As soon as the car door swung open, Joshua carefully cradled Emery in his arms and headed straight for the second-floor bedroom. He moved with such careful precision, every step taken steady and sure, as if worried the slightest jolt might shatter her sweet dreams. Yannick, who was behind, was dumbfounded at the sight. His mind was brimming with confusion. What’s going on with Mr. Magellan? He brought back a stranger from the nightclub, just like that. And it seems like he cares for her deeply! Joshua had always been known for his impeccable conduct, so his behavior today was truly out of character. With a face full of confusion, he carried the shopping bags and entered the mansion behind Joshua. Joshua gently placed the sleeping Emery on the bed, his movements as soft as a breeze sweeping over a lake, without making the slightest sound. But it seemed as though Emery’s hands had a mind of their own, curling tightly around his neck and refusing to let go. She mumbled in a pleading tone, “Don’t leave me behind… I beg you, please don’t abandon me…” Her voice carried a hint of a sob, as if she were trapped in some terrifying nightmare and unable to wake up. Joshua propped his hands on either side of her, a posture that came off as somewhat peculiar and awkward. He attempted to gently rise, but Emery suddenly exerted force. Caught off guard, Joshua fell onto her. Their lips met unexpectedly, drawn together as if by some magnetic force, instantly igniting a spark between them. “So soft…” Subconsciously, Emery tightened her grip around his neck, drowsily beginning to nibble on the man’s lips, much like a child savoring the sweetest candy. “You smell so good…” Joshua pried open her hands and swiftly pinned them above her head. Then, he leaned down and kissed her. A jolt of electricity coursed through her entire body in an instant, filling every cell with an unprecedented sense of pleasure. He deepened the kiss incessantly, his tongue gently prying open her teeth before sweeping in like a conquering force. In her inebriated state, Emery found it increasingly difficult to breathe. It felt as if her hands were bound by invisible ropes, unable to break free. However, the soft and sweet sensation she experienced left her utterly captivated, much like an addict hopelessly hooked on narcotics. It wasn’t until he noticed Emery’s face turning beet red that Joshua snapped back to reality. He hurriedly let go of her, a flicker of panic and self-reproach flashing in his eyes. Could it be that this woman didn’t know how to kiss? She couldn’t even breathe properly! The corner of his mouth involuntarily curved into a smirk as he teased, “Don’t tell me this was your first kiss?” The woman beneath him was finally able to breathe. She turned over, writhing a few times on the bed, and continued to murmur to herself, “Your lips are so soft…” She looked adorable and enchanting, much like a languid kitten. Joshua felt a sudden warmth in his lower body, causing him to curse inwardly, Damn it, I’m actually having a physical reaction to her. He quickly got up from the bed and rushed into the bathroom. He turned on the faucet, and the icy water cascaded down. Standing under the showerhead, he let the cold water wash over his body, attempting to quench the inexplicable flame that had ignited within him. After a considerable amount of time had passed, the intense heat slowly began to fade, and his mind gradually regained clarity. He returned to the bedside, gazing at Emery, who had already fallen asleep. His emotions were a complex mix. It had only been four years since he last saw her. How on earth had she ended up like this? Her face was strikingly thin, like someone who had suffered from long-term malnutrition, with a somewhat pale complexion. There were also several bruises on her face. Those bruises stood out starkly against her fair skin, making them particularly jarring to the eye. What troubled him more were the two scars on her cheek. Those scars, akin to two ugly little snakes, had taken residence on her once beautiful face, tarnishing her beauty. He couldn’t help but reach out, gently tracing one of the scars. It felt as though countless needles were mercilessly jabbing at his heart, causing a wave of intense pain. What on earth had happened? What had caused her to endure such immense suffering? He strode out of the room swiftly, making his way to the staircase. Looking down at Yannick, who was lost in thought, he spoke in a hurried tone laced with a hint of anger. “Look into what happened to Ms. Emery and her relationship with Howard Xenakis. I want to know every detail.” “Yes, Mr. Magellan!” Snapping back to reality, Yannick quickly pulled out his phone and sprang into action. Joshua returned to the bedroom, where the petite woman turned over, continuing her slumber. Her brows were slightly furrowed, as if she were troubled by endless worries even in her dreams. Joshua walked over and gently removed her shoes, his movements as tender as if he were caring for the most delicate flower in the world. Then, he glanced at her tight jeans and hesitated for a moment. Gritting his teeth, he carefully removed them. The moment the jeans came off, Joshua felt as if his heart was brutally struck by a heavy hammer, shattering instantly. Emery’s legs were covered in a myriad of scars and wounds, large and small. The scars were a dark red hue, while some of the wounds were still fresh, tinted with shades of blue and purple. The sight was so heart-wrenching that his eyes instantly moistened, tears blurring his vision. His hand trembled as he gently traced over her scars, as if he could feel every ounce of pain she had once endured. The most concerning was a deep, lengthy scar on her calf! The scar appeared as if it was the aftermath of a major surgery, but the stitching technique was terribly poor. It lay on her leg, resembling a grotesque centipede. Overwhelmed with urgency, Joshua swiftly removed the woman’s shirt. As he had suspected, apart from her chest, her arms and back were marred with scars of varying depths. Those scars crisscrossed haphazardly, akin to a melancholic painting that portrayed the hardships she had endured. Each one seemed to silently voice her grievances to him. Joshua clenched his fists tightly, his teeth grinding together audibly. His eyes were as deep and dark as ink, with anger blazing fiercely in his heart. Could it be the Langford family? I heard that they found their biological daughter years ago! Could it be that after finding their real daughter, they started to mistreat their adopted one? Didn’t her two older brothers dote on her excessively? Why didn’t they protect her? Unable to find an outlet for his anger, Joshua’s chest rose and fell ceaselessly. He dressed Emery in his own pajamas, covered her with the blanket, and then stepped out. The thought flashed through his mind, his gaze growing even colder. If it truly was the Langford family, he would certainly not let them off the hook. Joshua sat by the bed, quietly observing Emery. In his heart, he silently swore that he would uncover the truth behind everything. He promised to make those who hurt her pay a heavy price. Joshua walked over to the window and dialed a number on his phone. Not long after, the call connected. “Quincy, are you aware of the situation between Ms. Emery of the Langford family and Howard Xenakis?” His voice held a hint of urgency. “Joshua, since when did you start caring about Emery’s affairs? Also, isn’t Howard your nephew? Why don’t you ask him directly?” Quincy Shultz’s languid voice came through the phone. “Cut the nonsense!”