Chapter 320 Shameless Tactics
The morning sunlight streamed through the gaps in the curtains, casting a warm glow on the floor. Emma sat on the couch, cradling a cup of hot coffee in her hands, her eyes betraying her exhaustion. Last night's birthday party and the family photo shoot had left her utterly drained, so much so that she hadn't even noticed her phone's constant buzzing.
It wasn't until the doorbell rang that Emma snapped out of her thoughts. She stood up, gently wiping away the faint traces of tears from the corners of her eyes, and walked to the door.
"Who is it?" she asked softly, peering through the peephole to see Mia's anxious figure.
As soon as she opened the door, Mia practically burst in, clutching her phone tightly, her face pale with worry.
"Emma, have you seen the news?" Mia's voice trembled with anger.
Emma was momentarily stunned, her mind flashing back to the events of the previous night. She hadn't checked her phone yet and had no idea what had happened.
"What news?" she asked, a sense of unease creeping into her heart.
Mia shoved her phone in Emma's face, the screen displaying a trending news headline.
#Shocking! George Bankrupt, But Wife Isabella Stays Loyal!
Emma was puzzled and even found it a bit amusing. She glanced at Mia and teased, "Which CEO and his wife are so in love? I haven't heard of any famous CEO going bankrupt recently."
"Open it and see!"
Emma tapped on the news article. The photo that appeared drained all the strength from her body.
It was the family photo from last night, with George, her, and Lucas smiling brightly. The emotional headline made it seem like their life was perfect, completely ignoring the truth.
"How dare they!" Emma's fingers tightened around the phone, her knuckles turning white.
"Emma, this is the media's shameless tactic!" Mia's voice was filled with fury. "They'll do anything for attention!"
Emma confused, "But they could have just as easily said that George and I are having problems. That would be more sensational. Why say we're happy together?"
"That's something you'll have to ask George!" Mia gritted her teeth in anger. "I've already looked into it. The entertainment company that released this news is part of the Russell Group, the company George originally built. Even though the Russell Group has changed hands, this entertainment company is planning to break away from it."
Emma couldn't immediately see the connection between the two events.
Mia tapped Emma's forehead. "Don't you get it? This news was clearly released by George on purpose. He wants to morally blackmail you into staying with him. As long as you don't leave George, he'll still have your support, making it easier for him to make a comeback. If everyone believes you're a devoted wife, you'll be vilified if you leave him. George is just as ruthless as he was three years ago!"
Mia squinted, her anger barely contained. She couldn't fathom how George could be so heartless. He had nearly destroyed Emma once, and now that she had barely survived, he still wouldn't let her go. All for the sake of the Russell Group? Was it really worth it?
"Emma, what's with this photo?"
Emma had only found out yesterday that Lucas was her biological child. The news had come so suddenly that she hadn't had a chance to tell Mia. She explained everything in detail.
Mia had always known how much Emma longed for the child she had never met. But the child's connection to the Russell family complicated things.
"Emma!" Mia interrupted her, her tone firm. "You promised me you wouldn't go soft on George again! Even for Lucas's sake. You are yourself first, and Lucas's mom second. The more you show you care about Lucas, the more control George will have over you."
Mia had witnessed George's relentless pursuit to break Emma. If Emma still had any lingering feelings for George because of Charles and Lucas, Mia's feelings for George were pure hatred.
Anything involving George, Mia would always assume the worst. So, this trending news must have been George's doing!
Emma looked up, a complex emotion flickering in her eyes. She knew Mia meant well, but her heart felt like it was being torn apart.
"I know." Emma took a deep breath and said firmly, "Don't worry, I won't see him again, and I won't go soft on him."
Mia's eyes showed a hint of relief as she tightly held Emma's hand.
"Emma, I know this is hard for you, but it's the best choice."
Emma smiled faintly, though her eyes held a trace of bitterness. Her entanglement with George should have ended long ago.
The sunlight outside remained bright, as if nothing had happened. But Emma's heart felt like it had been struck hard, aching deeply.
"We'll face this together," Mia's voice was warm. "I'll help you fight for custody of Lucas!"
Emma nodded slightly. She knew Mia would always be by her side, supporting her decisions.
Just then, Emma's phone buzzed again. George's name flashed on the screen.
"What's he up to now?" Mia frowned, her tone wary.
Emma hesitated for a moment before pressing the decline button.
Mia nodded. "You did the right thing, Emma."
George called several more times, but Emma didn't answer. Seeing Emma's furrowed brow, Mia had an idea.
Outside Emma's villa, the air was thick with a suffocating tension. After saying goodbye to Emma, Mia muttered to herself outside Emma's door, "Emma, don't worry, I'll handle everything."
Her fingers flew across the phone screen as she typed out a message: [Tonight, the usual place. Come alone.]
After sending the message, Mia smirked. She knew George wouldn't refuse this invitation.
The breeze by the river carried a slight chill. George stood by the bridge, gazing at the distant water. His fingers unconsciously played with the cigarette pack in his pocket, habitually wanting to light one but ultimately refraining.
"She's here," he murmured, spotting a familiar figure approaching from afar.
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