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.

months she spent underground at Delta–27 Base working on reactors. Now, she savored every moment in the sun. But her peace

with a workbook. “Hey, Emma, Mom sent me to

couldn’t help but find it amusing that Aria thought she could teach her anything. Keeping her cool,

this trigonometry chapter is

book, her expression unchanging. “What’s there even

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Chapter 5

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

I know it or not?”

nearly crushed the notebook, shouting, “Don’t think I didn’t notice! You submitted your test in just

convinced Emma was utterly useless and that she and her mom

overestimated Emma.

sipping her coffee, unbothered by the drama. After Aria left, she made a video call. “Did you

I asked?”

girl in sunglasses responded coolly on the screen, “Yeah, it’s out. Don’t worry, boss. The bigwigs at Vark College will soon suspect

famous Stox.”

genius, reputed to have the brainpower of a superhero, and coveted by governments

calmly, “Good, but let’s not rush things.” She needed

the air. Nora must have tipped off Mateo, because he began

called today and

in, “Emma, the teacher said Aria did a great job. She only slipped up on a couple of the toughest questions. Barring any surprises, she’ll top the class again. With grades like hers, it’d be a shame

mouth expressionlessly. “What

Yours probably just hasn’t been looked at yet,” Nora awkwardly replied,

true, but everyone, including the teacher, assumed Emma was a poor student

test so early.

wait for my scores before we talk

slammed his hand on the table. “That 2 million dollars has to go to Aria for her

crashed her fork down in