Chapter 79

Patrick stood up and took a look around the house. surprised to find it was actually pretty spacious. Besides the three bedrooms. there was a bright and sunny study. Back when Emily lived at Maple Peak Apartments. she had a similar setup. She loved reading by the window in the early morning light. always saying it was the best time of day.

After Patrick checked out all the rooms. Emily stood with her armns crossed.leaning against the door frame. "Mr. Rivera. are you done snooping around? No other men hiding here. right? Can you leave now?" she said.clearly trying to get rid of him. Patrick frowned. about to lose his temper.but Emily cut him off. "Mr. Rivera, this is my place. and it has nothing to do with you. You barged in without my permission. and I could have called the cops. If you don't leave now. I will." Her stern words made Patrick pause.

Patrick took off his sports jacket, revealing a round-neck T-shirt underneath. He usually stuck to formal wear, being the CEO of the Rivera Group and all, so this casual look was a rare sight for Emily. It reminded her of their college days when she used to follow him around,watching him with his girlfriend. She'd even secretly wish they'd break up.

It was unclear whether her curse had been too effective or if Patrick and his girlfriend simply didn't have strong enough feelings for each other, but in the end, they drifted apart.

Noticing Emily staring at him, Patrick spread his arms and leaned back on the sofa. With his 6-foot-6 wingspan, he looked like a powerful protector,oozing charm. Emily, standing by the door frame. couldn't help but feel drawn to him, her heart racing and cheeks flushing. She had to admit.Patrick was quite the catch with his tall frame, deep eyes,and sharp

Snapping out of it. Emily felt embarrassed by how easily she was affected.She pinched her arm, trying to snap herself back to reality. 'Patrick hurt you so much before, do you really want to go back to that?' she thought.She tried to calm the storm inside her. reminding herself not to fall for Patrick's charm again.

"Come here!" Patrick's voice was commanding. Emily took a few steps forward before realizing she wasn't his secretary anymore and didn't have to obey him.

She stopped. lifted her chin, and said. "Why should I come to you just because you say so? Please leave. you're not welcome here." Her eyes were full of stubbornness and determination, refusing to let Patrick control her.

Seeing Emily so drawn to him yet still resisting. Patrick felt a sense of familiarity. Her stubbornness and persistence reminded him of the Emily he used to know.

"Don't make me say it again. Come here." Patrick's voice dropped, laced with irritation. Emily could tell he was getting pissed. but she wasn't about to back down this time. She'd finally foundthe guts to leave him, blowing all her savings on this place just to get away from him. After years of being his shadow, she'd gotten nothing in return.

Emily knew being pregnant wouldn't change Patrick's mind. He'd probably think she was trying to trap him with the baby, seeing her as nothing but a goldl-digger. It was laughable. The real schemer was right under his nose, and he had no clue. Her eyes turned cold as she pointed to the door, "Please leave, Mr. Rivera."

Patrick's face shifted through a ranage of emotions, but he still seemed set

on kicking her out. A weird mix of anger and loss bubbled up inside him.Why was Emily so hell-bent on pushing him away?

Patrick pulled something from his pocket. walked to the window. and opened it. He dangled the item outside. "This floor's pretty high. Think it would break if it fell? Even if it's not valuable. it would probably shatter.right?" Emily's eyes widened in shock. It was the bracelet Brian had given her. How did Patrick get his hands on it?

Panic surged through Emily as she lunged to grab the bracelet. Patrick yanked her into his arms. feeling her desperation. She struggled to snatch it back, forgetting she was still in her thin silk nightgown. Her soft breasts pressed against his chest. and Patrick felt a familiar stir in his groin. This time, he was sure-he could get turned on by Emily anytime.

"Patrick! Give it to me! If you break it. I'll hate you!" Her words made his face darken with displeasure.

He grabbed her wrist, pulling it to his chest. "Do you really hate me?"

Emily's stubbornness flared, refusing to apologize. Her heart was a mix of anger and hurt. Patrick handed her the bracelet, "Take care of it. You were always so meticulous at work, but with your own stuff. you're careless. Is this some kind of strategy? Or do you think if you leave it out. I'll bring it to you?"

"You're talking nonsense!" Emily snapped, quickly putting the bracelet away. She came back out in casual clothes. Patrick gave her a once-over."Why are you so guarded with me?"

Emily didn't answer, just glared at him. Thinking about how Patrick had returned the lost bracelet, she couldn't help but soften her tone. She stood by the bar, "There's beer, soda, and coffee in the fridge. What do you want?

"Coffee." Patrick said. turning to look at the sunlight streaming through the windows. A complex emotion washed over him. This was the first time they were in a house together without it leading to sex. It seemed like he had already forgiven her. Maybe time really could heal everything.