The Supreme Soldier in the City
Chapter 442 - 449: Shadows of the Past

Chapter 442: Chapter 449: Shadows of the Past

Emily Berns instinctively took a step back. Over the years, she managed to maintain her purity in the entertainment industry because she always kept herself in check and never showed an ounce of flirtation toward any man. Even though John Brown had been involved with her, and she had an ambiguous feeling about him she couldn’t quite explain, his sudden action was far too overwhelming for her to accept.

"Haven’t seen you in years, and now you’re a big star. Having a big star as a woman is really something." John Brown said as he stepped closer to Emily Berns, reaching out to hug her.

Emily Berns was startled and quickly took a big step back, crossing her arms over her chest. She shouted angrily, "Don’t touch me!"

"What’s your problem?" John Brown rolled his eyes. "Didn’t you keep saying you liked me? Didn’t you say you liked me so much that you had a child for me? Now I want to touch you, and you won’t even let me?"

Emily Berns froze for a moment before glaring fiercely at John Brown and snapping, "You think you can touch me just because you want to? When I thought of you, where the hell were you, you bastard? Did you ever care about me through all those tough times? You just want to take advantage of me—dream on."

John Brown shrugged and said, "Fine, if I can’t touch you, so be it. Stop coming up with excuses. I’m going to sleep." Then, he walked straight into the two-story house.

Emily Berns stood there stunned for about ten seconds, staring at John Brown’s retreating figure. Suddenly, she stomped her foot hard and yelled, "You bastard! Don’t think I don’t know what you’re after. You’re trying to scare me into giving up my daughter’s whereabouts. Forget it!"

John Brown’s footsteps paused slightly. He had serious doubts about whether their child was still alive, but Emily Berns’ comment gave him some assurance. When she mentioned "daughter," her tone was so natural and carried a hint of protectiveness. If she hadn’t been a mother, she wouldn’t have been able to phrase it like that. At least, Gina Lopez and Emily Lopez wouldn’t say so, and even Melody Yoody, who hadn’t given birth yet and was just pregnant, already showed signs of maternal love.

The two-story house looked unremarkable from the outside, but once inside, John Brown discovered it was surprisingly unique. The spacious living room was furnished with a large set of leather sofas. The light-colored leather wasn’t particularly luxurious but gave the room a vibrant feel. Adding the green trees placed around the room made it even livelier—clearly arranged by someone young at heart.

"What do you think? Not bad, right?" Emily Berns sat gracefully on the sofa.

Seeing Emily Berns’ little triumphant look, John Brown knew this was her home. He immediately smirked and said, "You really have no taste. Buying a white sofa—that’s not classy at all. You should get one in a darker color. Also, you need a big crystal chandelier on the ceiling to show some style."

Emily Berns rolled her eyes and said, "You wouldn’t seriously lack taste like that. That kind of decoration is for rich show-offs. I like this clean and simple vibe."

"You still like simplicity? You’re no spring chicken anymore—I remember you being almost thirty."

"You bastard! I’m younger than you by a year!" Emily Berns was immediately provoked. For John Brown to insinuate she was nearing thirty was nothing short of an insult.

John Brown chuckled and said, "Oh, so you’re twenty-five? Round it up, and that’s close to thirty."

Emily Berns froze and suddenly felt a surge of anger. When she first met John Brown, she had just turned twenty-one, and now, in the blink of an eye, she was twenty-five. Gritting her teeth, she said, "You still dare talk? I wasted my youth on you!"

"Aren’t you a major star now? Adam Smith even had a secret marriage—being married wouldn’t matter to you now. What’s wasted about that?" John Brown lit a cigarette, kicked back, and flicked ashes directly onto the floor.

"Ah! You bastard! That’s my brand-new Persian carpet!" Emily Berns’ eyes instantly turned green, glaring at him fiercely.

John Brown shrugged and said, "Your fault for not having an ashtray ready."

"How would I know this bastard would show up here? I live alone—why would I need an ashtray?" While speaking, Emily Berns grabbed a can of soda, emptied it, and handed the empty can to John Brown. "Flick it in here."

John Brown took it and said, "Now that’s better. As a woman, you should know how to take care of a man."

"Take care of your big-headed ego!" Emily Berns glared at him with such intensity she seemed ready to throw curses. This bastard—when did he become so shameless?

"Wait! No way. This guy isn’t usually so shameless—he’s clearly trying to provoke me. Hmph, I won’t fall for it." Emily Berns was quick to analyze John Brown’s real intention. Once she figured it out, a smile appeared on her face, and she said, "Hey, stop pretending. No matter how much you act tough, you’re not convincing. Shouldn’t you be asking why I live alone and why our daughter isn’t here with me?"

Seeing he’d been found out, John Brown sat upright and matched Emily Berns’ gaze. "Emily Berns, I just want to ask you one thing. Is my daughter alive?"

"Of course she is. She’s my child—my flesh and blood. Do you think I’d kill her?" Emily Berns rolled her eyes at him.

John Brown nodded and said, "That’s all I need to know. Take good care of her."

"What do you mean by that? You don’t want her anymore?" Emily Berns’ eyes widened in shock.

John Brown shrugged again and said, "I’m not ready to be a father yet, so for now, let’s leave it at that. She’s better off with you as her mom than with me suddenly showing up as her dad."

"Hmph! Stop pretending you don’t care. I know you want her—you showed your true feelings that day. Even in front of your wife, you got all worked up asking about our daughter. That’s who you really are."

"Fine, I admit it. When I first learned I had a daughter, I was very excited. But you also know, thanks to you, my wife kicked me out. Now I’m homeless. How can I focus on raising a child? I’m going to lose my job soon—how could I take care of a daughter? You expecting me to let her starve?"

"You in such dire straits? That’s a joke. With your skills, making money is easy for you. By the way—Albert Plant? John Brown—ugh, what kind of ridiculous name is that? Ridiculous." Emily Berns teased him before adding, "It’s perfect that your wife kicked you out. Make me happy, and I’ll take you in."

"I don’t need you to take me in. You’re a Witch—living with you means worrying about spiders or something showing up under the covers."

Emily Berns burst out laughing, her charm shining through as she said, "You still remember that? Serves you right for bullying me and then ignoring me—you think I wouldn’t get back at you?"

John Brown rolled his eyes and said, "But you really tried to burn me alive?"

Emily Berns stuck her tongue out and replied, "That time was purely an accident. I just wanted to lock you in the warehouse and scare you with some smoke outside. Who knew I’d accidentally start a fire?"

John Brown finally learned the truth behind that incident and couldn’t help but laugh bitterly. "You’re seriously ruthless."

"Hehe. But thinking about how you looked coming out of there—it was hilarious! Your hair was singed, your face was sooty, and the funniest part was your burned-through pants showing your blackened butt—ha, so funny!"

John Brown rubbed his nose. Against all his mighty opponents, he had never been as humiliated as he was with Emily Jenkins and Emily Lopez—especially not to the extent he had with Emily Berns.

"Hey, did your butt end up scarred?" Emily Berns playfully kicked him with a mischievous smile.

"Do you want to see?" John Brown squinted at her.

Emily Berns met his gaze and suddenly nodded. "Of course I do. You’re my daughter’s father—why would I be afraid of seeing your butt?"

"You really want to see?" John Brown showed a sly grin.

"I do!" Emily Berns couldn’t help avoiding his gaze nervously, but she still nodded.

John Brown stood up and grabbed his belt buckle.

Emily Berns, both nervous and slightly excited, watched John Brown. Her breathing quickened, her chest heaving. Though her curves weren’t particularly large, their perfect shape made one’s mind wander easily during moments like this.

Emily Berns had become a star over the years. When not arguing with John Brown, she was incredibly sweet—a beauty capable of capturing any man’s heart.

For such a stunning woman to focus on someone undressing—it was a strong temptation indeed. Even if John Brown didn’t have feelings for her, he couldn’t deny the dryness in his throat and his faster heartbeat.

"Hey, are you taking your pants off or not?" Emily Berns teased and winked at him, smiling playfully. "We’re alone here. As my daughter’s dad and mom, what’s there to be embarrassed about?"

John Brown smirked and suddenly said, "I’ll take a bath first. If you’re interested, come to the bathroom and see all you want."

Finishing his words, John Brown darted into a room on the ground floor—clearly the bathroom.

Emily Berns stomped her foot, realizing she’d been tricked again. But her face nonetheless broke into a smile—John Brown teasing her reminded her of how he used to be, and she felt a warm nostalgia for that John Brown.