Chapter 410 Guest
The livestream ended.
Emma was curled up on the couch in her studio, holding a cup of hot coffee, her gaze drifting out the window as her thoughts wandered. She was contemplating what identity to use to enter the design competition.
Suddenly, her phone chimed, and the screen lit up. She glanced down to see a message from Sophia.
[Emma, the International Jewelry Design Competition is about to start. I really want you to come as a guest. Your talent has always made me proud, and this competition is your stage. I can't wait to see you shine!]
Emma stared at the message, raising an eyebrow slightly, but her lips twisted into a faint smirk.
In her current memory, Sophia's image was somewhat blurry. Although Sophia had always been kind to her, Emma always felt that Sophia's attitude carried with flattery.
Before she married Michael, she had lived with the Stuart family for a few days and got along well with them, but after another personality shift, her memories felt like they were covered in a veil. She always felt a strange sense of distance from Sophia. Instinctively, she felt uneasy about attending formal events with Sophia.
It was as if, in the past, Sophia had done something unforgettable to her in similar settings.
This dampened her enthusiasm for getting involved in Phoenix's affairs.
Before she could think further, her phone buzzed again. This time it was an email from Miss Lady headquarters.
[Dear Isabella, we sincerely invite you to participate in this year's International Jewelry Design Competition. As our chief designer, your work has always led the industry trends. We look forward to your outstanding performance in the competition!]
Emma's frown relaxed slightly as she read the email.
As Miss Lady's chief designer, she certainly had to show respect to the company. Moreover, such a top-tier event was not only an opportunity to showcase her talent but also a chance to solidify her status. However, a playful smile appeared on her lips as she thought about Phoenix.
"Phoenix, what kind of trouble are you planning this time?" she muttered to herself, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She wanted to see what tricks Phoenix would pull at the competition and perhaps make her lose face in front of everyone.
Emma's mood actually lightened as she thought about Phoenix.
She set down her coffee cup and leaned back on the couch, already plotting how to give Phoenix a surprise at the competition.
Shortly after, Emma received a letter from the mail carrier. When she opened it, she found it was an invitation.
The invitation read: [Ms. Jones, in recognition of your outstanding achievements in jewelry design, we have decided to specially invite you to serve as a judge for this year's competition. We look forward to your professional insights and brilliant performance! The invitation will be sent shortly.]
Emma's smile deepened as she read the invitation.
A judge?
It was even more interesting than competing.
If she were a contestant, Phoenix might accuse her of cheating or plagiarism, but as a judge, even Phoenix's ranking would be under her control.
Would Phoenix be thrilled to hear this news?
Emma thought gleefully, 'This is going to be fun.'
George had just walked in the door, casually hanging his coat on the rack. His eyes swept the room and landed on an invitation for the jewelry design competition spread out on the coffee table. He paused, picked up the invitation, and read it carefully. It clearly stated: [Ms. Jones, you are specially invited to serve as a judge for this year's International Jewelry Design Competition.]
"A judge?" George frowned, feeling a sudden tension.
He hadn't expected Emma to take on such a role. He quickly walked to the living room and saw Emma curled up on the couch, engrossed in a jewelry design magazine, looking as focused as a kitten.
"Emma, are you going to the jewelry design competition?" George sat beside her, trying to keep his tone light, but his eyes held a hint of probing.
Emma looked up, blinking her big, watery eyes, and smiled innocently, "Yeah, Mom invited me. She knows I love designing jewelry, so she got me involved. I just didn't expect to be a guest. I'm so nervous. George, do you think I can do it?"
Her voice carried a touch of longing and attachment to Sophia, as if she were still the simple Emma who yearned for motherly love.
George found the whole situation odd.
He knew Emma too well. Although she still appeared to be the innocent girl on the surface, he always felt there was something off about her. He tentatively asked, "Emma, do you remember Isabella?"
Emma tilted her head, looking puzzled, "Isabella? Who's that? I've never heard of that name." Her expression was flawless, as if she truly knew nothing about Isabella.
George frowned and continued, "So you're really only going to the competition because of your mom's invitation? No other reason?"
Emma nodded, her tone innocent, "Of course! If it weren't for Mom, I wouldn't have the ability to be a guest. Mom is so good to me."
George looked at her, feeling a mix of emotions.
He was sure something was off about Emma's behavior, but he didn't want to shatter her innocent facade. He gently patted her hand, speaking softly, "Alright, as long as you're happy. But if anything happens, you have to tell me, okay?"
Emma looked up, her smile bright, "Don't worry, George! It's just a competition, what could happen? And Mom will be there, she'll protect me."
George couldn't help but pull Emma into his arms, and she nestled against his neck, like a pair of perfectly in-sync lovers.
That night, George lay in bed, unable to sleep.
His mind kept replaying Emma's words and expressions from earlier, the more he thought about it, the more something felt off.
Last time at the hospital, Emma's attitude towards his parents was extremely cold, her demeanor suggesting she had switched to the ruthless Isabella personality.
But once they got home, Emma reverted to the sweet, loving wife.
Which personality was Emma now?
"Is she really just going because of Sophia's invitation? Or has she become Isabella and is just pretending?" George muttered to himself, filled with unease.
He sat up, walked to the window, and stared out into the night, his brow furrowed. He recalled Emma's demeanor as Isabella—cold eyes, decisive tone, nothing like her current sweet image. If she had indeed switched personalities, her disguise was too perfect.
Suddenly, a thought struck George.
The magazine Emma had been reading earlier featured an interview with Isabella. George had bought the magazine specifically because of that interview.
If Emma had read the magazine, she would have seen the interview.
So, she definitely knew the name Isabella.
Why did Emma lie?
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