Chapter 108 Seizure
Anna was ready to put pressure on that arrogant department!
"What if I insist on opening this store?" Anna snapped at the firefighter.
The firefighter, clearly used to this kind of drama, didn't even flinch. "We'll inspect the store. If it doesn't meet fire safety standards, it's getting shut down."
The message was clear: no matter what Anna did, her store would never meet their standards.
Usually, unless on the fire department's hit list, even a tiny roadside shop could grease some palms and open without a hitch.
But this wasn't just about money.
There couldn't possibly be any fire safety issues in a high-end store with no open flames. Anna was definitely being targeted by some bigwigs.
But no one in Lakeside Haven would dare mess with George openly.
Some folks were thinking deeper—maybe a big shot like George showing up meant the local power dynamics were about to change.
George saw Anna's struggle. If his fiancée was being harassed in Lakeside Haven, it was a slap in his face.
He stepped up, looking stern, and faced the firefighter, his presence commanding.
"Who sent you?"
George was asking who was behind this hassle, but the firefighter played dumb. "Someone reported it."
George's eyes grew colder, but the firefighter just looked at him with a smirk and said, "So, you're Mr. Russell, the guy who drove his wife to death three years ago. You sure are protective of your women."
"I was wrong. You're really protective of your mistress." The firefighter's tone dripped with sarcasm.
"Are you causing trouble? Get out of here!" George had had enough.
A squad of security guards in sharp black suits marched in, forming two lines to protect George.
They stood tall, hands at their sides, ready for anything. Even facing the firefighters, they looked intimidating.
The lead guard, towering at over 6.2 feet with broad shoulders and a stern look, scanned the area before locking eyes with the firefighter. His presence made people step back, except for the unfazed firefighters.
"You're not welcome here. Leave," another guard said in a low, firm voice, leaving no room for debate.
"Alright!" the firefighter agreed easily. "We're leaving now."
"We were just here to notify you," the firefighter at the end of the line nudged Lester with his elbow, grinning as he added, "It doesn't matter who you sell that store to."
The firefighter paused, eyeing Lester's worried face. "I remember you own all of Crystal Street. Think hard about whether you want to protect one store or the whole street."
He patted Lester's chest, almost affectionately. "Don't even think about complaining or causing trouble."
It showed that they weren't scared of the Russell family's influence because they had bigger backers.
"Let's go!" The fire chief signaled his team to retreat. As he neared the door, he bowed to Emma, who was sitting alone.
"Ms. Taylor, we're leaving now. Enjoy your time. You look better without sunglasses."
His respectful tone was a stark contrast to his earlier arrogance. That last line hinted at their close relationship.
Only then did people realize the woman at the door was indeed Emma.
Government departments and their enterprises usually didn't meddle with each other. Now everyone suspected Emma had pulled the fire department's strings.
Emma gracefully bid farewell to the firefighter, then took off her sunglasses and exchanged cheek kisses with him.
"It's really Emma! She looks just like her photos!"
The crowd was stunned.
George was captivated, while Anna's eyes burned with hatred!
"Emma, why aren't you dead?"
"Miss, have we met before? What are you talking about?" Emma asked, feigning innocence.
"Emma! You came here today just to cause trouble, didn't you?" Anna's veins bulged with anger.
"Are you talking about Mr. Russell's vicious ex-wife? Do I look like her?" Emma gently touched her cheek. The scars were gone, but the pain lingered.
"Let me introduce myself. I'm Isabella Taylor." Emma habitually extended her hand but then withdrew it, her slender fingers looking exceptionally beautiful under the light. "Let's not shake hands. I wouldn't want to harm you as Emma's substitute."
Anna was livid. She wanted to rush up and shut Emma up for good.
This woman was clearly Emma. George's eyes were practically glued to her!
Anna forcibly turned George's face to look at her. George irritably pushed her hand away. He never liked Anna's touch, and he wanted to stay even further away from her in front of Emma.
The firefighter couldn't help but laugh. "You two are really in love."
"None of your business! Get out!" Anna was even more furious.
"Alright! Don't forget to notify us on the opening day. We'll be there to shut it down!" The firefighters laughed as they left.
Anna felt utterly humiliated. She just wanted to disappear. But then Lester, the owner of the Crystal Street properties, called out to her.
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