Chapter 135: A Clash of Wits

Shuo was startled, never imagining he would encounter Amy’s delicate hand entwined with his arm here—a situation utterly inexplicable.

“This beautiful lady is now the head of the Buster Trading Company,” Cameron said with a hint of reservation upon seeing Emily, responding politely.

At that moment, Emily’s gaze remained fixed on Shuo. It was only after Cameron spoke that she snapped back to reality, glancing briefly at Phoebe and saying calmly, “So it’s Miss Phoebe.”

“This is Mrs. Emily,” Cameron explained to Phoebe, “she belongs to the Bettridge family of the Empire. Her husband is the second son of Mr. Hahn, the patriarch of the Bettridge clan.”

The Bettridge family was one of the Empire’s great houses, famed for producing eminent imperial generals. Over the years, they had made outstanding contributions to the Empire. The elderly patriarch, Mr. Hahn, had retired due to age but still commanded immense respect and influence within the military.

Upon learning Emily was from the Bettridge family, Phoebe’s eyes brightened. She bowed courteously and said, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Emily.”

“Hehe, you’re too kind. Oh, this young man is quite handsome—is he your boyfriend?” Emily, having regained her composure after her earlier lapse, giggled and fixed her gaze on Shuo inquisitively.

From the start, Phoebe had sensed Emily’s frequent glances at Shuo, but since Emily was married, she had not given it much thought. Now, hearing Emily’s question, she tightened her grip on Shuo’s arm and smiled, “Yes, his name is Brian.”

“Hello, beautiful Mrs. Emily. It’s a pleasure to meet you,” Shuo said politely, extending his hand to shake hers.

“I’m very pleased to meet you; you remind me of a friend of mine!” Emily smiled peculiarly. As their hands met, she suddenly pressed her fingernails hard into the back of Shuo’s hand.

A bitter smile flickered across her face. Shuo knew it was intentional, grimacing in pain. Emily’s expression remained unchanged; having exacted a little revenge, she seemed relieved, releasing her grip and glancing between Shuo and Phoebe. Calmly, she said to Phoebe, “Excuse me for a moment. Can we talk later?”

“Of course!” Phoebe replied promptly.

Nodding, Emily crossed her legs gracefully and walked away. Halfway through, she suddenly turned her head and, as Phoebe and the others were distracted, shot Shuo a fierce glare. Then, her hand behind her made a subtle beckoning gesture.

“Hmm. I’m going to the restroom,” Shuo whispered into Phoebe’s ear, understanding Emily’s meaning. He slipped his arm free from Phoebe’s and left quietly.

He circled around, passing through a corridor, and moved stealthily toward a pavilion’s corner. Even without using his mystical sight, Shuo could clearly track Emily’s movements. He avoided several groups of people and headed toward a secluded rockery.

Just as he turned into the rockery, a shadow suddenly emerged and sharply pinched the soft flesh of his waist. Breathing heavily, a voice whispered angrily into his ear, “Why have you never told me you have a girlfriend?”

There was no doubt it was Emily. Shuo turned and caught her tightly, pressing her against the rockery. His large hand caressed her firm, rounded hips while the other gripped her body, then he pressed his lips to her ruby mouth.

“Mm… mm…” Emily struggled, pounding against Shuo’s chest, but she could not resist his embrace. Gradually, her body heated and softened.

Tonight, Emily wore a coffee-colored evening gown, its slender fabric clinging tightly to her captivating figure. The form-fitting dress tapered below, wrapping her shapely, straight legs like a mermaid’s tail, lending her an elegant silhouette.

Her ample, high breasts and full, rounded hips were unmistakably revealed beneath the gown’s embrace, exuding an intense allure. As she swayed her hips, Emily radiated breathtaking beauty. Shuo noticed many men in the room gazing at her, utterly mesmerized, their eyes almost popping out.

Such an enchanting Emily naturally stirred Shuo’s desires. Now that he touched her body, he found it increasingly difficult to restrain himself.

As Shuo’s hand ventured boldly beneath Emily’s gown, she gasped and moaned, struggling fiercely, her voice trembling with near tears as she pleaded, “No, not here. It’s… it’s too dangerous!”

Three mystical spirits shot from Shuo’s neck, sweeping the surroundings with their watchful eyes. Shuo’s lower body hardened as he pressed close to Emily, his left hand roaming her waist. Feeling her already slick and moist, he said, “Don’t worry. I know what I’m doing. No one will notice.”

With that, Shuo crouched slightly and lifted her trailing gown from her ankles, exposing her long, fair, and firm thighs. When the dress was pulled to her waist, Shuo, panting, slipped down her delicate, lace-trimmed silk panties. Before fully removing them, they hung around her knees. Impatiently, he grasped her hips and plunged inside.

Both stifled their sounds, moaning with pleasure. Then, panting, they moved together, their motions thrilling and exhilarating.

This illicit tryst unfolded near merchants drinking and chatting. The very danger of discovery heightened their excitement. Even Shuo’s formidable stamina was spent quickly, while Emily, her eyes dreamy, climaxed three times.

“Tell me. What’s going on with that Phoebe?” Emily asked fiercely, helping Shuo clean up afterward.

Shuo, satisfied and resting with eyes closed against the rockery, recounted everything about Phoebe. Emily’s expression softened slightly after hearing it, though not entirely at ease.

Then, mischievously, she clenched Shuo’s lower body hard. “That little minx Phoebe, when she held your arm, her expression was so natural—no pretense at all. I don’t think your relationship is that simple.”

Caught off guard, Shuo exclaimed, hurriedly fixing his trousers before sighing in relief. With a playful grin, he said, “Alright, alright. Don’t be jealous. There’s really nothing between us.”

“Brian, are you here? I came looking for you!” Suddenly, the mystical spirits detected Lawrence shouting nearby.

“Damn, how did he find us?” Shuo’s face tightened in alarm as he and Emily scrambled to fix their clothes, anxiety evident.

Lawrence seemed certain Shuo was here, calling out as he approached boldly. As he neared, Shuo pointed in another direction. “Quick, leave this place!”

Emily, flustered, hurried off, clutching her dress. Lawrence soon arrived, laughing. “I asked around. The butler said you came this way. So you really were here. Hey, who’s that woman?”

Seeing Shuo, Lawrence smiled but then noticed Emily’s retreating figure and looked at Shuo in confusion.

“Nothing, nothing. No idea,” Shuo stammered, cursing Lawrence in his heart.

Lawrence’s expression shifted oddly. “I just heard Phoebe say you’re her boyfriend. I was coming to have a chat when I saw a woman leave here. You wouldn’t be sneaking around with another woman behind my sister’s back, would you?”

“Haha, no way. You must have mistaken someone or seen things,” Shuo joked, then abruptly changed the subject seriously. “What’s your plan regarding Clark?”

Seeming to catch Shuo’s deliberate dodge, Lawrence glanced at him oddly but didn’t press further. Smiling, he said, “Tonight’s my father’s banquet. As a guest, you should enjoy yourself. Let’s not talk about dirty business.”

That suited Shuo perfectly. He smiled and stepped forward. “Alright, let’s enjoy the banquet.”

Nodding, Lawrence said nothing more and the two walked toward the event.

Melodious music filled the air as many guests entered a large hall inside. Amid soft singing, couples danced gracefully, while those without partners or interest lingered alone.

In the distance, Phoebe looked irritated, impatiently responding to Cameron’s words. Next to Cameron stood another woman, a mature lady with a disdainful smirk, whispering something that darkened Phoebe’s expression further.

“What’s going on?” Shuo frowned and asked Phoebe after joining Lawrence.

“That pretty boy is your boyfriend? Heh, just a common student from Babylon Magic Martial Academy. How could he compare to Mr. Cameron’s wealth? Could it be you’re supporting him through school? That would be amusing!” The woman, dressed extravagantly and adorned with dazzling jewels, seemed eager to flaunt her wealth. Her appearance was passable, though overly plump, making her look somewhat bulky.

“Who’s this old lady?” Shuo asked Phoebe in surprise.

Phoebe stifled a laugh, then said soberly, “She’s Mrs. Valerie from Leyland Apparel.”

“Ungrateful brat! Which eye do you see that I’m an old lady?” Valerie snapped angrily, hands on hips glaring at Shuo.

Pointing, Shuo said, “This left eye,” then pointed to the other. “And this right eye.”

Phoebe smiled with satisfaction, gently linking her arm with Shuo’s. “He’s just straightforward. Sorry about that.”

As a swordswoman, Phoebe was undoubtedly strong but not adept at verbal sparring. She wouldn’t stoop to such petty games. Having Shuo by her side from the start, however, she did not mind stirring the pot a little.

“Old lady, you’re at an age to stay home and enjoy your twilight years. Why wander around showing off? Besides, we’re so far apart in age, there’s no way to relate. If you’re really lonely, find someone your age to talk to!” Shuo ignored Valerie’s fury and retorted sarcastically, pointing ahead. “See that old gentleman? He’s the one for you. Maybe you can spark a sunset romance!”

In the direction Shuo indicated sat an elderly man with graying hair, holding a cane, slowly sipping wine.

Valerie glanced at the man, her face flushed with anger, her ample chest heaving as she turned to glare at Shuo, at a loss for words.

Following Shuo’s gaze, Cameron, Phoebe, and Lawrence all looked toward the old man. Phoebe chuckled softly and pinched Shuo, as if scolding him for joking about the elderly. Cameron glanced briefly before turning away, quietly advising Valerie not to be upset.

Yet, Lawrence’s expression changed abruptly upon seeing the old man, his face a mixture of shock and surprise, finally twisting into a strange, bitter smile.

“Young man, I heard you badmouth me from afar,” the old man suddenly spoke, turning to face Shuo with sharp, bright eyes and a booming voice.