Chapter 9 Long Term Investment

In the car, Ryan turned on the music to ease the tension. "Maybe listening to some music might calm you down," he said.

Emily nodded with a smile. Soon, soothing elegant music filled the car. She listened quietly while her eyes watched the scene outside flash.

In a low voice, Ryan broke the silence. "Emily, no matter what those magazines and newspapers say, I will only believe your words."

Ryan's words brought warmth in her heart. But something held her back. In an instant, her face darkened and her eyelids drooped, hiding the sadness in her eyes. She should have known Ryan would find articles and gossip about her and Edward. She thought she would be lucky enough for him not to find them, but alas.

Ryan looked at her and said regretfully, "Edward is ruthless in business. It's really unfortunate that your family came across him. I've sent someone to investigate your father's case. It was definite that Edward dipped his hand into it. He was intent on making it appear like your father was guilty.

Is there anything bad that happened between your family and Edward?" Ryan asked worriedly.

Something twinkled in Emily's eyes. Her sister had caused too much trouble this time. It actually involved a person's life. She couldn't let this go public, not now. She avoided Ryan's inquiring eyes. "It's my family's business," she answered gently.

"But what happened to your family was caused by Edward. I just want to help you," Ryan said with concern. He felt like there were a lot of things he didn't know about the situation. But his primary concern was Emily's welfare. At tonight's event, Edward looked at her aggressively. That made Ryan a little uneasy and worried.

Emily didn't want to worry Ryan anymore. She forced a smile and said, "There are no winners and losers in business. The Mu family has nothing now. There's nothing for Edward to take."

She didn't want to take any revenge. She didn't agree with it, but Edward's way of taking revenge was his right. After all, her sister was the one who did something wrong to him. What Emily wanted now was to settle the matter and let bygones be bygones.

After the lawsuit ended in their favor, David's condition got better each day. He was taken care of by Emily every day. Sometimes, Ryan would accompany her to visit her father.

The first time Ryan dropped by, David immediately sat up on his bed. "Are you Emily's schoolmate back in the day? Ryan Ning?"

"That's right. It's nice to meet you, Uncle David. I'm Ryan Ning. You don't need to get up on my account. You're still in recovery," Ryan said politely.

"Have a seat," David Mu said. He let his eyes travel from Ryan's head to his toes. "Mr. Ning, you look so handsome and promising. I'm lucky my daughter has a good senior like you. Not only were your lawyers excellent, but the medical staff you gave us was also outstanding. How could we repay you?"

"Uncle David, please don't mention it. It's my honor to help Emily. I can't just leave her alone after learning what was happening. Besides, it wasn't too difficult for me to help you."

"Dad, please just relax and focus on getting your health back," Emily said with concern. "Yes, Uncle David. Emily's right. You should really listen to her," Ryan said.

David followed his daughter's words and sighed. "The greatest fortune I've had in my entire life is having a good daughter like Emily."

Next to him, Flora stewed at his praises. "Dad, I am your daughter, not her."

"The entire family business has closed down and we're in this mess because of you and your mother. Don't think I've forgotten any of that," David replied angrily.

"Dad..." Flora was surprised at her father's acerbic words. Her eyes sought after Emily's in reflex. Why did all the good things happened to Emily? Edward would rather have Emily than marry Fiona. And now, Emily had found another good man to help her out.

Time passed by as everyone had a great conversation. Soon, an hour had already passed. Ryan said his goodbyes to let David get more rest and left.

"Emily, aren't you going to get something at home, too? Maybe you should see Ryan off while you're at it." David smiled at Emily. There was an unspoken hint that glimmered in his eyes. Ryan would be a good match for his daughter. No doubt Ryan Ning was going to be the best husband for Emily.

Emily nodded obediently and walked Ryan out of the ward.

"Let me drive you home first," Ryan said as they got out of the hospital.

"Thanks for the offer but I'm on the other way. I can take a taxi. There's also a bus station near here, which is very convenient," she answered.

"It doesn't matter. I'm not in any hurry to get back to the company anyway. I want to go out for a walk first."

"Alright then."

It was already dark when Ryan sent her home. After she got out of his car, she turned to his direction and said, "Thank you for all your help. I will repay you in installments for the lawyer and the medical expenses."

"When did I say I want you to pay me back?" Her words sparked an anger in him. This girl always refused his kindness.

"No. I have to pay you back or else, I'll feel uneasy." Emily insisted.

"Well, it's not like I can stop you then." He sighed deeply. How could she still not know his feelings for her by now?

Thinking of something, he sat up straighter and told her, "You can think of it as a long-term investment."

"What kind of long-term investment?" She scrunched up her nose at this. She got even more confused when she saw Ryan get out of the car.

Ryan moved to her side and closed the gap between them. "Can't you see that I like you?"

Emily was stunned. She didn't know what to say. She had a vague feeling that Ryan was treating her differently. She had always kept her distance from him for she didn't think she could give him what he wanted. It now looked like everything she did was in vain.

Ryan smiled at her surprised look. The sunset behind him casted a soft glow on his face. "I'm serious, Emily. I'm not here just to pursue you. I want to give you everything I have in my life and all the love I have in me. I know I'm being greedy, but I promise I am serious about this. I don't want your gratitude. I want your love."

"Ryan..." Emily was still shocked.

Aside from her family business shutting down, there were so many things she hadn't told him yet. He still didn't know that she had slept with Edward.

She didn't know how to tell him about Edward's revenge and how her body served as his plaything.

She didn't deserve Ryan's love.

Ryan noticed her hesitation. "I hope my love wouldn't cause any burden to you. You're free to dislike me, but you can't refuse me when I treat you well."

He lowered his head and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead.

Evening settled like a comfortable blanket around them. The night breeze provided enough wind to let the dried leaves on the ground dance around the couple. The branches of the trees around them swayed. Everything around them looked beautiful in celebration of this sweet moment.

Not too far away, a pair of eyes sullied their intimate moment.

"I'll wait until you could finally accept all the love I have for you." Ryan stared at her eyes deeply.

They were silent, basking in the feelings of the moment. In the end, Ryan had to leave. He knew Emily needed some time to think.

When his car disappeared, Emily turned around and walked into the apartment.

As soon as entered the building, a black figure rushed out and crowded her in.

"It seems like you're living a good life now. You've found a great sponsor," a mocking voice said.