Chapter 204
Bella's words hit Emily like a ton of bricks, leaving her speechless. The world around her faded, and all she could see was Bella's smug grin.
After what felt like forever, Emily finally managed to speak, "What did you just say?"
Bella smirked and said, "You heard me."
Emily's fists clenched in anger. So it was really him!
While she was working on her design, Thomas had taken her out to dinner several times, always complaining about his forced engagement and how he didn't love Bella.
Emily had struggled with her feelings but ultimately refused to be the other woman. She always brought her laptop to their dinners and never suspected Thomas, so she couldn't even remember when he had the chance to steal her design.
Realizing she had fallen for such a deceitful man made her feel sick, and she couldn't help but retch.
She remarked sarcastically, "You and Thomas are both disgusting, a perfect match!"
Bella showed no remorse, saying, "You were naive. Who's to blame?"
With that, Bella walked away.
Ten minutes later, Emily returned to the exhibition hall and saw Gianna and Naomi chatting happily in front of a piece of clothing. Guilt washed over her.
She approached Gianna slowly, saying, "Gianna, I need to tell you something."
Gianna asked, "What is it?"
Emily confessed, "I'm sorry, the design got leaked because of my carelessness."
Gianna's smile vanished, replaced by a serious expression.
Gianna inquired, "What happened?"
Emily briefly explained her meetings with Thomas and said through gritted teeth, "He must have stolen the design when I went to the restroom. Mr. Redstone, I'm sorry. I trusted him too much."
Seeing the guilt on Emily's face, Gianna sighed and comforted her, "It's not entirely your fault. No one expects someone they like to betray them. But you need to be more careful in the future."
Emily nodded firmly and replied, "I understand."
Gianna encouraged, "Alright, go back to the exhibition."
Emily didn't move and said slowly, "We can't just let this go. I'm furious!"
Gianna asked, "What do you want to do?"
Emily suggested, "Call the police!"
Gianna was silent for a few seconds, then asked, "Are you sure?"
Calling the police would sever ties between the Johnson and Clinton families, making future encounters awkward.
Emily nodded and stated, "Yes, Gianna. I've made up my mind."
Gianna explained, "Alright, we'll also sue LR Design Studio. But be prepared. Thomas might not face real punishment."
Emily's expression was cold, saying, "I know. That's not my goal."
She just wanted everyone to see Thomas for who he really was and let him feel the sting of gossip.
Gianna agreed, "Okay, leave it to MY FASHION's legal team. You focus on your designs."
Hearing this, Emily finally smiled a bit, thanking her, "Gianna, thank you."
Gianna teased, "Instead of thanking me, why not create more designs?"
Emily laughed and nodded, saying, "Don't worry, Gianna. I'll give my all for MY FASHION!"
Gianna suggested, "Alright, go back to the exhibition."
Soon, Thomas received a court summon.
Seeing that MY FASHION was suing him for stealing designs, Thomas frowned and immediately called Bella.
Thomas said angrily, "Did you say something? Why is MY FASHION suddenly suing me?"
Bella chuckled, and admitted, "I just told Emily you gave me the design. Who knew she'd be so ruthless?"
Thomas's eyes turned cold, a murderous look flashing in them as he threatened, "Bella, do you think I won't touch you just because you're pregnant?"
Bella laughed, unfazed by his threat, and replied, "Thomas, our interests are tied together. Since you won't help me, I have to make you suffer too!"
Thomas gripped the phone tightly, and warned, "Bella, you'll regret this!"
Bella hung up without another word.
Ella walked in with some documents, and said, "Bella, these are the termination papers. If everything is good, please sign them."
Hearing "termination," Bella felt a wave of irritation and asked, "How many clients are terminating their contracts?"
Ella hesitated, "A total of thirty-two."
Bella's face twisted in anger as she shouted, "They're all just fair-weather friends!"
Ella pointed out, "Bella, with these clients leaving, our revenue will take a hit. We need new partners fast."
Bella instructed, "I understand. Have the marketing department compile a list of potential clients and arrange meetings."
Ella replied, "Got it."
After signing the documents, Bella handed them to Ella and sent her out.
Losing most of their clients was a huge blow to LR Design Studio, and now MY FASHION was suing them for fifty million dollars. Bella was furious.
She could come up with the money, but the thought of giving it to Gianna made her seethe in anger. Gianna, a girl from the countryside, didn't deserve to take everything Bella had!
The more she thought about it, the more unbalanced Bella felt. For a moment, the idea of killing Gianna crossed her mind.
While Bella was overwhelmed with the issues at LR Design Studio, her phone rang.
As soon as she answered, she heard Leon from the Redstone family, panicked.
Leon said frantically, "Bella, come back quickly. Julian is back and hitting Lauren!"
Bella's face changed and ordered, "Separate them immediately. I'll be right back."
It took half an hour for Bella to rush back to the Redstone family.
As soon as she walked into the living room, she was met with a slap.
Bella couldn't dodge in time and was knocked to the ground by Julian's slap.
Ignoring the pain, Bella quickly got up, covering her face and looked at Julian with a hurt expression.
Bella asked, "Dad, why did you hit me?"
Julian sneered, "You know why. I was gone for a few days, and you brought shame to the Redstone family. Do you know what people are saying? They say I raised a daughter who only knows how to use lowly tricks!"
Bella bit her lip, her expression turning cold.
Bella shot back, "Have you forgotten that when the Redstone Group was in crisis, it was this daughter who you say only knows lowly tricks who gave you fifty million dollars to help the Redstone Group through it!"
Julian, hit where it hurt, became even angrier and raised his hand to hit Bella again. Lauren, covered in injuries, suddenly shouted, "Julian, if you hit my daughter again, your affair will be known to everyone by tomorrow!"
