Chapter 411 Moral Blackmail
George tried to keep his thoughts in check, refusing to let his mind wander any further.
His Emma was the kindest person he knew; she would never deceive him!
Meanwhile, Emma was sitting in her private studio, holding a glass of red wine, her gaze deep and composed. She swirled the wine gently, a faint smile playing on her lips. "George, you're still so worried about me. Too bad, this time you're wrong."
She set the glass down and walked over to the mirror, her eyes growing colder as she looked at her reflection. "Phoenix, are you ready for my counterattack?"
Her tone carried a hint of confidence and sharpness, a stark contrast to the innocent demeanor she displayed during the day.
She knew George had started to suspect her, but she didn't care.
No matter which persona she adopted, she would make sure to exact her revenge on George.
There was only a week left until the competition.
Just when Emma thought everything was going smoothly, Phoenix showed up again.
Phoenix arrived with a crowd of influencers and reporters, all standing at the door, cameras and microphones aimed at her, ready to capture a great reconciliation.
"Emma, I'm here to apologize on behalf of Aunt Scarlett and Uncle Jack!" Phoenix began, her voice dripping with sincerity, her eyes slightly red as if genuinely remorseful for Scarlett and Jack's past mistakes.
Emma was momentarily stunned, then lowered her head, adopting a look of innocent vulnerability. She whispered, "It's okay, let's just let the past be the past."
Phoenix couldn't help but smirk internally.
The last time at the hospital, this Emma had been cold and harsh. What had changed her attitude today?
Could it be that George had reprimanded her?
The thought of George mistreating Emma at home brought Phoenix a twisted sense of joy.
Despite her inner amusement, Phoenix maintained her facade of sincerity. "Emma, you're so nice! Aunt Scarlett and Uncle Jack have always regretted their attitude towards you. They were just concerned about Mr. Charles Russell and made a mistake. They've changed now. Can you forgive them?"
Emma stood inside the door, gripping the handle tightly, her face still showing that innocent, vulnerable expression. She lowered her head and said softly, "I don't know."
Seeing this, Phoenix stepped forward, taking Emma's hand, her voice trembling with emotion. "Emma, I know you've been hurt, but they truly regret their actions. They're getting old and their health isn't great. If they could move in here, it would mean so much for our family to be together. After all, they are members of the Russell family. Don't you want to see Mr. Charles Russell happy?"
Emma was caught off guard by Phoenix's heartfelt plea, but she kept her head down, pretending to be indecisive. "I just think I need to discuss this with George."
Phoenix seized the opportunity, pressing harder. "Emma, if you truly forgive them, let them move in. If you don't, it means you haven't really forgiven them."
Emma looked up, her eyes showing a hint of panic, but she was laughing inside. "Phoenix, you're really good at this moral blackmail."
Just as Emma was about to speak, Phoenix cut her off, her tone becoming more aggressive. "Emma, are you still holding a grudge against them? They're your elders. Can you really bear to see them suffer outside? Mr. Charles Russell is getting old; his greatest wish is to see the family united. Think about his feelings."
Emma felt a wave of disgust. She was considering Charles's feelings, which was why she didn't want Scarlett and Jack to move in.
What good would it do to let them in?
To hurt Charles again?
Emma maintained her innocent expression, her voice as soft as a feather. "That's not what I meant."
The influencers and reporters Phoenix had brought were live-streaming the entire apology drama. Viewers flooded the comments: [Phoenix is so kind! Standing up for her aunt and uncle.]
Seeing these comments, Phoenix was secretly pleased.
Emma pretended to be hesitant, but inside, she was counting down.
Suddenly, a cold voice came from the doorway. "No."
George strode in, his gaze icy, positioning himself in front of Emma, his eyes sharp as he stared down Phoenix. "How dare you trespass into my residence?"
Phoenix was momentarily taken aback by George's presence, but quickly regained her composure, putting on a pitiful expression. "George, I'm just worried about Aunt Scarlett and Uncle Jack. They're old and it's not safe for them to live alone. Emma already agreed, why are you being so heartless?"
George sneered, his tone unyielding. "Emma's agreement shows her generosity, but this is my house, and I make the decisions. My parents can move in, but you, absolutely not."
Phoenix was momentarily at a loss, then sighed softly. "Alright, if you're so insistent, I can't do anything about it. As long as they can move in, I'm satisfied. As for me, a single woman, I can live anywhere."
She finished, casting a meaningful glance at Emma.
George glared at the media personnel, his tone icy. "This is my home. Unauthorized filming is not welcome. Leave immediately."
Intimidated by George's presence, the media quickly packed up their equipment and left. Viewers watching the live stream buzzed with comments.
[George is so cool! He's standing up for Emma like a true hero!]
[Emma is so lucky to have George!]
Emma stood behind George, maintaining her innocent expression, quietly watching Phoenix's performance.
Maybe she should give up on the jewelry design competition and try her hand at acting.
She might even win a Best Actress award.
But when it came to acting, Emma was no less skilled than Phoenix.
She lowered her head, pretending to be uneasy, and tugged at George's sleeve, her voice as soft as a feather. "George, maybe we should let Phoenix stay too. It's not safe for her to live alone."
George looked back at her, his gaze softening slightly, but his tone remained firm. "Emma, you don't need to speak for her. This is my house, and I make the rules."
Seeing this, Phoenix knew staying any longer would be pointless. She put on a gracious smile and said to Emma, "Emma, thank you for forgiving Aunt Scarlett and Uncle Jack. I'll leave now, but I'll visit them once they move in."
With that, she left with the media entourage. As she exited the villa, she smirked and thought, 'Kick me out all you want. I can always disguise myself as Scarlett. Either way, I'll be moving in.'
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