Lime quickly shook his head, panic evident in his eyes.
"I was just joking, Ms. White. Please, don’t be angry with me. Be generous..."
As he pleaded, Lime began to slap himself in desperation. Emily, her face as cold as ice, watched without a hint of sympathy. Only when Lime’s face turned a deep red did she finally retract her foot and turn to leave.
Lime's fear quickly transformed into a simmering rage. He glared at Emily’s retreating figure, his mind set on exacting revenge. He would not forget what had transpired and vowed to make her pay.
Nicholas, having witnessed the scene, immediately followed Emily. As she descended the stairs, she suddenly felt her knees weaken. Fearful and unable to maintain her balance, she closed her eyes, bracing for impact. Instead of pain, she was met with the sensation of being lifted into strong arms. Emily’s eyes fluttered open to find Nicholas’s cold gaze fixed on hers.
"Nicholas..." Her voice was weak and tremulous.