Chapter 345 Partiality
Emma was livid at George's actions; she didn't believe a single word he said!
Right then, Michael, Ethan, Mia, Billy, and the others quickly surrounded her, ready to help without a second thought.
Everyone remembered how George had treated Emma back in the day!
They hadn't forgotten Emma's painful experience!
George was shoved to the ground by the group. Michael planted a foot on his chest, "If you mess with Emma again, I'll make sure your grandpa and your mom end up living under a bridge, begging on the streets! I'll make sure the Russell family can't live in Lakeside Haven!"
George knew Michael's threats weren't just talk.
Ever since Michael's parents died in a car accident, he suspected Charles was behind it and harbored a deep hatred for the Russell family.
He wanted every member of the Russell family gone!
George replied, "Michael, I know you hate my grandpa and my family. But Emma is innocent; she's not your pawn for revenge!"
"I get that better than you do." Michael looked down at George with disdain. This once powerful figure in Lakeside Haven was now more insignificant than the dirt beneath his feet.
Not only had he reclaimed the Russell Group, which rightfully belonged to him, but he had also humiliated George.
In this round, Michael had won.
Michael pressed his foot down harder.
In an instant, ten shadowy figures appeared from all directions, surrounding Michael so quickly that their movements were almost a blur.
"Let go of Mr. George Russell!" Jonathan, the head of security, commanded coldly, holding a sharp dagger with its tip just an inch from Michael's throat.
Michael's expression changed slightly but quickly regained his composure. He sneered, "You think a few men can scare me?"
Jonathan didn't respond, just raised his hand slightly. From a distant building, a red laser dot appeared on Michael's forehead, the sniper's aim. Jonathan said coldly, "With one word from me, your head will be blown off."
The air seemed to freeze, and everyone held their breath.
"How dare you threaten me?"
"We only take orders from Mr. George Russell." Jonathan's voice was emotionless.
George slowly stood up, wiped the blood from his mouth, and gave Michael a cold look.
"Enough." He signaled Jonathan to stand down.
Jonathan frowned, a hint of reluctance in his eyes, "Mr. George Russell, he..."
"I said, stand down." George's voice was low but commanding.
Jonathan gritted his teeth but eventually waved his hand. The guards retreated quickly, forming a line behind George, while the sniper's laser dot disappeared.
"Let's go." Michael took Emma's hand and headed towards his helicopter.
However, just as they were about to board, Lucas suddenly let go of Emma's hand and ran towards George.
"Lucas!" Emma called out, trying to follow, but Michael stopped her.
Michael said, "Let him go."
Lucas ran up to George, looking up with concern, "Dad, you're hurt. I'll go to the hospital with you."
George was taken aback, then crouched down, gently touching Lucas's head, his voice hoarse but tender, "Lucas, aren't you going with your mom?"
Lucas shook his head, "Dad, I can't bear to part with you. Mom and Seraphine will be fine, but I need to take care of you too."
Emma stood by the helicopter, watching, her heart a whirlwind of emotions. She knew what Lucas's choice meant, but she couldn't force him to go against his will.
She understood Lucas.
After all, George had raised him for six years!
Now that George was hurt, how could Lucas, being so kind-hearted, leave him behind?
"Lucas." Emma's voice was soft, and Lucas couldn't hear her, but he seemed to sense it. He turned around, waved at her, and smiled brightly, "Mom, I'll take care of Dad. You and Seraphine take care. We'll see each other again!"
Emma's tears finally fell. She nodded, unable to speak.
Michael patted Emma's shoulder, signaling her to board. She took one last look at George and Lucas, took a deep breath, and got on the helicopter with Seraphine.
The sound of the rotors grew louder as the helicopter slowly lifted off.
Emma looked out the window, watching the figures on the ground grow smaller, her heart filled with worry and reluctance.
George watched the helicopter disappear into the sky before turning his gaze back to Phoenix and Joseph, who were being held by the guards. "Take them back and interrogate them. Find out if there's anyone else behind this."
The guards nodded and were about to take them away when a sharp voice cut through the air, "Stop!"
Scarlett rushed over, standing in front of Phoenix, glaring at George, "George, you can't hurt her!"
George frowned, "Mom, she almost killed me and kidnapped Lucas. Do you still intend to shield her?"
Scarlett stood her ground, "It must be a misunderstanding! I watched Phoenix grow up. She couldn't do something like this! She must have been deceived!"
Phoenix grabbed George's sleeve, tears streaming down his face, and confessed, "George, I know I was wrong! I was deceived too!"
Scarlett found her target, "This man looks like trouble! He must have led Phoenix astray! George, take this scumbag away, and Phoenix will come home with me!"
She turned to Phoenix, her voice choked, "Phoenix, don't be afraid. With me here, no one can hurt you."
exclaimed angrily, "Mom, you cannot act like this."
Scarlett remained stubborn. "I'm not senile yet! The foolish one is your grandpa! If he hadn't insisted on you marrying that tramp Emma, the Russell family wouldn't be in this mess! I gave in once for your marriage, but this time, I'm making the decision! George, if you dare to hurt Phoenix, you'll have to go through me! I'd rather die than let you hurt her!"
Phoenix's eyes flashed with triumph but quickly lowered her head, continuing to act remorseful, "George, I really know I was wrong. Please give me another chance!"
Scarlett patted Phoenix's hand, her voice gentle, "Phoenix, don't be afraid. Let's go."
George watched Scarlett leave with Phoenix, feeling powerless. He could only have the guards take Joseph away.
As the abandoned factory fell silent again, a man dressed casually, walking a golden retriever, appeared at the entrance. He looked up at the window where the near-accident had occurred and sighed in disappointment.
"Too bad, not a single person died."
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