Chapter 3 Ricky's Test

The car pulled up outside the Johnson family's residence. Guided by a servant, Emma stepped into the welcoming glow of their living room.

"Please, have a seat," a servant said, offering Emma a cup of coffee with a respectful demeanor.

Emma nodded, her demeanor cautious as she surveyed her surroundings. When she was about to sip the coffee, a middle-aged man in a crisp tuxedo approached.

"Ah, you must be Miss Emma Bradley. Delighted to make your acquaintance. I'm Alfred, the butler. Please follow me. Mr. Ricky Johnson would like to see you."

Ricky wanted to see her? Emma's mind raced for a moment before she composed herself. Setting down the cup, she followed Alfred upstairs.

The realization that she had shared a night with Ricky last night struck her, and considering his disability, it was probably her who made the first move. This made her nerves flutter.

It was said that Ricky had changed since he became disabled. If he recognized her, the consequences could be dire.

But she couldn't flee from this situation. She had to stay in the Johnson residence. Therefore, she had to be clever and resourceful.

Upon reaching the open door of the study on the second floor, Emma saw Ricky seated in his wheelchair, his back to her.

"You are here," he said, his voice cutting through the silence.

As soon as Emma heard his voice, she felt her cheeks flush.

When Ricky swiveled the wheelchair around, revealing his handsome face, her heart began to race wildly.

"Miss Bradley, let's cut to the chase. As you can see, I'm disabled and unable to consummate our marriage. If money is all you are after, save your breath. You and your family won't be getting anything from me. To me, you are just like a maid hired by my father."

Ricky's expression was cold, and his words were cutting.

Emma had prepared herself mentally, so she remained composed and felt relief wash over her when she realized he didn't recognize her.

When she heard the words "consummate our marriage", Emma's gaze flicked down to his crotch involuntarily.

The intense passion from last night still lingered in her mind. She was certain he was more than capable.

Ricky was caught off guard by her reaction. He assumed she was still clinging to hope, and his expression darkened even more.

"You know where I stand. I'm formally proposing we call off the engagement."

"What?" Emma immediately came back to her senses. She exclaimed, "I refuse!"

Seeing the disdain in his eyes, she explained, "Mr. Johnson, our two families have been close for generations. Even with your disability, I intend to honor that engagement. It's my duty."

Duty?

Ricky scoffed, unconvinced by her words.

He speculated that her parents might have urged her to do whatever it took to secure her place in his family for the benefits it offered.

"I have made it clear that I won't marry you. If you insist, the only position available to you is that of my son's nanny."

Ricky had assumed that anyone with a shred of self-respect would call off the engagement after such humiliation.

To his astonishment, Emma nodded without hesitation. "Alright, I agree."

Her resolute response caught him off guard again.

It seemed like she was willing to go to great lengths to achieve her goal.

His opinion of her sank even lower. He couldn't possibly keep a woman like her by his side, yet if he sent her away, his father would object.

An idea suddenly struck Ricky. He added, "I have another condition. Not just anyone can serve as my son's nanny. If you can coax him out of his room within a day, I'll allow you to stay."

"Is that all?" Emma asked, eyeing him suspiciously.

She had anticipated a more challenging demand, but this seemed remarkably easy.

"Yes."

Seeing her take the bait, Ricky's mood lifted slightly. Perhaps this woman had no idea what she was in for.

He looked at the butler and ordered with a sneer, "Take her to Kyson."

"Yes, sir."

The butler bowed courteously and accepted the order, then gestured for Emma to follow him down the corridor to the room at the far end of the second floor. Stepping back, he said, "He is inside."

Emma couldn't help but sense that something wasn't quite right. However, she brushed it off, assuming it was just her imagination. With that thought in mind, she proceeded to knock on the door.

"Kyson? Mind if I come in?"

Silence greeted her query, no sounds emanating from behind the door.

"Well, if you don't say anything, I'll take that as a yes," she said lightly, but still, no response came from the other side of the door. Resolving to proceed, Emma reached for the handle.

Before she could fully open the door, something struck her forehead with a surprising force.

Momentarily stunned, she touched her forehead gingerly, feeling a dull ache. Her gaze fell to the floor, where she saw a beetle toy.

Before she could fully gather her wits, another toy hurtled towards her. Reacting quickly, she dodged out of the way, but more toys followed in rapid succession. Forced to retreat, she hastily closed the door to catch her breath.

Seeing Emma's embarrassed expression, the butler shook his head with a hint of disdain.

He couldn't help but assume that she was just another woman trying to climb the ladder through the Johnson family. However, since Kyson had no intent to meet her, she couldn't stay if she failed the test.

Kyson was no ordinary child, after all. If he wished it, Emma wouldn't even catch a glimpse of his face today.