protected By The Ruthless CEO

Chapter 2 Meeting James Smith

Emily's POV

The lights blinded me. After everyone shouted "Surprise" and switched the lights on, I was happy to see everyone there. My friends, my parents, my sister, and finally my boyfriend.

I started hugging everyone one by one. And that's when I sighted someone I was not familiar with. He gave me a cold look and said, "Took you so long."

I looked at my best friend, wondering if she was the one that brought him because she was standing beside him. But then my dad cleared his throat.

"Everyone, I have a quick announcement to make," he said.

I saw the way my dad looked at the strange man and I figured something was going on. I waited for my dad to continue talking.

"First of all, I thank you all for coming to my daughter's 18th birthday. I would like you guys to meet James Smith. I believe we all know him already. The reason why he is here today is that he will be the one to take over the Brown's company, which is my company. And he will be the one guiding my daughters and taking care of them and their needs from now on. I decided to announce this today since today is my eldest daughter's 18th birthday."

"Hell no, this is not happening," I thought. I looked at my dad and saw his serious face while he was talking. He finished his speech and brought me to Mr. Smith's side.

"Is this the birthday girl that makes us wait so long?" he asked. I won't lie, she is a beauty goddess, but obviously you don't expect me to say that out loud.

"Well, took you long enough to come downstairs. You got us all waiting," he said with a smirk.

"I didn't invite you here, so it's not my fault you waited. Dad, can I see you for a second?" I said while rolling my eyes at him.

"Sure, baby," he said.

"Dad, what is all this going on? I need an explanation for all of this," I said, pulling him aside.

"Emily, listen to me. I owe a debt. I mean a huge debt. And the company was on the verge of bankruptcy, so I signed a contract with Mr. Smith. He will take over the company and cover all the expenses," he said quietly.

"Wait, Dad, when did all this happen?"

"It happened last year, baby. I'm really sorry for all of this, but I didn't have any other choice. That's what I can do," he said.

"Okay Dad, I won't blame you. Let's go back to the party," I said.

We went back to the party and I spotted Liam coming close to me. He hugged me and gave me my gift and I smiled at him.

But suddenly, James Smith pushed him away from me, frowning.