Chapter 69. Dirty and Worn

Ricard and Liam stood talking beside the sleek black car, the headlights illuminating part of the dark alley. The gang members had been subdued and were lying scattered on the ground, while Ricard’s security team was busy tying them up and preparing to take them away. Emma, her face expressionless, quietly approached the fallen thugs. She bent down, picking up the two baseball bats the gang had used to mock her earlier.

Ricard noticed Emma’s every move. He watched as she bent down, then silently walked toward the trunk of her car and opened it. Emma carefully placed the two bats inside, her actions calm yet somehow endearing. A strange feeling arose in Ricard’s chest; he suddenly found this girl to be different from every other woman he had ever met. She wasn’t just strong but also had a serene and charming demeanor in even the smallest gestures.

Emma closed the trunk and turned to look at Ricard. Seeing him watching her, she smiled gently. Ricard suddenly realized that