Chapter 525 Joint Forces
"Why does she get everything?" Phoenix stirred her coffee, her eyes gleaming with malice. "George almost died for her, and Michael treats her like she's gold."
Wanda sneered, "She'll be nothing soon. I messed with George's meds; his eyesight's never gonna recover."
"Nice work." Phoenix leaned in closer. "I've got good news too. Those 'toys' Anna left behind are gonna come in handy."
The two women exchanged twisted smiles, their reflections distorted in the coffee cups. A deadly plot against Emma was quietly unfolding in the shadows.
A meticulously planned scandal swept through Lakeside Haven.
The "Emma Scandal" orchestrated by Phoenix and Wanda caused a sensation across major media platforms.
A set of photos, doctored with Photoshop, showed Emma involved with several business tycoons, and even fake videos of her using drugs. More maliciously, they forged evidence of Emma embezzling funds from the Russell Group.
Emma had just stepped out of her villa after recovering from her illness when she was surrounded by a swarm of reporters.
"Ms. Stuart, what do you have to say about the photos?"
"Did you get engaged to Michael to cover up these scandals?"
"We've heard you're also involved in corporate fraud..."
The flashbulbs blinded Emma, causing her to stumble backward. Just as she was about to fall, a pair of strong arms caught her.
"Move aside!" Michael's voice rang out beside her. He held Emma protectively, pushing the reporters away with a stern face. "We will address this matter legally. Now, please step aside."
Emma looked up at Michael, noticing a coldness in his eyes she had never seen before. The realization sent a shiver through her heart.
In truth, Michael had always felt like a stranger to Emma. But now wasn't the time to dwell on the scandal; she needed to find George immediately.
"Michael, I have something urgent to take care of. You should go home."
"No, I need to handle the media first."
"Alright, I'll leave it to you."
"By the way, Emma, I'll be out of Lakeside Haven for a few days. Be careful."
"Don't worry, I'll be fine."
After saying goodbye to Michael, Emma headed to George's villa.
George's villa was even more desolate than she remembered. As she walked into the garden, a sharp voice rang out, "Who allowed you to come here?"
Scarlett stood on the steps, her face twisted with anger. The once elegant lady was now gaunt, her eyes sharper than ever.
"I..." Emma began, but Scarlett cut her off harshly.
"Shut up! You bring nothing but disaster!" Scarlett trembled with rage. "If it weren't for you, George wouldn't be like this! How dare you show your face here?"
Emma noticed the marks on Scarlett's wrists, evidence of long-term restraint.
"What happened to you..."
"Save your fake concern!" Scarlett screamed hysterically. "Phoenix locked me in the basement for so long! I curse you all every day!"
Emma was shocked.
Scarlett hadn't disappeared willingly; she had been imprisoned by Phoenix.
"What does that have to do with me?" Emma said sincerely. "I'm here to see George."
"Get out!" Scarlett grabbed a nearby vase and hurled it at Emma. "You're already despised by the whole town, and now you want to ruin the Russell family too?"
Emma dodged the flying vase, her gaze growing colder.
"I understand your pain, but don't take it out on me." She stared directly at Scarlett. "You couldn't keep your husband, so you control your son like he's your husband. That's the real tragedy."
The words cut Scarlett deeply. Her face turned pale, her lips trembling, unable to retort.
Did everyone know about Jack wanting a divorce?
Jack, that bastard!
She had endured a living hell, imprisoned by Phoenix, and now that she was finally free, Jack wanted a divorce instead of cherishing her.
She knew Phoenix must have seduced Jack!
Bitch, they're all bitches!
"You bitch!" Scarlett finally found her voice, but it was incoherent. "I'll kill you!"
She charged down the steps, raising her hand to strike Emma. At that critical moment, a calm voice came from behind, "Stop."
George stood by the column, his blindness not diminishing the commanding presence that froze Scarlett's hand mid-air.
"George." Scarlett's voice softened instantly. "This bitch..."
"Mother, watch your language." George walked slowly, stopping precisely beside Emma. "Ms. Stuart is my guest."
Emma's heart ached at the sight of George's pale face and gaunt cheeks. Though he couldn't see, he always sensed her presence immediately.
Scarlett watched her son defend Emma and broke down completely.
"You're choosing her over me?" She laughed hysterically. "Fine! You all side with her! I'll just go die!"
She turned to slam into the wall but was stopped by the arriving servants. The scene descended into chaos.
Taking advantage of the commotion, Emma quietly tugged on George's sleeve. "Can we talk?"
George's body stiffened momentarily but quickly regained composure. "There's nothing to discuss. You should be with Michael now."
"I overheard your conversation with Michael," Emma whispered. "About that night on the island..."
George turned abruptly, his empty eyes "looking" at Emma, a flicker of panic crossing his face.
"You misheard." He said stiffly. "Please leave. You're not welcome here."
Emma refused to give up. "Those scars were to protect me, weren't they? Michael has been lying to me..."
"Enough!" As Emma and George stood at an impasse, the sound of high heels clicking on the pavement echoed through the courtyard. Wanda, dressed in a Chanel suit and carrying a limited-edition Hermès bag, walked gracefully toward them.
"George, it's time for your therapy session." Her voice was sickly sweet, her gaze turning icy as she spotted Emma.
Emma froze.
George allowed this woman to address him so intimately.
"Wanda's here." Scarlett's demeanor changed instantly, plastering on a smile as she hurried to greet her. "Why are you here so early today?"
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