Chapter 374 Forging Documents
"Ben!" George rushed over, eyes brimming with hope. "Tell her everything! Tell Emma about the lab drugs, Michael's transaction records, and the missing evidence. You saw it all, right?"
Ben hesitated, glancing at George before looking at Emma. Uncertainty flickered across his face.
"Ben, come on, speak up!" George's voice was urgent. "I hired you myself. You know the truth!"
Ben lowered his head, silent for a moment, then sighed and looked up. "Mr. George Russell, I'm sorry, but I can't lie for you anymore."
George felt like he'd been struck by lightning. He froze, eyes wide with disbelief. "What did you just say?"
Ben turned to Emma, his tone calm but regretful. "Ms. Jones, all the evidence was fabricated by Mr. George Russell. He wanted to convince you that Michael was behind your memory loss. But the truth is, Michael never did anything to harm you."
"You're lying!" George lunged forward, grabbing Ben's collar, shouting angrily. "You were with me when we investigated! You saw the drugs and records yourself! Why are you twisting the truth?"
Ben remained unfazed, his expression steady. "Mr. George Russell, I'm just a private investigator. I did what you asked. But now, I can't keep deceiving Ms. Jones."
Emma watched the scene, the last shred of doubt in her heart disappearing. She spoke slowly, her voice icy. "George, do you have anything else to say? Even your witness admits this was all a lie you made up."
George's face went pale. He let go of Ben's collar and stepped back, eyes fixed on him. "Who paid you off? Was it Michael? Did he threaten or bribe you?"
Ben didn't respond, just lowered his head, seemingly confirming George's accusation.
Michael chuckled, stepping forward, his tone gentle but dripping with irony. "George, give it up. You've been trying to pin this on me, but the truth is, you're the one who's hurt Emma over and over. Now, even your evidence and witness have crumbled. What reason do you have to keep bothering her?"
George's fists clenched, eyes burning with anger. He knew this was Michael's doing. Ben must have been bought off! But now, he had no way to prove his innocence.
"George," Emma's voice cut through his thoughts. "From today on, I don't want to hear your name or see you again. If you have any decency left, stay out of my life."
George's heart sank. He opened his mouth to explain but couldn't find the words.
Emma turned and walked away, Michael following closely, gently comforting her. "Emma, don't let this get to you. I'm here, and everything will be okay."
George stood there, watching them fade into the distance, his chest feeling like it was being crushed by a heavy weight, making it hard to breathe. He turned to Ben, filled with cold fury.
"Ben, you'll regret this," George said quietly, his voice colder than ever.
Ben didn't respond, just turned and walked out of the factory.
What a joke. Michael had brought him back from Sunterra. Why would he fear the threats of a loser?
The drive back was unusually quiet. Michael focused on the road while Emma leaned against the window, watching the passing lights, her heart a whirlwind of emotions.
George's deception had left her feeling utterly drained.
"Emma, are you okay?" Michael's gentle voice broke the silence.
Emma forced a smile. "I'm fine, just really tired."
"Sorry you had to go through that," Michael sighed, eyes still on the road. "George has always been like this, never thinking about anyone else's feelings."
Emma didn't respond, just closed her eyes. She didn't want to talk about George anymore, didn't want to be trapped by those complicated past events.
The car slowly pulled into The Stuart Villa, stopping in the spacious courtyard.
"We're home," Michael said softly, then got out to open the door for Emma.
As soon as Emma stepped out, she was stunned by the sight before her—the lawn in front of the villa was filled with sparkling candles, swaying gently in the night breeze, forming a giant heart shape. In the center of the heart was a path made of red rose petals, leading straight to the villa's door.
Emma's eyes widened in surprise. She turned to Michael. "What's all this..."
Michael smiled warmly and gently took her hand. "Emma, come with me."
He led Emma along the petal path to the villa. When they opened the door, an even more breathtaking scene awaited them—the entire living room was decorated with flowers and candles, creating a dreamlike beauty, with the air filled with a faint rose fragrance.
Michael led Emma to the center of the living room, then slowly knelt on one knee and took out a delicate blue velvet box from his pocket.
"Emma," he looked up at her, his eyes full of deep affection. "I know these days have been hard for you. You've been through so much pain and deceit, and I want to be the one to protect you."
Michael opened the box, revealing a dazzling diamond ring that sparkled in the candlelight.
"Will you marry me? I promise to spend my life making up for all the hurt you've endured. I'll protect you, keep you away from George's harassment, and give you a happy life."
Emma was stunned. She looked at the ring, then at Michael's sincere eyes, unsure how to react. Her heart was filled with a complex mix of emotions.
"Michael, this is so sudden," Emma whispered, her voice trembling slightly.
Michael smiled and shook his head. "It might seem sudden to you, but I've been thinking about this for a long time. Emma, I don't want to see you hurt anymore. I want to give you a real home, a love that won't let you down."
Emma looked down at the sparkling ring, feeling a flutter in her heart. After all the deceit from George, Michael's sincerity and attentiveness gave her an unprecedented sense of security.
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