Chapter 627 Replacing
The car slowly pulled away from the campus, and Wanda watched the scenery speed by outside the window, a satisfied smile playing on her lips. She had finally gotten what she wanted, sitting in this seat, and soon, she would also have the title of Mrs. Stuart.
Meanwhile, in the bathroom, Emma was gradually regaining consciousness. She struggled to call for help but found her mouth taped shut and her hands and feet tightly bound. In the darkness, she could only hear her own rapid breathing and the occasional sound of footsteps in the distance.
She had been too careless. She never imagined that Wanda would be bold enough to replace her, and the dazed George hadn't noticed a thing.
George's car slowly pulled into the Stuart Villa, and Wanda greedily eyed the mansion she had dreamed of through the car window. The fountain in the garden shimmered silver in the moonlight, and the meticulously trimmed bushes emitted a faint scent of greenery.
"We're here," George's voice brought her back to reality.
Wanda immediately put on Emma's gentle smile. "Thanks for bringing me home." She deliberately slowed her movements as she unbuckled her seatbelt, her fingertips brushing lightly against George's hand.
George frowned but said nothing. Wanda felt a surge of triumph as she gracefully stepped out of the car, turning at the door to wave goodbye. Only when the taillights disappeared around the corner did her fake smile vanish, replaced by twisted jealousy.
"Finally home, my 'home'," she sneered as she pushed open the door.
The living room was brightly lit, and Sophia was arranging flowers. Hearing the door open, she immediately put down her scissors and came forward. "Emma, why are you back so late?"
Wanda suppressed her disgust and mimicked Emma's tone. "Mom, George and I stayed out a bit longer."
Sophia lovingly took her hand. "Are you hungry? I had the kitchen heat up some soup for you."
"No, I want to rest first." Wanda discreetly pulled her hand back, her gaze drawn to a family photo at the foot of the stairs. In the photo, Emma was surrounded by Sophia and Henry, her smile dazzlingly bright.
Sophia followed her gaze and spoke even more tenderly. "After we parted at the airport, we didn't continue our trip. We all came back. You hadn't returned, and I was worried sick. Your room is cleaned every day. Go rest; I added some new things for you."
Wanda nodded, suppressing her anger, and followed Sophia upstairs. When the door opened, she almost lost control of her expression. This wasn't a room; it was a miniature palace!
Lavender silk drapes hung from the ceiling, and outside the floor-to-ceiling windows was a private terrace. The vanity was filled with limited-edition skincare products. What made her most jealous was the photo frame on the nightstand, a picture of George, Emma, and Lucas as a happy family.
"Do you like it?" Sophia asked expectantly. "Your dad even opened up the room next door to make the closet bigger."
Wanda's nails dug into her palms, but she forced a smile. "I love it, thank you, Mom."
As soon as Sophia left, Wanda went berserk, smashing the photo frame to the ground. The sound of shattering glass calmed her slightly, but when she opened the closet and saw it filled with designer dresses, the burning jealousy flared up again.
"Why?" she hissed, tearing a dress from its hanger and throwing it on the floor. "These should all be mine!"
She collapsed onto the soft carpet, memories of her time in this house flashing through her mind. Back then, she was the "Stuart family's daughter," but Sophia's care for her was nothing compared to now.
Emma had stolen her identity and everyone's love!
"Emma," she stared at the broken photo frame on the floor, her eyes venomous like a snake, "I'll make you wish you were dead!"
At two in the morning, Wanda sneaked out of the Stuart Villa. She drove straight to the university campus, her mind replaying Sophia, Henry, and George's affection for Emma. Each time she thought about it, she pressed the gas pedal harder.
"It's all your fault," she muttered maniacally. "If it weren't for you..."
The campus was pitch dark, except for the bathroom's indicator light. Wanda put on a mask and gloves, taking a black suitcase from the trunk. She walked to the women's bathroom with practiced ease, but at the door, she heard a man's voice inside.
"Miss, tied up here in the middle of the night, must be pretty lonely, huh?"
Wanda's heart skipped a beat. She gently pushed the door open a crack and saw a drunken homeless man squatting in front of Emma, his filthy hand already touching her face!
Emma was bound in the corner, her mouth taped shut, only able to make muffled sounds. Her clothes were torn, and her face was streaked with tears.
"Trouble," Wanda rolled her eyes impatiently. She had planned to take Emma directly, but now she had to deal with this complication.
"Stop!" She kicked the door open, her voice deliberately low.
The homeless man jumped, turning to see a woman, and then leered. "What, you want to join in?"
Wanda didn't waste words, pulling a knife from her bag. "Get lost, or I'll call the cops."
Seeing the gleaming blade, the homeless man immediately backed down, cursing as he fled.
The bathroom returned to silence, only Emma's rapid breathing remaining. She looked at Wanda in terror, not understanding why her enemy had saved her.
"Don't look at me like that," Wanda crouched down, ripping the tape from Emma's mouth. "I just don't want anyone else to get ahead."
Emma's lips were already bleeding, her voice hoarse. "Anna, what do you want?"
"What do I want?" Wanda sneered, lightly tapping Emma's cheek with the knife. "To send you off, my dear 'sister.'"
"Since you've guessed, I won't pretend anymore." She stood up, looking down at Emma. "You know what? Tonight I slept in your room, wore your pajamas, and used your skincare products. Your mom... no, my mom now, even heated milk for me."
Emma's pupils contracted sharply. "What did you do to them?"
"Don't worry," Wanda laughed maliciously. "They're fine, perfectly fine. After all, in their eyes, I'm you."
She suddenly grabbed Emma's hair, forcing her to look up. "You know what's funniest? George didn't even notice the switch! He just sent me home and told me to rest well!"
Emma's tears flowed, but Wanda felt no pity, only more excitement. "Cry, keep crying! When I throw you into the ocean, you can cry all you want!"
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