Chapter 11: A Chance Encounter

Emily's expression was subtle, and for a moment she didn't know what to say.

She and Noah hadn't talked at all along the way, so she didn't really understand what he was thinking.

"Alright, Emily's finally home, you guys hurry over and get ready to eat."

In the end, it was Sarah who slapped the table and spoke up, getting everyone to come over for dinner.

Jack smiled and ruffled Emily's hair again, "Hurry up and eat. Look how thin you've gotten during this time, you're practically skin and bones. I don't know if Noah will still like you."

Emily glared at him in annoyance, "You're the one who's skin and bones!"

Watching the two of them bicker, Alex and Sarah also laughed. Alex even nodded in agreement, "Jack really doesn't know how to talk, but you have lost weight. Is it because you're not used to the food there? Go sit down, there are a few more dishes, I'll be right there after I finish cooking."

"Right, you two go drink some milk first, the food will be ready soon!"

"We're in for a treat. This time it's really thanks to you."

Jack glanced at the prepared ingredients in the kitchen and was immediately delighted, smiling as he picked up a piece of shrimp and popped it in his mouth.

Sarah couldn't help herself and smacked him hard, "Out, out! You're a grown man and still so greedy!"

"It's only because Mom and Dad's cooking is so good!"

Jack obediently left, but not before sneaking another piece and putting it in Emily's mouth, then slipping out.

Emily didn't know whether to laugh or cry, but the shrimp really did taste good, countless times better than what she made herself.

The two of them went straight back to the dining room and sat down, waiting patiently.

Once all the dishes were ready and brought out one by one, the family of four was finally reunited at this table again.

"Go ahead and eat, Emily. These are all your favorite dishes."

Alex and Sarah kept putting food on Emily's plate. Jack looked up and saw that the bowl, piled high like a small mountain, already had basically no room left.

"That's enough, that's enough, Dad, Mom, you guys eat too."

As Emily picked up her food, she once again felt the warmth of home. Her eyes seemed to get a bit moist, but she forced herself to hold back the tears.

"By the way Emily, now that you're back, are you planning to agree to the engagement with Noah?"

Even though Jack had already brought definite news, Alex still wanted to ask Emily again to confirm. They would respect all of Emily's decisions.

Emily paused for a moment, then nodded, "Dad, Mom, I've thought it through. I've decided to get engaged to Noah."

"That's good. Our families have known each other for many years. You definitely won't be mistreated if you marry into their family."

Sarah nodded with relief.

Jack also agreed completely, "Exactly! If he dares treat you badly, I'll be the first one who won't let him get away with it!"

"Don't talk nonsense!" Alex glared at him disapprovingly. Jack was getting more and more unfiltered with his words. "We've already discussed the specific arrangements with the Stone family. All the proper procedures will be followed, don't worry. With us here, you don't need to worry about anything. We'll prepare everything properly for you. You just need to wait peacefully for the engagement."

"Okay, thank you Mom and Dad." Emily nodded obediently, feeling incredibly relaxed.

"Since the Stone family has no issues either, we can spread the news now, right?" Sarah asked, glancing at Emily from the corner of her eye, probably worried she might change her mind again at the last minute.

In any case, having this matter completely settled would be good for everyone.

"Mom's right. After dinner I'll spread the news." Emily said with a light laugh. Seeing that she wasn't resistant to this, all three of them breathed a sigh of relief, then began enthusiastically discussing the future marriage alliance with the Stone family.

In short, all four family members were very satisfied with this marriage arrangement. Even Jack couldn't find fault with Noah.

After Emily spread the news about her engagement, it spread almost immediately. However, many people knew that Emily's boyfriend was Adam, so most people assumed the person getting engaged to her was Adam.

Emily had no idea about the outside gossip. After dinner, she returned to her room and thought for a moment, then asked Noah out, wanting to meet with him.

[Tonight at 8 o'clock, at the restaurant]

Only when Noah's message came through did Emily truly feel relieved. So he really was willing to come.

Perhaps yesterday's meeting was too rushed, and he also wanted to get to know each other better in advance?

Either way, Emily could finally relax for now.

In the evening, Emily got ready and headed to the restaurant.

This was their first official meeting, so she should at least be punctual.

"Emily, what are you doing here?"

Just as she was about to walk into the restaurant, she suddenly heard someone calling her name. Emily's expression stiffened. She turned around and saw Vivian holding onto Adam's arm.

She suddenly didn't know whether to say her luck was terrible, or to marvel at how these two were like ghosts that wouldn't go away.

However, Emily quickly calmed down and nodded at them peacefully, "Are you two eating here too? The specialty dishes at this restaurant really do taste good."

But Adam was staring at her intently, his tone unfriendly as he asked, "I heard you're getting engaged? Emily, who gave you the nerve to spread such news?"

"Don't you know? Right now, you haven't gotten my family's approval at all. There's no way I could marry you! Stop dreaming!"

Emily was stunned for a moment, then realized what Adam was talking about. She suddenly found it incredibly funny, "Who gave you the confidence to think the person getting engaged to me is you?"

"Who else could it be? Emily, this is all you're capable of. To marry me, you'd even joke around with your own reputation. But stop dreaming. Even if you got on your knees and begged me, I would never agree to get engaged to you! A woman like you isn't qualified to enter the Blake family!"

Adam held his head high proudly, as if marrying him was some great blessing.

Emily looked at him coldly and sneered, "Don't worry. Even if you got on your knees and begged me, I would never marry you!"

"You! Emily, don't think your despicable tricks will work on me! I'm telling you, I've seen plenty of women like you who are after wealth. Don't think that pretending to be different will make me change my mind!"

Emily really didn't want to waste any more words. This kind of person was completely unreasonable, as if he only lived in his own world.

At that moment, Noah walked over, dressed in a black suit with an upright posture.