Scarlet Enchantment

Chapter 13

Emily would never use her body to spite him at this moment. She obediently walked over and sat down beside Damian, staring blankly at the liquor set on the coffee table, saying nothing. Nathan Blackwood glanced at them from across the room, laughed mockingly, and waved for two pretty girls to come over, resuming his own fun.

The atmosphere in the room became even livelier than before. People started coming over to toast the Blackwood brothers, some even staying to chat. One of them laughed and asked Nathan, "Nathan, are you staying for good this time?"

Nathan, with a bit of alcohol in him, looked at Damian and asked, "Boss, what do you think?"

Damian replied calmly, "Since you've studied for so long, you should at least finish before coming back."

"Wow, you really are a saint, aren't you? ," Nathan exclaimed exaggeratedly. He glanced at Emily, then suddenly pushed the girl beside him away. "Go sit next to Boss, and bring Miss Carter here."

The girl, caught off guard, was shoved off the sofa, her smile freezing. She didn't dare approach Damian to switch places, only managing a forced smile as she pleaded with Nathan, "Nathan, you're bullying me again!"

Nathan didn't smile, treating her like an animal. He kicked her lightly and said, "I told you to switch places with Miss Carter."

The room fell silent for a moment. No one here was a fool, even the seemingly rough individuals were sharp. Someone quickly stepped in to smooth things over, "Nathan, why argue with a girl? If you don't like her, just change her. Johnson has plenty of good ones." He gestured for the girl to call Johnson.

Nathan sneered, looking at Damian. "No need, I just like Miss Carter."

Emily knew she couldn't wait any longer. She had to provoke Damian enough so he wouldn't let her go to his brother. "There's no need to damage the brotherly bond over me," she said coldly. "I'll go sit with Nathan."

Without looking at Damian, she stood up and started walking towards Nathan. Damian had been silent all this time. Just as Emily was about to reach Nathan, feeling almost desperate, Damian's indifferent voice sounded behind her, "Nathan, you've had too much to drink. Kevin, take Nathan back to rest."

Nathan, clearly not expecting Damian to embarrass him so directly, was momentarily stunned. Before he could react, Kevin was already by his side. Emily quickly stepped aside to make way, watching as Kevin forcibly escorted Nathan out.

Nathan, turning vicious, sneered at Damian, "Damian, you said this woman was mine. What, now you're taking it back?"

Damian remained calm, his voice carrying double meaning, "I was showing you respect, but since you don't appreciate it, there's no need to anymore "

Nathan's face turned livid with anger, and the room fell silent.

Damian continued, "Remember, Nathan, I let you get away with things because you're Nathan Blackwood, my brother. They respect you because you're my brother. Grow up and stop acting like a child."

His words were brutal, making Nathan's face flush red and then pale with anger and embarrassment. Kevin, fearing Nathan might do something reckless, quickly dragged him out.

A party meant to welcome Nathan had turned sour. No one felt like having fun anymore, and they all spoke cautiously, fearing to provoke Damian. Damian, also not in the mood to stay, walked out with a dark expression. As he left the room, he suddenly grabbed Emily's wrist.

Emily, always on guard, was still startled when he grabbed her. She didn't dare struggle, quickening her pace to keep up, afraid he'd bruise her wrist. Damian walked quickly, dragging her down the corridor. At a corner, he suddenly and forcefully pushed her forward.

She stumbled, hitting the wall to stop herself, biting back a cry of pain, glaring at him with cold eyes.

But this wasn't enough to vent Damian's anger. He stepped forward, grabbing her slender neck with one hand, pressing her against the wall. His eyes were cold and ruthless as he said, "Emily, I have no desire to monopolize you. I don't care how many men f**k you. Tonight is your lucky night because Nathan pissed me off. This will only happen once. Next time, use your wits elsewhere and don't challenge me again."

Emily struggled to breathe, her face turning red. She didn't fight back, just stared coldly at him. After a moment, Damian laughed and released her. Emily bent over, coughing violently. When she straightened up, Damian was already gone.

The waitstaff in the corridor had long hidden away, not daring to look at her. Emily wiped away her tears with the back of her hand, stood up straight, and walked out with her head held high. As she reached the door, she saw Damian's car speeding away.

She had nothing with her—no phone, wallet, or clothes except for the revealing black dress she wore. It was late autumn, the temperature was low, and the night air was freezing. In a moment, she felt chilled to the bone.

She could do without her wallet and phone, but she had to get her clothes back. There was no way she could explain to Ryan why she had changed even her underwear. Emily Carter pressed her lips together, deciding to borrow a phone from the doorman who had been sneaking glances at her. But just as she turned, she heard someone call her softly from behind, "Miss Carter?"

Emily turned to see a beautiful woman in her thirties stepping out of the club. Seeing Emily turn, the woman quickly walked over with a smile on her face, "You're Miss Carter, right?"

Emily didn't know this woman, so she stayed silent, simply watching her.

"Oh, I work here. Everyone calls me Johnson," the woman quickly introduced herself. "I saw you come in with Mr. Blackwood earlier. Leaving so soon? Why not stay a bit longer?"

Emily remembered the name Johnson; someone had mentioned her earlier. She was probably a hostess here. "No, I'd like to go home early," Emily replied coolly.

"Oh, that's perfect! I'm heading back to the city myself. You can ride with me. I hate driving alone at night. Keep me company, will you?" Johnson was overly friendly, looking at Emily and adding, "You're dressed too lightly. It's so cold tonight. Why don't you wear my coat?"

Saying that, she took off her mid-length coat and insistently draped it over Emily.

Emily couldn't help but smile wryly, finally accepting her kindness. "Thank you, Ms. Johnson. You're very kind."

"It's nothing. My clothes are thick enough. Wearing a coat is just to cover this fat," Johnson said grandly, leading Emily to her car. Once they were inside, she sighed softly, "It's tough for women everywhere. Don't take anything to heart. Just think of all men as bastards!"

Emily was momentarily surprised, looking at her.

"Just rambling, don't mind me," Johnson laughed awkwardly. "Where to? I'll drop you off first."

Emily thought for a moment and asked, "Can I borrow your phone first?"

She needed to call Damian Blackwood to retrieve her things from his car.

"Of course," Johnson said, handing her phone over.

Emily remembered Damian's number, dialing it directly. It rang for a while before he picked up, his voice cold and simple, "Damian Blackwood."

Her voice was calm, "Mr. Blackwood, my things are in your car. I need them back."

Damian was silent for a moment before saying, "Come and get them yourself."

He gave her an address and then hung up. It was clearly his residence, and Emily hesitated, unsure of his intentions.

Johnson, already waiting, asked cautiously, "Well?"

Emily gave her the address and asked, "Is it convenient for you? If not, I can take a taxi."

"Of course, it's convenient!" Johnson said, driving towards Damian's home. She had been there a few days ago and knew the way. The guard seemed to have been informed in advance, letting them in without question.

When they arrived, Emily called Damian again. Before she could speak, he coldly instructed, "Come up."

Emily didn't want to go up at all. That man was like a demon; there was no telling what he might do. She wasn't naive enough to think she was just getting her keys. Clutching the phone, she hesitated before asking, "Ms. Johnson, do you have any condoms? Could you lend me one?"

In such a place, women usually carried condoms, and Johnson was no exception. Without asking, she handed Emily two. Hesitating, she added, "I'll wait here. If you decide to stay, give me a call."

Emily didn't know why this woman was being so kind, but regardless of her motives, she owed her a debt of gratitude. "Thank you, Ms. Johnson," she said with a faint, bitter smile.

She got out of the car, feeling like she was heading to her execution, determined to face Damian.

Damian's apartment occupied the top floor, requiring an elevator ride and a walk through a small lounge before reaching the main door. Before she could knock, Kevin opened it, his face expressionless, "Mr. Blackwood is in the living room on the second floor."

Emily said nothing, heading straight to the second floor. The carpet muffled her footsteps as she climbed the stairs. Pausing briefly at the door, she knocked lightly.

"Come in," Damian's voice called from a distance.

Pushing the door open, she stepped into the softly lit room. It was spacious, with a large floor-to-ceiling window at the far end. The dark glass mirrored the faint lights outside. Near the window, lush green plants grew, with bookshelves and wicker chairs in the corners. Closer to her were a sofa set and other furnishings.

Damian was reclining on the sofa, still in the same clothes, but his anger seemed to have dissipated. He was quietly watching the projection screen. Emily walked a few steps closer and froze when she saw the screen, her hands clenching into fists at her sides.

He was watching the video, the one he directed, showing her being r***d.

She could barely find her voice, her throat dry and hoarse. She didn't know how to respond, telling herself to stay strong. No matter how much he tried to humiliate her, she had to keep her spine straight.

The volume was low, but the cries and moans grew clearer as the person in the video lost control, piercing her eardrums like needles.

He finally looked up at her, his eyes dark and inscrutable. "Do you like it? Take it if you do; it's quite effective."

She used all her strength to respond calmly, "Okay."

He continued to watch her, softly commanding, "Come here."

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