Chapter 199

"I'm not going."

Su Nian gently placed the invitation back on the coffee table, her fingertips trembling slightly.

It was an exquisitely crafted card with gilded edges, bearing the embossed words "Gu Corporation Anniversary Gala" in bold gold lettering. Just the sight of those words made her chest tighten.

"Why?" Gu Chen stood by the floor-to-ceiling window, his tall silhouette backlit by the fading sunlight. "This is the most important event for the corporation."

"I know." Su Nian lowered her lashes, her voice barely audible. "But I just don't want to go."

Her fingers clenched the fabric of her skirt. The expensive evening gown—specially chosen by Gu Chen—lay untouched on the bed in the bedroom.

Gu Chen turned, his brow furrowing slightly. "What are you worried about?"

"Nothing." She averted her gaze, avoiding his probing eyes. "I just... don't feel well."

Outside, the sunset painted the city in shades of orange and gold. Staring at the distant skyscrapers, she suddenly remembered the disdainful glances from the socialites at the last Gu Corporation banquet.

"Which family does Miss Su belong to?"

"I heard she met Mr. Gu at a nightclub..."

Those whispered remarks had cut into her like knives.

"Su Nian." Gu Chen stepped closer, his voice low. "Look at me."

Reluctantly, she raised her eyes to meet his dark, fathomless gaze.

"No one would dare disrespect you." His long fingers brushed her cheek. "You're my woman."

She bit her lower lip. The words should have reassured her, but instead, they only deepened her unease.

"Give me a reason." His tone left no room for refusal.

She drew a shaky breath. "I'm afraid... I'll embarrass you."

The moment the words left her lips, Gu Chen's expression turned icy.

"Who said that?" Danger laced his voice. "Give me a name."

Su Nian shook her head. "No one did. It's just me—"

Before she could finish, he pulled her into his arms. The crisp, cool scent of his cologne enveloped her.

"Listen," he murmured against her ear, his warm breath grazing her skin. "Tonight, I want everyone to know that you're the only woman I acknowledge."

Her heart skipped a beat. His embrace was so tight she could barely breathe.

"Now," he released her, a determined smirk curving his lips, "go get dressed."

He turned toward the walk-in closet, his retreating figure radiating unyielding resolve.

Su Nian stood frozen, her pulse pounding like thunder.

She knew—this gala would be anything but peaceful.

Emily Johnson couldn't wait to sever ties with the original villainess's family. That way, she could finally escape those exhausting plotlines.

After all, she was now living as the villainess. Getting tangled in those melodramatic twists would be nothing but a headache.

She had no intention of wading into that mess.

Life was perfect as it was—she'd gained two adorable children, and even if she divorced Michael Stone later, retirement wouldn't be an issue.

With her PennyDeals advantage, her days couldn't be more comfortable.

Today was a big day—New Year shopping.

She couldn't miss it.

Rumor had it that the Supply & Market would release a batch of industrial goods during the holiday. No coupons were needed, but it was first-come, first-served. Only the luckiest would snag anything.

Emily hurried excitedly to the Supply & Market.

But when she arrived and saw the two snaking lines, her enthusiasm instantly waned.

This was worse than the queues at modern trendy bubble tea shops!

Should she wait or not?

Gritting her teeth, she decided to stay. Otherwise, she wouldn’t be able to explain any extra items at home.

"No coupons, line up here! With coupons, over there!"

A clerk stood on a stool, shouting hoarsely.

The line for those with coupons was noticeably shorter. Emily patted the coupons in her pocket and decisively joined the shorter queue.

After a successful shopping spree, she not only used up all her coupons but also managed to grab several high-demand items without needing them. Carefully covering her haul, she headed toward the oxcart, satisfied.

"Uncle, have some candy."

She had bought two pounds of fruit candies and casually handed a handful to the driver, a relative from her husband's family.

"Emily, are the others still at the Supply & Market?"

"The line for those without coupons is too long. They'll probably be a while."

Just then, Elizabeth Stone helped her husband Robert approach from the direction of the clinic. Robert's leg was freshly bandaged and medicated.

"Done shopping already?" Elizabeth's eyes gleamed as she eyed Emily's bulging basket.

"Yeah, got quite a bit. Want some fruit candy? I can spare a pound for you."

Hearing it required no coupons, Elizabeth perked up. With four kids at home, she'd been worried about not having enough sweets for the New Year.

"Yes, please!"

"Alright, I'll have David bring it over later."

Seeing no other villagers around, Elizabeth leaned in and whispered, "Emily, is there anything else you can share?"

Emily raised an eyebrow. Pushing her luck?

"What else do you want?"

Elizabeth rubbed her hands together. "Do you have any oil?"

She remembered Emily had given her mother-in-law a bottle before.

"Nope."

Elizabeth clearly didn’t believe her, her eyes darting toward the basket.

Emily set the basket down. "How about this—I have a bag of Malt Extract at home. Want it?"

"Malt Extract?" Elizabeth swallowed hard.

"Since you got paid this time, and Robert needs nutrition for his injury. Five dollars. Deal?"

Five dollars! Robert immediately waved his hands. "No, no need..."