Horace’s lips pinched together in distaste.
"Emline, are you or are you not a granddaughter of the Hawthornes?" Once again, he thumped his cane against the floor, this ti with more force. "How many tis do you need to tell you that a lioness does not consider the opinions of the sheep?"
The other businessn around them nodded, and Matteo wondered if they knew they were the sheep in question.
"Grandpa!" Emline spluttered, scrubbing away at the tears that were still rolling down her face, with a look of shock in her eyes. He had never scolded her in public before! To think he was willing to go this far for Alia Kentwood when he had only t her re weeks ago.
Fine, if throwing tantrums wasn’t going to work, she was going to have to use another tactic. She swallowed and pulled herself together, willing herself to display so form of composure even as she wanted to snap Alia’s stupid neck.
"Grandpa, even if I were to give up this engagent with Matteo, I would not approve of him marrying a suspected criminal!" Emline exclaid, jabbing an angry finger in Alia’s direction. "My private photos were leaked to the public! Soone has to be responsible. Matteo, you said it― Alia was living with you. If she planted a few hidden caras to watch you sleep, would you even be aware of it?"
Matteo didn’t even blink before replying. "She has no need for hidden caras. Alia is welco to watch sleep in person if she likes."
The group of old businessn exchanged knowing laughs, while Alia’s cheeks blood a bright red at the implications.
"Young love. Isn’t it wonderful?"
"Alia is a looker too, Matteo chose well in the end!"
"Aren’t you a lucky man, Horace! Great-grandchildren are coming soon!"
anwhile, Emline’s face was red for a whole different reason. She bit her lip so hard she tasted blood on her tongue. How dare these n mock her with their laughter?
Horace Hawthorne had a small, but indulgent smile on his face as he glanced at the couple. They made a fetching pair. It was a lucky coincidence, and an incredible blessing, that a union that would bring about great financial prosperity for both families was also one created of love. Perhaps if things went well, he might even see a great-grandchild before the year ends!
"Emline, there are plenty of fish in the sea," Horace lectured gently, his voice soft to not be overheard.
It wasn’t as though he couldn’t understand her feelings, but if she continued to behave in such an unseemly manner, no one else would want her.
"Do yourself a favor and back out with your dignity."
Emline balled her hands into fists as her grandfather’s words echoed in her ears. Back out? Her grandfather must be senile to even suggest it!
It was all Alia Kentwood’s fault. Emline’s eyes roved all over her, imagining crushing every bit of Alia’s organs under her heel. Her blood would spew everywhere and Emline would revel in her destruction.
In the midst of her gory fantasies, her eyes caught sight of a twinkling brooch that was nestled prettily on Alia’s dress.
Her gaze turned predatory.
It had escaped her notice before since she had been too preoccupied with the gaudy necklace that adorned Alia’s blasted neck. But now, Emline was thanking her lucky stars for granting her the perfect evidence for accusing Alia Kentwood.
"Grandfather, I cannot― I will not do such a thing," Emline said, collecting herself as she stood tall and proud. "I might be young, but I’m not a coward to sit idly by while a leech threatens our interests!"
"Emline, show so respect!" Horace thundered, aghast.
"I will only show respect to those that deserve it," Emline said primly. "And before you think I’m being overly harsh or rude, Alia Kentwood has brought evidence of her cris directly to our doorstep!"
"What on earth are you talking about?" Alia asked, finally opening her mouth to speak. She had been content to sit aside for this family drama― a family she had suddenly found herself a part of, but Emline’s words were so ludicrous she had to reply.
"That brooch you’re wearing now is none other than a spycam in disguise," Emline declared with victorious viciousness, and Alia could only blink in surprise.
"To think you even thought about wearing such an extravagant necklace to distract people’s eyes from it shows your true conniving nature! Grandpa, this woman is out to sell our secrets to the tabloids!"
"The brooch?" Alia echoed, before rembering that this was from Dimitri. "It’s just a brooch. Stop making up stories!"
"I’m not," Emline said, "If you don’t believe , take it off and pry it open. You’ll see a tiny cara inside the hollowed jewel!"
Matteo squeezed her hand in a wordless show of support, encouraging her to do as Emline asked. So, Alia gingerly took off the tiny brooch from her dress and pried it open, and true enough, there was a tiny cara inside!
Exclamations of surprise echoed around the room. Alia’s eyes widened in shock. Did Dimitri give her a spycam on purpose, for safety?
Matteo’s face turned dark. Imdiately, Alia had to defend herself. "I didn’t know about this! This was a gift from Dimitri!"
"You didn’t know? How awfully convenient!" Emline laughed mockingly. "Besides, since when were you on a first-na basis with the oldest Suillvan son?" She had spotted the change in Matteo’s expression, and she knew she had to strike while the iron was hot.
He was finally having so doubts about this woman and Emline wasn’t about to let this opportunity go. True or not, she was more than content to add oil to the fire.
"Matteo, do you see why I’m trying so hard to protect you? Even if you don’t marry , you can’t marry soone like her! She’ll ruin you!"
A growl escaped Matteo’s throat as his head whirled in Emline’s direction, as though he were an angry dog preparing to bite. Emline took a wary step back, surprised. Why was Matteo furious with her? She didn’t deserve the brunt of his anger!
"Weren’t you wearing sothing similar when you visited at ho?" Matteo asked, his voice dark with malice.
Reviews
All reviews (0)