Second Chances

Chapter 56 

Emma knew that in the past, people used to address Liam as “Mr. Hall” with a sense of reverence. 

But now, the “Mr. Hall who was addressed with a sense of reverence openly was Brad, 

At the party today, there were quite a few people who used to be under Liam’s wing but shifty gazes. 

Emma tightened her grip on Liam’s hand. 

had now switched allegiance to Brad, hence their 

It was as if she was telling him about her determination, that even if the entire world betrayed him, she would not abandon him. 

Liam sensed her emotions. His rough thumb rubbed the space between her thumb and index finger, expressing his gentleness in this way. 

“Liam…” 

At this moment, a person walked over. 

Looking dapper, Brad held a champagne glass. “Long time no see,” he said. “Welcome to the Hall family’s home.” 

Emma raised her eyebrows and said, “Mr. Brad, you got that wrong. You should say “welcome back to the Hall family’s home.” 

She thought, ‘Liam is the Hall family’s eldest son. What is Brad getting at by saying “welcome to the Hall family’s home“*” 

Brad chuckled and said, “It’s just a phrase. Emma, your nitpicking over words makes it seem like there is a distance between Liam and us.” 

Liam said coldly, “Today is Dad’s birthday. You had better not cause trouble. Also, my wife is young, and she’s badass. If you pick a fight with her, be prepared to get schooled.” 

Sure enough, Brad’s expression turned cold. 

On the side, Brad’s birth mother and Liam’s stepmother, Elsie, also looked grim after hearing that. 

After Liam finished speaking, he and Emma walked past them. They walked up to Liam’s father, Simon. 

The conversation just now was not loud. Only a few of them could hear it clearly. 

Simon didn’t hear it, and neither did the other guests. They all appeared to be enjoying themselves. 

“Dad, this is Emma,” Liam said. “We came together to wish you a happy birthday” 

Dressed in a black tuxedo, Simon nodded in response and replied, “Okay.” 

His attitude toward Emma was neither warm nor cold. 

Today was Simon’s 60th birthday. Although the Hall family was imposing, it was built upon the foundation laid by Liam’s grandfather. In Simon’s generation, he and his brothers had limited individual capabilities. In contrast, Liam and Brad were outstanding individuals, especially Liam, who had been called a prodigy since he was a child. 

“It seems that your dad isn’t very pleased with me, right?” Emma said. 

After exchanging pleasantries with Simon, Emma and Liam left the main stage. 

Liam carefully picked up a plate of desserts and gave it to Emma, saying, “Nope. He has always been like this.” 

“Tsk,” Emma replied. 

“When I was three years old, he married Elsie and had Brad,” Liam said. “My mom died of stomach cancer. My father could be considered to have remarried.” 

Emma knew that Liam was opening up about his family to her, so she listened attentively. 

At this moment, an old friend came to have a small talk with Liam. 

Emma took the initiative to walk elsewhere to avoid getting overly intimate with Liam, but Kate took the opportunity to come closer. 

“I was wondering who’s this person that looked so familiar,” Kate said. “Turns out it’s you.” 

Kate wore a white formal outfit today, which was a white sleeveless suit–style top paired with white trousers. She wore gold accessories around her neck and a pair of gold high heels, Instead of a fairy–like style, she clearly adopted a style that exuded authority and power. 

“Kate, with everyone from the Hall family here today, you had better not provoke me,” Emma said, her slender fingers gripping the champagne glass. “Otherwise, be careful that you may end up doing more harm than good, making Brad hate you even more.” 

Emma’s words undoubtedly hit Kate’s raw nerve. 

Brad had indeed been very cold toward Kate lately. Even in bed, the experience was more about venting frustration and mistreatment than 

the past pleasure and delight. 

Kate’s expression instantly turned grim. She gritted her teeth and said angrily, “Who do you think you are? Daring to warn me? The Hall family’s requirements for their future daughter–in–law have always been strict. Not only must she come from a noble background, but she also has to be well–educated. A mere countrywoman like you is not up to their standards. Didn’t you see how cold Liam’s father treated you earlier? They won’t take you seriously at all. Everyone in our upper–class circle won’t take you seriously either!” 

Kate lashed out like nobody’s business, but Emma just smiled faintly. 

She picked up a small piece of the dessert that Liam had just given her and said coldly, “So what if they don’t take me seriously? What does my marriage to Liam have to do with them? They don’t take me seriously. Well, I may not necessarily find them worthy of my respect.” 

Kate could not tell that Emma would speak so arrogantly despite having a calm expression. 

Her expression changed drastically, and she said, “You, you are a lunatic! You actually have the audacity to look down on the Hall family? Haha. Emma, I think you’re just angry due to embarrassment. Going mad with rage, huh? What kind of power and influence does the Hall family have? You can’t even reach one–tenth of it in your lifetime! And all of this will be mine and Brad’s in the future!” 

“Oh really?” Emma said. 

She sneered, thinking, “Well, I truly have no idea why I can’t reach one–tenth of the Hall family’s power and influence in my lifetime given my significant status!‘ 

“Just you wait and see,” Kate said. “I’ll surely ruin your reputation later!” 

With that said, she left angrily. 

Liam happened to return at that moment as well. 

When he saw Kate’s unpleasant expression he frowned and asked, “What did she come to talk to you about?” 

Emma wiped her hands nonchalantly and said, “Well, the kind of nonsense she said is nothing more than you are not good enough for Lam and ‘just you wait! 

08:30 Mon, 8 Jul F W 

Liam’s face was as cold as ice. 

“Brad’s abilities are lacking,” he said. “I didn’t expect his judgment to be that poor too. Emma, I’ll help you let off steam.” 

“Forget it,” Emma said lazily. “There’s no need for that. Didn’t she say that she would teach me a lesson later? Let’s just play allong with her game plan.” 

The party progressed to its midpoint, and people had almost done chatting and catching up. 

Simon loved painting. As the conversation flowed, everyone started talking about the art of painting. 

“Today, there are quite a few youngsters present who have been proficient in the art of painting since childhood. How about we have the servants bring the painting tools so that the youngsters can individually offer birthday wishes to Mr. Simon by creating a painting?” 

The person who made the suggestion was Elsie.. 

She was currently the mistress of the Hall family. As soon as she said that, everyone naturally went with her suggestion. 

Kate was the first to volunteer. “Elsie, since I’m already here, let me take the lead to do it,” she said. 

As she spoke, a hint of coldness flashed across her eyes. 

she had long 

This was something she had long planned for today. She wanted Emma to make a fool of herself in public. 

If Emma made a fool of herself, Liam would also make a fool of himself. Elsie was naturally happy to do something that benefited Brad. 

“You go ahead? Elsie said. 

As Elsie spoke, the servants had already set up the painting tools. 

Kate walked over confidently and picked up the brush. 

Everyone started to discuss when they saw Kate begin painting. 

“She is… the daughter of the Johnson family, huh? No wonder she has such a remarkable demeanor!” 

“I head that Kate has been studying art since she was a kid. Not only is she good at playing the piano, but she also paints very well” 

“I’m afraid none of the youngsters here can compare to her…” 

“Indeed, she paints so well. With her in the lead, no one will dare to paint anymore.” 

As the group of people spoke, Kate put down her brush. 

“I’m done with my painting,” she said. “Who’s next?” 

As she spoke, she directed her gaze toward Emma with prior preparation and said, “How about you paint on behalf of Liam?” 

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