Chapter 425 Requesting a Dress
Phoenix's smile grew even more smug, and her tone was filled with confidence. "It's simple. Hand over Emma's custom design draft, and I'll pretend I don't know anything. Otherwise, tomorrow's headline might read: #Stellar Creations Design Studio Data Breach, Client Privacy Exposed. How does that sound?"
John's face darkened, his mind racing. He knew Phoenix wasn't bluffing. If she went public with this, years of the company's hard work would be down the drain.
He took a deep breath, finally gritting his teeth and speaking in a low voice, "Fine, I agree. But you have to promise this stays between us."
Phoenix nodded with satisfaction, a hint of contempt in her voice. "Don't worry, I keep my word. As long as you give me the design draft, I'll act like nothing happened."
John sighed helplessly, took a USB drive from his drawer, and handed it to Phoenix.
She slipped it into her bag, spun around, and walked out of the office, her exit brimming with unapologetic arrogance.
John watched her leave, picked up his phone, and dialed Emma's number. "Emma, there's something I need to tell you..."
Meantime, Emma had just stepped into her home when she felt a tense atmosphere in the air. She looked up to see Scarlett sitting brazenly on the living room sofa, arms crossed, her gaze as sharp as knives, fixed on Emma with a look that screamed, "You're done today."
"Finally decided to come home?" Phoenix's voice dripped with sarcasm. "Emma, you were really bold today! How dare you embarrass Phoenix in public! She's my niece, and humiliating her is the same as humiliating me, got it?"
Emma was momentarily stunned. Phoenix had already run to Scarlett to complain?
Phoenix was indeed Scarlett's favorite. Just a minor setback, and Scarlett was here to back her up.
Scarlett couldn't keep up the pretense any longer.
Emma knew that Phoenix's misfortune today was entirely her own doing, but she also knew Scarlett wouldn't listen to her explanation, and she didn't feel like explaining.
After trying on clothes with Sophia, they had met with the competition project team to discuss the event details, keeping them busy until now.
Emma was exhausted and didn't want to argue with Scarlett. She opted for a straightforward apology.
"Mom," Emma tried to stay calm, her tone even, "if Phoenix feels I did something to upset her, I'm willing to apologize."
"What's the use of an apology?" Phoenix scoffed, standing up and aggressively approaching Emma. "You humiliated her, so you need to show some sincerity! I demand you compensate her with a dress, the best one, and don't think you can brush me off!"
Emma frowned, feeling speechless. She knew Phoenix's temperament; if she really compensated her with a dress, the situation would only escalate.
Phoenix's greed was insatiable.
Moreover, she hadn't done anything wrong, so why should she yield and compensate?
"I'll talk to Phoenix about this, but compensating with a dress might not be appropriate."
"Not appropriate? What's not appropriate?" Phoenix clearly wasn't interested in her explanation, her tone becoming more aggressive. "Do you think the Russell family has treated you poorly? Can't even spare a dress? Do you think you're so rich now that you can look down on us?"
Emma sighed helplessly, about to say something when the doorbell rang. She turned to open the door and saw a Lunora employee standing there, holding a delicate gift box, a professional smile on their face.
"Here's your dress. We've adjusted it according to your requirements." The employee respectfully handed her the box.
Emma took the box, smiling and saying, "Thanks a lot."
As soon as she closed the door and turned around, she saw Phoenix's eyes fixed on the box in her hands, filled with undisguised greed and jealousy.
"What's this?" Phoenix quickly walked over, her tone urgent. "Open it."
Before Emma could refuse, Phoenix had already snatched the box and opened it. Inside, a Lunora haute couture dress lay quietly, its design luxurious and elegant, every inch of detail showcasing top-tier craftsmanship, like a piece of art.
Phoenix's eyes lit up instantly, her breathing becoming rapid. She gently touched the fabric, her tone filled with awe. "This is stunning! Lunora haute couture? Only one in the world?"
Emma looked at her greedy expression, feeling helpless but still explained, "Yes, this was custom-made for me by Lunora, the only one in the world. The brand explicitly stated that only I can wear it."
"Only you can wear it?" Phoenix's face darkened immediately, her tone filled with dissatisfaction. "Why? Isn't Phoenix worthy of wearing it? She's my niece, and in terms of figure and looks, she's more qualified than you!"
"This isn't about figure or looks. It's the brand's rule, and I can't change it. If you like, Mom, I can contact them and see if they can make one for Phoenix."
"Custom-made? You're just brushing me off!" Phoenix retorted. "Do you think Phoenix isn't worthy of wearing such an expensive dress? Or do you think the Russell family has fallen so low that we don't deserve such things? Emma, don't forget, the Russell family's current state is because of you!"
Emma looked at Phoenix, puzzled.
"I don't know. George won't say anything. Mom, I've always been curious, why don't you live in the Russell Mansion anymore?"
Emma's words left Phoenix speechless.
She had forgotten that the current Emma was still the same pitiful girl who could be easily manipulated, not the assertive Isabella.
But something seemed off.
Would the old Emma argue like this?
If she were the old Emma, wouldn't she have handed over the dress willingly?
Emma's current demeanor seemed more and more like Isabella.
Could it be that Emma was starting to merge memories?
Phoenix hesitated before speaking, "You really don't know?"
Emma seemed to realize she might be deviating from her original character, innocently shaking her head.
"Then let me tell you, it's your fault! So to make up for it, you must give this dress to Phoenix!"
"Mom, this dress really can't be given to her. It's a contractual obligation, and I can't change it."
"Contract? Obligation? Don't use those to brush me off! Emma, don't think I don't know what you're thinking. You think you're famous now and can look down on the Russell family? I'm telling you, I want this dress!"
With that, she reached out to grab the dress.
Emma quickly stopped her, her tone urgent. "Mom, you can't do this! It's the brand's requirement, and if we breach the contract, the consequences will be severe!"
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