CHAPTER 133: AN UNWANTED BITCH

"Emma, you are fidgeting," William said with a helpless smile as they stood before the tall entrance of Count Delimore’s mansion.

Nana tilted her head back to see the high spires rising above the gates, her small mouth parting in awe.

The silver head shook her head quickly. "No, I am not. I am just... steeling my nerves. Give me a moment." She drew in several deep breaths, trying to calm the flutter inside her chest.

No one understood the weight of this meeting more than she did.

William only cared deeply about one person besides her, and that person was his father. That alone made this meeting important. It made her want to make the best impression she could.

Emma balled her fists and prepared herself to step forward. But before she could move, the heavy gates of the mansion slowly opened from the inside.

She straightened her back at once, readying herself to greet the Count.

But the person who stepped out was not the Count. Nor was it anyone she recognized.

A girl with soft, curly pink hair tied in a loose bun stood before them, wearing a bright smile. Her warm pink eyes were fixed on William with absolute delight. She wore a red gown that hugged her figure, giving her a gentle, feminine charm that made her look like she belonged on a ballroom stage.

Emma felt a sudden prick in her chest. Her danger sense rose without reason, telling her something was wrong with this girl.

William blinked in surprise. "Lavender?"

"Willy!" the girl squealed before rushing toward him and throwing her arms around him. She hugged him tightly, pressing her cheek against his chest as though she had been waiting for this moment for years.

Emma froze. Her mind went blank for a moment as she watched the sight. She did not expect someone to run into William’s arms so naturally.

William chuckled as he patted Lavender’s back. "When did you arrive, Lavender?"

Lavender refused to let go. "Just now. When I heard you were returning, I couldn’t stop myself. I missed you so much."

She snuggled her head deeper into his chest, and Emma flinched again.

Nana, confused, looked between her older sister and her big brother. She did not understand what exactly was happening, but she could clearly sense that Emma was unhappy.

The little girl reached out and tugged at William’s shirt. William glanced down, and Nana pointed her small finger toward Emma.

William followed her gesture and saw Emma had turned her face away, her jaw tight and her expression clearly upset.

He did not need mind reading to understand what was going through her head.

"Alright, let me breathe now," he said gently, pulling away from Lavender’s arms.

Lavender pouted. "You never resisted when I hugged you for hours in the past."

Emma’s eyes widened slightly, and she turned to William. Hours? Hadn’t he been quite an easy guy in the past?

William gave her a wry smile, then asked Lavender, "My return was not planned. How did you even know?"

Lavender brightened again. "My father visited the County yesterday. Your father told him that you would return sooner than planned. So I rushed here."

Emma wryly smiled. While she wanted to make a good impression on the Count, his first impression on her was not good.

She genuinely doubted the gods were on her side today.

William exhaled softly. "Well, I am glad you came. Meet Emma, she is my girlfriend. And that is Nana, my adopted daughter."

Emma smirked inwardly at his clear introduction.

She thought, Heard that, bitch? Keep your hands off him.

Lavender went stiff for a moment. Her eyes slowly turned toward Emma as though she had only now realized she existed.

Silence lingered for a few seconds before Lavender spoke in a polite but stiff tone. "I did not know you moved on from your former fiancée this quickly."

Emma smiled calmly. "Why don’t we forget the past. I am Emma." She offered her hand politely.

Lavender’s bright smile returned at once. She pinched the hem of her gown and gave an elegant bow. "Nice to meet you. My name is Lavender Wolfcrest."

Emma’s fingers twitched. Her handshake was awkwardly left hanging in the air before she lowered her hand.

Alright then. You want to play a game, huh?

Lavender glanced up at Emma with her eyes narrowed. It was subtle, but Emma caught it. She could feel something malicious hiding behind that bright smile.

Before the silent tension could grow, a loud and familiar voice echoed from inside.

"There you are!"

All four of them turned. A tall man walked out, followed by two others. His steps were firm, and his presence filled the air like a warm storm.

William’s face lit up. His shopping bags floated beside him as he rushed forward.

"Father." William smiled as he threw himself into the man’s arms. The man hugged him tightly, patting his back with a booming laugh.

"Ahaha! Finally you are here, my son," Carter Delimore beamed. His eyes softened as he held onto his child.

Emma felt her heart ease. Seeing William in his father’s arms made her see another side of him. Not the leader who carried heavy responsibilities nor the warrior who pushed himself beyond limits, but just a young man returning home. A boy who loved his father.

Aleda Delimore stood beside her husband, a gentle smile on her face. Beside her was Herman Wolfcrest, Lavender’s father, who looked relieved to see the father and son reunited so warmly.

Carter pulled back and placed a firm hand on William’s shoulder. "For the first time in ages, you look like yourself."

His voice held emotion. For the past two years, every time William returned home, he looked lifeless, cold, and irritated. Carter had watched his son drift away slowly, and there was nothing he could do.

But the William standing before him today was different. His eyes were bright. His smile was alive.

Carter felt a weight lift from his heart.

William smiled brightly. He turned, reached out his hand, and glanced at Emma. "It is all thanks to her."

Emma stepped forward and placed her hand in his.

Carter looked at her, truly looked at her, as if seeing the girl he had been hearing about for months.

He lifted his hand and rested it gently on Emma’s head. His voice softened. "I owe you, little one. You brought my boy back to me, and for that, I cannot thank you enough."

Emma lowered her eyes as warmth spread through her chest. For a moment, she could not speak.

Soon, the Count invited them all inside.

William walked ahead with his father, Aleda followed with Herman, and Nana stayed by Emma’s side. The hallway was lit with soft golden lamps, and laughter filled the air as Carter talked excitedly with his son.

But Lavender remained standing at the entrance.

She did not move.

Her warm smile slowly faded. Her eyes darkened, sharp as a blade hidden behind silk.

Then, a small grin curved her lips. It was quiet, malicious, and filled with something Emma had sensed the moment she saw her.

Her pink eyes glowed faintly.

’Not this time, William.’

She stepped forward, her smile returning as though nothing had happened.

And the game began.