villa area, which was much newer than the villa area where the Hagrid residence was located. The greenery was attractive, but the area lacked a sense of historical charm.It was Emma's first time coming here. "It's my first time coming here to visit your mother. Should I buy something for her?"Ron replied, "You're not really going to be her daughter-in-law, so you don't need to please her."Emma responded, "Isn't it just basic etiquette?"Ron asked, "Emma, haven't you heard this?"Emma asked in reply, "What is it?"Ron could not remember if he had told her before, but he did not mind emphasizing it again. "If you're too kind, people will take advantage of you. Sometimes, it's good to go a little
Emma gritted her teeth and said angrily, "Ron Hagrid, I've told you I won't cling to you. As long as we can break free from our families' arrangements, I'm willing to cancel our engagement at any time. You don't need to force me into a relationship with another man."Ron awkwardly scratched his ear. "All right, I won't joke about it anymore. Let's go, come inside with me."Emma, still furious, ignored him.However, Ron took her hand. "I lied to my mom that our relationship has improved to make her feel better. So, we have to put on a show for her."Emma, not wanting to upset Rebekah, reluctantly let Ron hold her hand.Ron then led her inside.Rebekah was happy to see Ron holding Emma's hand as they walked in, but Kerry spoke before Rebekah, "You guys finally decided to come back?"Ron responded, "Aunt Kerry, why are you here?"Kerry said, "Your mother isn't doing so well. I'm here to keep her company. Unlike you; after dealing with your father's matters, you haven't shown much
Rebekah shook her head and looked at the yard that was filled with memories. "Ron, this home holds the most memories for our family. You and Gary grew up in this yard."Sometimes, when I look at the plants in the yard, I can almost see the scene of Gary playing with you here."This is also where your father and I lived after we got married. We have so many shared memories here."She then lifted her hand to gently wipe away the tears from the corner of her eyes. "I won't go anywhere else. I want to stay with Donald and Gary."Ron wanted to persuade Rebekah, but he did not know how to, so he remained silent.Rebekah stared at Emma. "Emma, Ron has a fiery temper and always acts without considering the consequences. Please help me watch over him in the future."Emma nodded. "I will, Mrs. Hagrid."Rebekah held Emma's hand. "Let's have dinner now. I specially invited two chefs from South Florivera to prepare your favorite dishes. I hope you'll like them."Emma had not had authentic S
Emma's words made Ron feel uneasy. He quickly changed the subject. "Would you like to hear about my previous dream?"Emma replied, "If you're willing to tell me, I'm willing to listen."Ron sighed before slowly beginning, "I'm the second child born into the Hagrid family of our generation. Because I had an older brother who showed exceptional business talents from a young age, the elders of our family devoted all their efforts to nurturing him."They didn't burden me with the responsibility of taking over Hagrid Corporation. So, I grew up relatively carefree."I merely needed to study like any other child and could play all the games I wanted after finishing my studies."Gary was only three years older than me. When he saw me playing games, I guess he also wanted to play, but he couldn't."He had a lot to learn; his schedule was packed apart from a few hours of sleep."At that time, I thought I'd develop games myself in the future. I wanted to create fun and easy-to-play games s
The next day, Emma went to school in Ron's car.She arrived at the university early, and many students were already strolling around the campus. As Emma walked by, others looked at her, and some even whispered and pointed at her behind her back.Emma took out her phone and opened the camera in selfie mode to look at herself. 'There's nothing on my face. Why are they staring at me?'She could not figure it out, but she did not dwell on it much.As she had not been to class for several days and had no classes in the morning, she planned to return to the dormitory to study.Unexpectedly, as soon as she arrived at the dormitory, she heard Evelyn and Cassie gossiping.When they noticed Emma come back, they turned their heads and stared at her together.Their probing gazes were intense. Evelyn said, "Emma, you're so tight-lipped. We've been with you every day for several months, yet we had to hear things about you from others."Emma was confused. "What are you talking about?"Evelyn
Emma turned and dashed into the bathroom. She cranked the faucet on and splashed water on her face, aiming to soothe her nerves.Although they were engaged, they were still too young, with countless uncertainties looming over their future. The possibility of actually walking down the aisle was up in the air.Decisions made in a rush of happiness could eventually become sources of regret. And Emma knew all too well that she couldn't afford any regrets.She thought that fortunately, Ron hadn't pushed things further, which gave her time to cool off.After freshening up, Emma stepped out to find Ron on the balcony, a cigarette in hand.She couldn't resist chiding him, "I've told you to cut down on smoking. Why can't you seem to remember?"This time, Ron complied, snuffing out the cigarette. "We should get some sleep. We've got to put our best foot forward when we meet your family tomorrow.""Okay, I'll sleep on the couch. You take the bed," Emma responded.Ron simply replied, "As y
Ron looked at her dawdling pace with disdain. "If you, a lady, can handle it, why can't I, a grown man, stay?"His words sounded noble, but Ron regretted them the moment they arrived at the hotel.Despite now earning a decent income, Emma was still reluctant to spend money.This place was hardly a hotel; it was clearly a budget inn charging only a few dozen bucks a night. The hygiene was questionable at best, and safety seemed like a gamble.Ron turned on his heel, dragging her suitcase behind him. "We're leaving, now.""It's too late, and we can't get a refund for the room.""Are you trying to get us killed?"Emma fell silent, her thoughts a whirlwind of frustration. 'I told him he wouldn't be used to cheap places. He insisted on coming with me, and now he won't even let me stay here alone. Why is he so annoying?'However, considering Ron had rushed over in the middle of the night to help her, Emma decided not to hold it against him.Ron picked the best hotel in the area—the
Rebekah glanced over at Ron; she exchanged a knowing look with him before saying, "I'll have someone tidy up the rooms. Why don't you two stay here tonight and keep me company?"Ron replied simply, "Sure."Emma had purchased a midnight flight back to South Florivera, necessitating a rush to the airport, which made staying over after dinner impossible.Yet, she found herself at a loss for words, struggling to decline Rebekah's kind offer.As she hesitated, Ron stepped in to clear the air. "Mom, I've got something on tonight. After dinner, I'll drive Emma back to her dorm."Rebekah raised an eyebrow. "What's so important?" she wondered aloud, thinking, 'Wasn't he the one insisting Emma stay over? What's he up to now?'Ron kept it mysterious. "Life stuff."Rebekah could not help but chide him lightly, "You, always the joker."Right after dinner, Ron insisted on leaving to take Emma back to her dormitory. But as soon as they were out of the gated community, he asked, "So, you reall
Ron chuckled. "I didn't know you were aware that even a cornered rat will fight."Emma shot him a glare. "Are we going or not?"Ron quickly said, "Of course. When Miss Blue commands, how can I dare not obey?"Fearing another of his notorious driving escapades, Emma hastily buckled her seatbelt as she settled into the car.Thankfully, this time Ron kept it smooth, driving steadily.As they neared their destination, Ron finally spoke up, "You know, that Tucker guy is a married man. Don't let his kindness fool you into being the other woman."Emma's gaze on Ron was fiery, seething with anger. "Do you even hear yourself? Is that what you think of me? For the last time: Tucker and I share nothing more than a mentor-mentee relationship. There's nothing else between us.""I'm just looking out for you, worried you might get deceived," Ron said, witnessing Emma's fury for the first time. Yet, he could not help but find her anger not at all intimidating, but rather endearingly foolish.R
The two sisters had a pact: no cell phones at home to keep their secrets from the prying eyes of the Blue family. Thus, Emma could call only at prearranged times, the sole window for Rihanna to catch up.Rihanna's voice bubbled with excitement over the phone, as she chattered away about her life's minutiae.Knowing Rihanna was doing well eased Emma's mind.Just as Emma was about to end the call, she heard Rihanna's voice, soft and wistful. "You're really not coming home for the holidays? If you don't, I'll be all alone."Emma's heart clenched at those words, and she made up her mind in an instant. "I'll come back the day before New Year's Eve."The Blue family had their hands full with festivities that day, too busy to notice Rihanna's absence. Emma figured slipping back unnoticed then would be her best shot.After hanging up, Emma immediately booked a flight from Valtara to South Florivera. With her ticket secured and her last bit of work finished, Emma prepared to leave her off
Emma had no interest in romance, let alone the audacity to dream that Ron might fancy her.This time, she did not pick up the thread of conversation.After dinner, Ron, as usual, drove Emma back to the university.Before parting, Ron said, "Winter break is almost upon us, and the dorms might be off-limits. Are you sure you don't want to stay at my place for a couple of months?"Emma offered a smile in response. "Thanks for the offer. I've spoken with the dorm supervisor and submitted an application in advance. I'll be able to stay over the holiday period."Ron paused before saying, "Well, if you need anything, just let me know. I'll text you my number in a bit; make sure you save it."Emma nodded. "Sure."Without further ado, Ron drove off.Upon returning to her dorm, Emma saw Evelyn and Cassie, busy packing their bags, surrounded by gifts for their parents bought from Valtara.Evelyn asked Emma, "Are you really not going home for the winter break?"Emma replied, "No, I won't
Emma did not have the guts to risk failure because she did not have a safe haven to fall back on.Lucas kicked Ron in the shin. "Come on, if you fancy her, out with it. No Hagrid heir dithers like this."Ron glared at him. "Mind your own business." In his head, Emma was already his. The thought of losing her was unimaginable.Lucas said, "Without my meddling, she'd never be yours."Ron changed the subject. "I called you here for a serious discussion."Lucas replied, "No matter how serious, it can't outweigh the matter of your lifetime happiness."Ron was exasperated. "Lucas!"Lucas relented. "Alright, alright, you talk, I'm all ears."Ron spelled out Emma's music venture with Tucker. After hearing it all, Lucas could not help but see Emma in a new light."Never pegged Emma as such a dark horse," Lucas said.Silently listening to their conversation, Emma was thrilled to have her work recognized.Lucas said, "But, getting back to it, whether a song makes money, and how much, d
Ron barked, "Lucas!"With a chuckle, Lucas responded, "Alright, alright, I'll stop teasing Emma. I'm starving. Let's grab some food and talk business while we eat."Ron snapped, "Get lost!"Lucas could not help but revel in Ron's frustration. "Ron, have you fallen so quickly? Who was it that told me they would never accept an arranged marriage?"Emma was increasingly confused by their banter. "If it's inconvenient for me to be here, I can just take a cab and leave."Ron said, "Call you dumb and you won't admit it!"Emma thought to herself, 'I didn't want to be a third wheel, cramping their style. Was that really so wrong? No good deed goes unpunished, apparently.'Suddenly, Ron grabbed Emma's hand and led her inside. "It's cold out; let's go inside."Emma had to quicken her pace, practically being dragged along.Seeing them together, Lucas laughed heartily from behind. "Ron, oh Ron, never thought I'd see the day.""Don't laugh too soon. Your day is coming," Ron shot back.Th
Emma said, "Okay."Ron asked, "Have you won over your crush?"Lucas responded, "Secret."Ron replied, "Looks like you haven't won her over."Lucas said, "As long as I make a move, there's no girl I can't win over. But I haven't made a move yet because the timing isn't right."Ron asked, "Is it because of the Sandow family?"Lucas answered, "The Sandow family wants to marry their daughter to me, and my family wants me to marry her too. But I've told them long ago that I'm not willing to do that. Nobody can make me marry a girl I don't like."Emma remained silent. 'I didn't expect that Lucas would also have the same problem as me and Ron.'It seems like the wealthier the family, the more they'll arrange marriages based on social status without considering personal preferences.'Lucas seemed to sense Emma's thoughts. "Emma, my situation with the Sandow girl is different from yours and Ron's. Don't lump us together."Ron looked at Emma and suddenly said, "There isn't any other gi