Chapter 7 Bodyguards in secrecy

Third Person's Point of View

"What brought him here?" That's the question on Emerald's mind the moment she stepped inside her father's office.

Glancing at Jude who's intact on his wheelchair, Emerald caught his cold stares. Questions began to fly in her mind. How come Jude and Emerald were summoned when the chairman of Campbell Daily often talks to them at their mansion to prevent someone from eavesdropping and knowing the string in between them.

If someone finds out about their marriage, Jude surely won't let it pass!

"Sir," Emerald addressed her father in a formal manner. People look upon her because she knows how to separate work and her personal life. "You summoned me."

The chairman motioned to the chair and spoke, "Have a seat."

On the other hand, Aileen, Emerald's mom saw some marks on Emerald's neck. She saw how it turned red and violent. Freaking, Aileen stood up and grabbed her daughter's neck, ensuring what she saw was accurate.

"What happened here, you brat?" Aileen affirmed in a motherly manner. There's a hint of anger mixed with concern in her voice.

Jude's eyes drifted on Emerald. Seeing the scratches on her neck made his hand turn into a fist. Unfortunately, what she said to him was all true. He looked away and clenched his jaw. He has no clue who did this and he can't think of the killer's motives.

He's already thinking what kind of punishment will he do once he captures the assailant. Knowing Jude, he doesn't let go of someone so easily especially if it was dead serious.

She took her blouse closer to her skin and bit her inside cheek. "I-It's..." She answered in a shaking voice, afraid of her parents' reaction.

"Answer me!" The woman demanded.

Emerald stood up and glanced at her mother with sorrowful eyes. Tears began to loom in her eyes as she clenched her fist whilst refraining herself from crying.

"I got kidnapped!" Emerald burst into tears. "Someone tried to harm me!"

Instead of believing her own daughter, Aileen rolled her eyes and stressfully fixed her hair. "My God, Emerald! Kidnapped? Really?" There's a hint of mockery in her voice.

She was in deep pain. How could her own mom not believe her? Among all the people in this world, it should be your family who's protecting you but in her case, no one else is protecting her but herself. Emerald feels alone in this world. He may have a husband but it's distant and hates her a lot. Not even the Campbells give a damn on whatever happens to her.

Emerald couldn't hide her sorrow. It's evidently flashing in her eyes.

"Stop fooling around, Emerald! No wonder you can't get pregnant with Jude's child because you're always like this. You're not a kid anymore, brat!" Aileen shouted. She parted her hair in distress and gave her a disgusting, cunning look.

"M-Mom, I'm telling you the truth. I was k-kidnapped and..." Emerald barely finished her words because Aileen threw something on the table which made her jolt in shock.

"Do you think kidnapping is a joke? What if it really happens to you? God, be matured! You always think of yourself. Growing a family should be in your plans but look at you!"

Emerald's stepfather took a deep breath. He shook his head three times before pulling his glasses off and massaged his temple. He doesn't like what's going on.

"Look, you're in your mid 20s. Don't tell me you'd still crawl in my lessons and ask me to 'Mom, teach me how to seduce my husband'," she paused. Emerald seemed stunned. Her eyes drifted on Jude who's just coldly ogling at her. "I did everything I could but you're the one who's not following everything I say. I'm doing everything for your own good!"

She scoffed, then chuckled bitterly. "Own good?" Emerald couldn't hide her disappointment.

Not even Jude can stand Aileen's mouth. He never liked the old woman. Something is wrong about her and he knew Emerald was a slave to her own mother. Unhurriedly, Jude clenched his jaw the moment he saw a tear fall down his wife's eyes.

Ever since they married each other, Aileen no longer concealed her true colors. Back then, she would pull Emerald away to scold her. It's because Aileen wanted her image clean in front of many people. Until Emerald married him, Aileen no longer gives a damn to whatever they think. All she wants is for Emerald to follow her no matter what.

She thought her mother was already done but her next word feels like a ticking bomb. "I can't blame you anyway. I wouldn't want to seduce a crippled man."

Those exact words triggered Jude. He closed his eyes and gave Aileen bloodshot eyes. Jude was clearly offended by what the old woman had said. For him, she crossed the lines. However, he doesn't want to mess everything up just because Aileen called her crippled. In fact, it was an insult to him but he would rather stay silent to ceasefire.

Nevertheless, Jude wouldn't let himself leave without saying anything.

"Don't drag just anyone in your anger. Truth be told, I don't even love your daughter. Emerald is nothing to me. The circumstances and our relationship won't last resulting in being unable to conceive a child," the mighty among everyone; Jude- affirmed. "Basically, I was stuck in this marriage. I don't want my children to have a wicked grandmother anyway."

Aileen was dumbfounded. She just realized how cruel she had said making James Campbell tried to go after him but Jude wasn't looking.

Now he doesn't know where to get angry. Was it because he got offended or the fact that Emerald was kidnapped and no one knew? It's basically making his blood boil yet he needs to remain cool.

He's already at the elevator when her forehead remains creasing. He's still in deep thought. Perhaps the culprit was the one who called him a few days ago who's asking for money. Unhurriedly, Jude closed his eyes and took his phone out of his pocket. He then called his secretary and glanced at the CCTV.

After a few rings, Antonette Andrews answered.

"Emerald was kidnapped. Locate Emerald's location last Tuesday and bring every CCTV footage to me at once. I need it as soon as possible." He commanded his secretary.

"Copy, sir."

As Jude was about to put the phone down when he spoke once more. "Tell Philmar to guard Emerald in secrecy. Make sure she has a 24/7 bodyguard wherever she goes. Report directly on me."