Chapter 40 Mutual Destruction
"Emma, come on, don't be like that. I know you need a job bad right now. I had to twist my mom's arm to save a spot for you. Just suck it up and work hard, alright?"
Anna's understanding and sisterly love hit Sophia, who was standing nearby, right in the feels. She felt a surge of pride for Anna. What a sweetheart!
Even though Emma wasn't her real sister and had done a ton of shady stuff, Anna was still being super nice to her and even helped her land a job.
"Emma, don't be such a brat! If it wasn't for Anna begging me, there's no way I'd let you into my company!" Sophia snapped. "You've hurt her over and over, but Anna never held it against you. You're not just ungrateful, you're a backstabber!"
Backstabber?
That was rich. Emma had donated bone marrow to her, and Anna had framed her in return. That was what real backstabbing looked like! What kindness had Anna ever shown Emma?!
Since she was adopted by the Jones family, all she got was grief!
"Mom, chill. I forgive Emma. She grew up without parents, so she's got issues. Don't be mad at her," Anna said, holding Sophia's hand, sounding all sweet and considerate.
Anna's lips curled into a smug smile, her eyes full of mockery.
"You're disgusting," Emma couldn't hold it in any longer; she felt like puking.
"Emma, if cursing me makes you feel better, go ahead. I know you had a rough time in prison these past three years," Anna said, her eyes red, looking all pitiful like she genuinely felt sorry for Emma.
Then she put on her fake kind act and told the other employees in the restaurant, "Emma messed up before, but everyone makes mistakes. She's done her time and paid for it. I hope you all won't judge her. Thanks for your support."
After that, Anna bowed deeply.
Emma watched the whole charade, feeling like she was gonna hurl. People were still praising Anna for her grace and big-heartedness.
The constant praise made Anna almost glow.
Anna was clearly using her position to get back at Emma. If she hadn't said anything, hardly anyone would know about Emma's past. But now, the whole company knew her history.
Whether she stayed or left, the shame of her past was bound to spread throughout the industry.
Anna's tactics were truly nasty.
Emma decided to bail. It was her first day at work, and she didn't have much stuff. She quickly packed up and left the company building.
Just then, Anna showed up, with a smug smile, like she had everything under control.
"Emma, you think quitting will get you away from me?" Anna's voice dripped with contempt, mocking her helplessness.
"What do you want?" Emma's heart tightened, knowing Anna wouldn't let her go easily.
"I just want to remind you," Anna said slowly, her smile growing more sinister. "Do you think you can find another job after leaving here?"
Her words hit Emma like a ton of bricks.
No wonder she kept hitting dead ends while job hunting before; it was all Anna's doing.
"Now everyone in the industry knows you have a record for plagiarism and imprisonment. Anyone who wants to hire you better be ready for a lawsuit."
Over the years, Anna hadn't been sitting idle. She'd been trashing Emma's name in the industry, spreading rumors through friends, and even trying to make Emma's former clients lose trust in her.
Anna's nonchalant attitude lit a fire in Emma's heart.
But she didn't act rashly; instead, she calmly asked, "Anna, do you believe in karma?"
Anna sneered, "After three years in the slammer, you're still so naive. Three years ago, you got nailed for plagiarism just 'cause I said so. If karma was real, why am I living the high life while you're stuck in the mud?"
Anna flashed a smug smile, showing off the ring on her finger. "Check this out. This is the ring you designed for George three years ago, and now it's on my hand. Emma, you do have some talent. This ring is killer, and I love it. Best part? George put it on me himself."
"Really? So you're admitting you framed me for plagiarism back then?" Emma's heart sank, the sight of the ring felt like a dagger twisting in her chest. It was a ring she had designed with so much hope, now a symbol of Anna's triumph.
But she still held her phone, recording every word.
"So what if I did? Who's gonna believe you? What right do you have to fight me?" Anna said arrogantly, her eyes gleaming with provocation.
"As long as you admit it," Emma suddenly turned and walked towards the street.
Anna sensed something was off with Emma's reaction, but Emma had already hopped on a bus.
A few days later, a short video blew up online.
In the video, Anna's face was crystal clear, and every word she said was damning.
The truth finally came out: Emma was innocent and had been framed. Tons of netizens rallied behind her.
But soon, Emma's reputation took another hit.
[Anna was forced. If Emma hadn't caused her miscarriage, would Anna have done such a thing?]
[Exactly, Anna even lost her child. So what if she framed Emma for plagiarism!]
[What's wrong with you? I think there's more to this story.]
Emma didn't have the power to fight against the big guns. It was already a win that so many people knew she was innocent. The rest had to be tackled step by step.
However, she had lost not only her reputation but also her precious daughter.
But who would care?
George certainly wouldn't. All he cared about was Anna.
Just like now, George, whom she hadn't seen in ages, stepped out of a luxury car with his usual cold and aloof demeanor.
Emma tried to dodge him, but George grabbed her.
Emma's eyes, calm as still water, pained George, but he still accused her of Anna's unfounded crimes.
"So what if Anna really got you convicted of plagiarism? You only lost your reputation. But Anna lost her child because of you! What do you mean by putting this online now? Haven't you hurt Anna enough?"
Emma was furious!
Was that something a sane person would say?
"You only lost your reputation."
Was reputation something worthless?
Emma almost laughed out loud, her eyes inadvertently moistening. She looked at him and said clearly, "Not enough! Even if it means going back to prison for a few more years, I won't let that bitch have it easy!"
Emma responded firmly, her heart filled with determination. She was no longer the helpless girl who longed for love and was at the mercy of others.
After speaking, she tried to leave, but George grabbed her arm even tighter.
George said angrily, "Emma, don't test my limits, or I'll make sure you spend the rest of your life in prison."
"If Mr. Russell likes, you can have someone kill me right now. Anyway, I don't have much time left in my life. At worst, I'll take that bitch Anna down with me before I die!" Emma smiled brightly. Despite her fear, she wouldn't allow herself to show any weakness in front of him.
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