CHAPTER 6: Predestined Engagement

In a room at a restaurant, the food had already been arranged, and all five people remained silent, creating a somewhat heavy atmosphere. Finn Green took the initiative to speak.

"It's quite embarrassing; Emma said the girl would be here soon."

"No problem, it's Mark's fault for not picking up Emma."

After leaving the company, Emma immediately went shopping for clothes. Her father had instructed her to arrive a bit early and have a meal with Mark's family.

However, Emma had managed to surprise her father by arriving an hour late.

"That's right; you should have picked up Emma," Mark Green admitted, taking responsibility. Mark had called Emma before coming, but she had declined, insisting on driving herself.

As the uncomfortable atmosphere lingered, a sound reached them from the entrance.

"Hello, everyone; sorry, I'm late."

All five people turned their eyes to Emma, who appeared in a tight black outfit. The black jeans and tight black top complemented her figure, and her makeup was different from usual. Today, she had a distinctive personality, and her hair was tied up high.

"Did you all wait for me? Don't start eating without me."

Emma approached without hesitation, taking her seat without formalities. She didn't even bother to greet anyone. Mark's father, Steven, was surprised, but he smiled, choosing to overlook it. As long as Mark and Emma got married, their company would become stronger, so everything else was secondary.

"Everyone is waiting for you," Mark said calmly, looking at Emma with an indulgent smile. "Let's eat after you."

"Is that so? I'm here now; let's eat later."

Without waiting for anyone, Emma helped herself to the food, eating naturally. Mark's parents couldn't help but smile helplessly. Finn Green understood that his daughter was doing this to create a negative impression and avoid marrying Mark, so he didn't bother explaining.

"Eat at your own pace; no one will take your food," Mark reassured, and Emma nodded, seemingly understanding. She ignored the glances from Mark's parents. She had come here with this attitude to ensure they didn't have a favorable impression of her.

"Emma, you've changed a lot. Did you study well in France?"

"Yes, I did very well."

Mark's mother, although not pleased with Emma, tried to smile and inquire.

"Well, if you have time, you can go shopping and take care of your skin with me."

Mark's mother appeared friendly, inviting Emma to join her for beauty treatments, but Emma wasn't interested.

"I don't have time. Even Mark's mother, I haven't gone shopping with her yet. Your skin doesn't seem that good, by the way."

Emma's remark immediately extinguished the smile on Mrs. Mark's face. Even those around were surprised by what Emma said.

The dinner went smoothly, with only Emma actively eating and responding to a few questions from the William family.

"Mark, take Emma for a walk."

Emma seemed quite full today, displaying unusual eating and dressing habits. However, it seemed the William family didn't pay much attention.

They particularly discussed the collaboration between the two companies, a topic that Emma found detestable. Emma despised this dinner because of the fake demeanor of Mark's family.

Emma interrupted whenever Steven tried to speak, prompting Mark to take her for a walk.

"Yes, Emma ate a lot today, so a walk will help her sleep better."

Steven William suggested, that both families had intended to discuss the marriage proposal, but Emma disrupted their plans. Whenever Steven attempted to speak, Emma cut him off, prompting Mark to take her for a walk.

"Yes, I'll take Emma for a walk."

Mark stood up, grabbed his coat, and waited for Emma. Emma understood that, no matter how despicable her actions were, the William family wouldn't abandon the idea of her marrying Mark.

Emma looked at her parents with a slightly awkward gaze, but she just smiled and greeted everyone before going outside with Mark. Emma's parents knew she didn't like Mark, but they didn't reject the William family's wishes for now.

"Go home; I prefer taking a walk alone."

Emma ate a lot and wanted to take a walk, but she didn't want to go with Mark.

"Don't let yourself catch a cold."

Mark gently took off his coat and draped it over Emma's shoulders, showing concern. At the moment, Emma only wanted to lash out at Mark. His facial expressions were convincing, and he seemed caring, but Emma knew it was all a plot.

"No need. I'm not cold."

Emma, who felt uncomfortable dining with the William family, was now even more reluctant to walk with someone who had once tried to kill her. She stood by the restaurant's entrance, showing no intention of taking a stroll.

"If you don't want to walk, I'll take you home."

Seeing Emma's abrupt change in attitude, Mark felt displeased. He thought he understood Emma well, so everything should be fine. However, he didn't expect such a sudden change in her behavior and appearance.

"No need. I feel we're not that friendly. You drive home, and I'll go to mine."

After saying this, Emma didn't wait for Mark's reaction and walked away. Mark hurriedly followed her and grabbed her hand.

"Wait, are you angry with me?"

"No, I'm not."

Emma hadn't fully accepted it; just seeing Mark's face triggered images of him trying to kill her. She was furious. At the moment, she didn't want Mark to suspect anything. Mark, being as cunning and malicious as he was, should be handled calmly.

Mark felt uneasy releasing Emma's hand, so he quickly let go, looking at Emma with a somewhat anxious expression.

"It seems you're a bit full. Let's take a short walk."

"Sure."

Emma adjusted her mood and suggested going for a walk with Mark. She had devised a perfect revenge plan and, for a moment, allowed herself to create suspicion in Mark's mind.

"Was there anything fun in France?" Mark asked.

"It was enjoyable," Emma replied as she walked, changing her demeanor to increase Mark's curiosity. Emma was exceptionally beautiful, so Mark wouldn't likely notice her few acquaintances in France.

However, Mark discovered during his investigation that Emma was well-behaved and had never had any relationships with other guys.

"It seems like you've changed," Mark remarked.

"Yes, indeed. In France, I learned a lot. So, what do you think of this new personality?"

Confidently, Emma stood before Mark, presenting her transformed style. She was no longer the gentle and mild Emma from before; now, she exuded a bold and strong demeanor.

"Very good," Mark responded, surprising Emma as she had expected him not to like the change. Mark even looked at Emma with a bright smile. If one didn't know his true nature, one might think Mark genuinely loved her.

"Mark, my stomach hurts," Emma said, clutching her stomach, causing Mark to feel uncertain about what to do.

"Wait for me; I'll take you to the hospital."

"No need, I just need to use the restroom."

As they continued their stroll, Emma began to feel unwell and left Mark behind, hurrying ahead to find a restroom. Mark could only stand there and laugh, waiting for her.