Chapter 55

Mentioning Mia, Elena immediately understood Elysia's intentions. Elena thought Elysia seemed to be in a difficult situation. "Was she deliberately made to suffer because of Mia?" she asked. "What do you need me to testify about?"

Elysia replied, "Just tell the whole story."

Hearing this, Elena recounted the entire event that had taken place at the entrance of the small auditorium earlier that day. She added, "If you need the surveillance footage, I can request it from the school."

After hanging up, Scott nodded, realizing Elysia was telling the truth. He turned to Emma with a displeased expression. "Why did you say it was Elysia's fault?"

Emma pondered for a moment. "I was considering the Rosewood family's position. Mr. Smith is furious; if we don't let him vent, he might take it out on our family later."

"I have a different perspective," Elysia said with a hint of amusement.

Emma looked at Elysia, feeling inexplicably anxious.

"What perspective?" Scott asked.

Elysia replied, "Mia was at fault, yet I, the victim, am expected to apologize and wait on her hand and foot. If this is seen by the wrong people, who knows what they'll think of our family? They might believe there's a problem with the Rosewood Group. Otherwise, why wouldn't we be able to protect our own daughter? The Rosewood and Smith families are equals. If we back down, it will be clear who is superior in the future."

Scott frowned. He thought Elysia had a point.

Elysia continued, "The reason I didn't come back immediately is because I considered this. Mia apologized, and you immediately called me back. To outsiders, it might seem like our family is intimidated by the Smiths."

Scott nodded. He thought, Emma and Elysia have such different perspectives—one is clearly superior. Elysia, though not raised in the Rosewood family, has a sharp and far-sighted perspective. Emma, raised in the family, only sees what's directly in front of her. Elysia has a real knack for business. It's a pity she's a girl and can't inherit the business.

Emma hadn't expected Elysia to escape blame. She felt disappointed.

Elysia returned to her room and received a friend request from Zane, which she immediately accepted. He sent her tuxedo measurements and a message: “[Inspection on the fifteenth of next month, the price is up to you.]”

Elysia thought, He's a tycoon, not afraid I'll overcharge. But he doesn't know I'm Ada. I should be more tactful about the pricing. She replied: “[I’ll pass it on to Ada. As for the price, we’ll discuss it later. Also, I need a photo of your mother.]”

Zane replied: “[Sure.]”

A knock came on the door. Elysia put down her phone and opened it. Seeing Emma, she frowned. "What's up?"

"I came to check on you," Emma said, her gaze sweeping the room nostalgically. This room had been Emma's, but since Elysia's arrival, it had become hers. Emma hadn't expected the furnishings to remain unchanged.

Elysia noticed Emma's gaze. She'd wanted to redecorate but hadn't found the time or a trustworthy company. But seeing Emma's look, she suddenly became interested. "Take a good look while you can, because it won't be long before this room is completely redesigned," she said.

Emma asked, "What do you mean?"

Elysia said, "I'm planning to hire an interior designer to redesign this place and get rid of everything that belongs to you—not a single piece left."

Emma clenched her fists. This room was mine. Every piece of furniture was arranged according to my preferences. Who does Elysia think she is? Maintaining a calm facade, she said, "Since it's your room now, you can design it however you like."

Elysia replied, "Do I need you to tell me that?"

Emma was speechless. What kind of attitude is this? I'm her elder sister!

Seeing Emma's suppressed anger, Elysia sneered inwardly. She wanted to see how long Emma could hold it in. Surprisingly, Emma smiled. "Whatever you say."

Elysia thought, Something fishy is going on. Emma must be plotting something.

Emma said, "Elysia, don't take today's matter to heart. I was just thinking about the family. Also, I did plead for you, but Dad rejected my plea."

Elysia frowned. Does she think I'm stupid? Does she really believe I'm that gullible? That would be like adding fuel to the fire. And what did she mean by that last sentence? It's an attempt to drive a wedge between Scott and me. She looked at Emma coldly. "If you have something to say, just say it."

Emma felt awkward. "Elysia, Robert feels guilty about the engagement and wants to see you alone."

Elysia raised an eyebrow. This must be Emma's real intention. "What about time and place?"

Emma said, "Tomorrow night at eight o'clock sharp, at the Glory Hotel."

Elysia thought, Meeting in the middle of the night, at a hotel—something is definitely up. She played along, feigning excitement. "What's the room number?"

Emma smiled. The fish has taken the bait. "A5302, don't be late."

"Don't worry!" Elysia said.

Emma returned to her room, suppressing her joy. She hadn't expected things to go so smoothly.

When Elysia checked her phone, Zane had sent the photo. Looking at the woman in the photo, Elysia's eyes flickered.