Semua Bab How to Dump a Fake Husband: Bab 21 - Bab 30

"You and your sweet mouth.""Then instead of being your daughter-in-law, how about I be your daughter?""That won't do. You must be my daughter-in-law—otherwise, that heartless Emily will get Chuck for nothing."The tense air finally eased. Nate and Melinda boarded the yacht first, while Chuck helped Catherine carry her things. When she stumbled as she stepped on board, he instinctively reached out, wrapping an arm around her waist to steady her and guiding her onto the deck.Once they were on the boat, Catherine clung to his waist, unwilling to let go. She looked up with a playful tenderness. Chuck's expression was helpless, but he didn't push her away. When the boat started moving, afraid she might lose balance again, he simply pulled her into his lap.Seeing the two of them so close, Nate and Melinda exchanged a pleased, knowing look. The family seemed to fall into a rare harmony—each silently choosing to forget Emily for the moment.It wasn't until the yacht left the dock tha

"Hey, didn't you say you were on a business trip in Alden City?""Do you remember what day it is today?""Of course. Our third wedding anniversary.""Then hurry and take the ferry over. I've got a surprise waiting for you.""Really?"Two hours later, Emily arrived outside the island resort.Chuck stood at the entrance, waiting. The moment she stepped out of the car, he grabbed her hand eagerly and led her to the suite he had filled with roses.From behind, he wrapped his arms around her, his voice low and tender. "Well? Surprised?"Surprised? Disgusted was more like it.Still, Emily gave a little gasp, widening her eyes in feigned awe. "It's gorgeous, honey. You must've spent so much time and effort on this.""For you," he murmured, tightening his hold, "it's worth it."His heartbeat quickened against her back. Desire thickened his breath as he kissed the corner of her forehead, then trailed lower, his lips hovering dangerously close to hers. Just as he was about to capture

Emily pointed toward the soup pot, where the bright red panties floated on the broth, and clicked her tongue a few times.That was the final straw. Nate and Melinda turned green with disgust. Their faces darkened as they glared first at Emily, then at Catherine, before storming out in a fury.As for Catherine, she couldn't even lift her head anymore.From now on, every time the Morrison family sat down for a meal, every pot of soup placed on the table would remind them of that vivid, lacy red undergarment bobbing among the herbs and chicken. Would they still be able to drink soup after that?And Catherine—would she even have the face to sit at the same table?The thought made Emily want to laugh out loud."So now everyone's left miserable and embarrassed. Are you satisfied?" Chuck snapped, voice rising.Instead of answering, Emily raised her hand and slapped him again."Figure out how you're going to explain yourself first."She shot Catherine a cold, cutting look, then turned

"But what?" Patrick asked."She's an alcoholic," Preston said.Patrick was left speechless.Emily had had enough to drink—enough to feel the world tilt a little—and she knew exactly where she was. Finish this glass, pay the bill, get back to the hotel. Simple. But as she stepped out, she collided with a man reeking of alcohol. She shot him a sharp look and kept walking."What do we have here? Hey, gorgeous!" The man's anger melted into a leering grin when he saw her face; he fell into step behind her.Emily sped up. So did he."Gorgeous, let me buy you a drink. Come on, don't be like that. Show me some mercy. Don't walk off."Her stride lengthened; he began to run, cutting her off. He wiped his nose with a grubby hand, eyes hungry."A lone woman out drinking late? Either you're broken up with a man, or you're lonely and seeking company." He lurched closer. "Whatever the reason, I can take care of you."The stench of his breath nearly made her gag. She covered her nose. "Get

Preston ground his teeth and hung up the call.On the other end, Patrick waited until the line went dead before finally letting out a satisfied chuckle.His son—who never betrayed an ounce of emotion—was actually angry?As expected, the daughter-in-law he'd chosen was someone special.Good. Not only would he hand the company over to her one day, he might as well include his personal assets too!When Emily checked out, she learned that the room she'd stayed in was the presidential suite. And when she tried to pay, the receptionist politely told her that the suite belonged to their CEO, Mr. Byron."And he is?" she asked, frowning."This resort is owned by Conlay Group, miss. You didn't know?"She blinked. No, she really didn't."Preston Byron is our CEO."Preston? The heir to Conlay Group? The guy she'd been dying to meet, but never could?Emily wanted to slap her drunken self from last night straight into next week. Panicking, she ran back to the suite before housekeeping arr