Chapter 577 Nothing to Do with Me
Wanda sat obediently on the leather couch, her fingers nervously twisting the hem of her dress. The room was filled with the scent of sandalwood, mixed with the rich aroma of whiskey, creating an oppressive atmosphere that made her feel suffocated.
"Who kidnapped Seraphine?" Michael suddenly turned around, his amber eyes glinting dangerously in the dim light.
Wanda's heart skipped a beat as Kieran's sinister face flashed through her mind. She forced herself to look confused. "I don't know. I really have nothing to do with it."
Michael slowly approached, his polished shoes making no sound on the Persian carpet, yet Wanda felt a cold sweat break out on her back. He crouched in front of her and suddenly grabbed her chin.
"Anna, I brought you back to Lakeside Haven," he said, his thumb gently brushing her lips, his voice eerily gentle. "So you should know the price of deceiving me."
Wanda's pupils contracted slightly, but she quickly regained her composure. "Mr. Russell, why would I lie to you? I really don't know who went after Seraphine. The plan I set up was just to take down Phoenix."
Michael abruptly let go of her and walked over to the liquor cabinet, pouring himself a glass of whiskey. The ice clinked against the amber liquid with a crisp sound.
"I sent you to keep an eye on George to make sure his eyesight would never recover," he said, taking a sip of his drink, his gaze cold. "And yet, not only did he regain his sight, but he also severely injured my man in the police department."
Wanda hurried to explain. "But I did delay his treatment! And he was always wary of me. I had no idea when he recovered."
He set down his glass, the sound of glass meeting marble ringing out clearly. "Given that he's still recovering from his injuries, I'll let this slide for now."
Michael pulled a velvet box from his suit pocket and opened it to reveal a pair of earrings. He carefully put them on Wanda, his cold fingers brushing her earlobe.
"I want his eyes," Michael whispered in her ear, his breath carrying the essence of the alcohol, "forever."
Wanda shivered, the earrings glinting ominously in the light. She knew this wasn't a request but a command.
After Wanda left, Michael stood alone by the window, taking out an ornate pocket watch. Inside the cover was a photo of Emma, taken on her twentieth birthday, her smile pure and untouched by the world.
"Emma," Michael's fingers traced the outline of her face in the photo, his gaze filled with obsession and pain. "Why can't you see my heart?"
"If all you see is him," Michael snapped the watch shut, the metal clinking sharply, "then I'll plunge his world back into darkness."
Wanda stood at the entrance of the Russell Villa, her fingers lightly brushing the carefully prepared gift box. She had dressed in a modest beige suit today, her makeup so light it was almost invisible, perfectly fitting Scarlett's ideal of a "virtuous daughter-in-law."
But the scar on her face was there to stay.
"Wanda, you're here?" Scarlett called from the kitchen, her apron dusted with flour. "Perfect timing, help me taste this soup."
Wanda obediently set down the gift and walked into the bustling kitchen. She looked at the simmering chicken soup and the dough being kneaded, feigning surprise. "You're cooking for yourself? Who's the lucky one?"
"Who else?" Scarlett sighed, her hands never stopping. "Poor Emma is still in the hospital."
Wanda took the ladle, stirring the pot casually. "Isn't it strange? After everything you did to her, why would she risk her life to save you?"
Scarlett's hands paused, flour falling like snow. "Emma has a kind heart, I suppose."
"Kind heart?" Wanda chuckled, pulling a photo from her bag and sliding it over. "Take a look at this."
The photo showed Phoenix and Emma in a café, deep in conversation. The angle made it clear they were enjoying each other's company. Scarlett's hand trembled, spilling flour everywhere.
"When was this taken?"
"The day before you were kidnapped," Wanda whispered. "Think about it. Wasn't Emma's timing too perfect when she saved you?"
Scarlett's mind flashed back to the kidnapping, to the moment Emma "just happened" to appear and take the fatal blow for her.
"Impossible," her voice shook. "Emma lost so much blood."
"A ruse," Wanda said, handing her a tissue. "Did you know the attending doctor at that hospital is Emma's college friend?"
Scarlett's face grew paler as she recalled her recent change in attitude towards Emma, the rekindled love in George's eyes. Everything was too perfect, like a meticulously crafted script.
"Why would she do this?" Scarlett's voice trembled with anger.
Wanda sighed, holding her cold hand. "George never forgot Emma, but you never approved of their remarriage. So..." she trailed off, "she came up with a way to make you owe her a life debt."
Scarlett slammed her hand on the table, the dough rolling to the floor. Her eyes burned with the fury of betrayal. "Emma! I almost fell for her act!"
Wanda quickly soothed her. "Don't get upset. It's not too late to see through it now." She picked up the dough. "Are we still delivering this meal?"
"Deliver?" Scarlett sneered, grabbing the thermos and heading for the trash can, but stopped at the last moment. "No, I want to confront this schemer myself!"
In the VIP hospital room, Emma was leaning against the headboard, reading. Sunlight filtered through the curtains, casting a fragile glow on her pale face. Hearing the door open, she looked up, delighted. "Scarlett, what are you..."
Scarlett slammed the thermos on the bedside table, spilling soup everywhere. "Emma, you put on quite a show!"
Emma was stunned by the sudden outburst, the book slipping from her fingers. "What's wrong?"
"Don't play dumb! You and Phoenix plotted against me to get George to take you back, didn't you?"
Emma frowned in confusion. "I didn't..."
"Enough!" Scarlett's voice was sharp and piercing. "From now on, you stay away from George!"
Outside the room, Wanda watched through the glass, satisfied. She discreetly snapped a photo of Scarlett storming out and sent it to Michael: "Plan successful, the fish has taken the bait."
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