Second Chances Protecting Mrs. Hall

Chapter 5

“It’s your first time in Troln City. Anything you need, food or clothes, just swipe this card. And if the Wilsons give you any shit, use it.” Liam shot her a serious look. “No cap on spending.”

Emma’s fingers trembled as she took the card. She wasn’t totally up for this interaction, still reeling from her past life’s memories. She tried to hand the card back. “Nah, I’m good, thanks.”

Liam’s expression darkened. “Why?” he asked, puzzled, wondering why she was unwilling to let him cover expenses or if she disliked him that much.

Emma shook her head but flashed him a smile. “Wouldn’t it be better to have you with me when I’m shopping, Mr. Hall?”

Her invitation surprised Liam, making him wonder if she remembered him. Her long lashes fluttered, and a faint rose scent filled the air. He gulped nervously.

“Would you like to go shopping with me, Mr. Hall?” she asked.

“I’d love to. But this card’s all yours, so keep it,” Liam replied.

Though he sounded gentle, Emma felt his insistence. So she took the black card. “Sure, I’ll call you then, Mr. Hall.”

“Okay,” he agreed with a smile.

As Emma turned and walked away with her backpack, her steps became noticeably lighter and more relaxed.

‘Liam’s really got a soft spot for me. And I’m totally down to marry him,‘ she thought.

After returning home, Aria told her mom everything that had happened today.

“What? Emma finished her test in just half an hour? Wow, she’s really proving her worthlessness. Forget the results; I’ll just ask your dad for the money straight away,” said Nora.

But Aria still had doubts. “Mom, what if she knew all the answers and turned it in early? You know, the news always says rural kids are really good at studying.”

Nora, ever cautious, decided to play it safe. “Alright,” she said, glancing at Emma lounging on the villa lawn. “Why don’t you go and test her with some questions? See what she really knows.”

Aria grabbed a workbook and headed out.

on the grass, remembering the endless months she spent underground at Delta–27 Base working on reactors. Now, she savored every moment in the sun. But her peace was shattered by an annoying

workbook. “Hey, Emma,

eyes. She couldn’t help but find it amusing that Aria thought she could teach her

said this trigonometry

her expression unchanging. “What’s there even

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Chapter 5

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part of the Wilson family, you better not embarrass us. This isn’t your village where goofing off is fine. If you can’t handle trigonometry,

I know it or

test after just 30 minutes?” She nearly crushed the

her suspicions “confirmed,” Aria stormed off, fuming. She was convinced Emma was utterly useless and that she and

overestimated Emma.

Emma continued sipping her coffee, unbothered by the drama. After Aria

I asked?”

sunglasses responded coolly on the screen, “Yeah, it’s out. Don’t worry, boss. The

famous Stox.”

renowned computer genius, reputed to have the brainpower of a

not rush things.” She needed

dinner that night, an eerie tension hung in the air. Nora must have tipped off Mateo, because he began to push Emma to give up the

dollars. “The teacher called today

on a couple of the toughest questions. Barring any surprises, she’ll top the class again. With grades like hers, it’d

mouth expressionlessly. “What

they’re still grading. Yours probably just hasn’t been looked at yet,” Nora awkwardly replied, forcing

including the teacher, assumed Emma was a poor student since she grew up in the countryside and finished

test so early.

stayed cool. “I’ll wait for my scores before

2 million dollars has to go to

her