Chapter 68

Ava knew Elena had reservations, but Ava kept her own puzzlement to herself. She knew Elena would speak up if she wanted them to know something.

Elysia, however, understood Elena's reticence; it likely stemmed from her past. Elena's restricted childhood, a stark contrast to the envy she inspired in others, weighed heavily on her. Elysia mused, "It must have been hard on her."

As the guests departed, Elena and Ava followed shortly after, leaving with the last wave. The dinner party was over; now it was time for family matters.

Scott sat on the sofa, looking exhausted. Bella held Einna on the other side. Emma's eyes were red and puffy, her gaze vacant, her face still tear-stained. Her once exquisite makeup was now a mess, making her look disheveled. Flysia, however, remained composed, observing them from across the sofa.

"Scott, you have to stand up for Emma," Bella said.

"What do you want me to do?" Scott asked, frowning in annoyance.

Bella was confused. The situation is so obvious, she thought, how could Scott not see it? She hadn't heard the recording herself, but she understood immediately after it was played. She knew it was the evidence Elysia had used to manipulate Scott—all Elysia's doing. Innocent Emma was no match for her.

Every step Elysia took was premeditated, Bella thought. "Scott, Elysia is behind all of this," she said tentatively.

"Do you have proof?" Scott asked, his brow furrowing. Do I need her to remind me? he thought. But I have to side with Elysia. Zane's warning weighed heavily against Emma, who was of little use to him. Elysia, however, was different; she had close ties to three major families and had just saved face for him that evening. Scott weighed the pros and cons.

He composed himself and said solemnly, "Starting tomorrow, Emma will move to the suburban villa. She is not allowed to return to the Rosewood residence without my permission."

Everyone was taken aback. Mary's face turned pale. Since Elysia's return, Mary had observed her, remarking internally, It seems that no matter what happens, as long as it involves Elysia, others always suffer. She is indeed not a good person. Relieved she hadn't crossed Elysia, Mary resolved to be more cautious.

Bella's eyes widened at Scott's words. "Scott," she began, intending to plead for Emma.

Before she could continue, Scott raised a hand, his face displeased. "If you want to plead for her, you can move to the suburban villa with her."

Bella's words caught in her throat. Am I not welcome now? she thought.

Emma's body stiffened. She'd hoped Bella's pleas would sway Scott, but his heartlessness shocked her. Tears welled up.

12:06 PM

Chapter 68 (continued)

Despite her earlier stubbornness, she now cried uncontrollably. She knew that once expelled, it would be too late. Without her status as the Rosewood family's eldest daughter, she was nothing. With a thud, Emma knelt before Scott, the sound startling Elysia.

Emma is really going all out this time, Elysia thought. No, it isn't acting; it's genuine fear. She is truly afraid of being kicked out. If only she had thought of this consequence back then… she brought it upon herself.

"Dad, don't you want me anymore?" Emma cried, her eyes filled with grievance. She desperately sought to evoke his paternal affection.

Scott didn't even glance at her. "Sending you to the suburban villa is the greatest leniency I can show you. Otherwise, you have nothing. If you continue to make a scene, I won’t hesitate to sever our father-daughter relationship. From then on, you, Emma, and the Rosewood family will have no connection whatsoever.”

Emma stopped crying instantly.

Bella was stunned. To sever the father-daughter relationship? Emma is the daughter I have cherished for eighteen years! How could Scott say that? She wanted to intervene, but knew pleading would only worsen the situation. She watched, tears in her own eyes, as Emma knelt on the ground.

Emma was on the brink of despair. No one would save her, not even Bella. Am I really going to lose like this? she thought, unwilling to accept it.

"In a while, I’ll have Mary pack your things, and Paul will take you there," Scott said, rising and leaving.

Emma's lips were bitten until they bled, her fists clenched white. She stared at the floor, her eyes filled with determination. I will get back at Elysia for everything I have suffered today, with interest. It is all because of her.

Elysia stretched and stood, picking up a tissue and offering it to Emma. "Here, wipe your face."

Emma looked up; Elysia's eyes held disdain, the mockery of a victor over a vanquished foe. Emma hated that look. Everyone can say I have lost, but not Elysia.

"Don't want it?" Elysia asked, releasing the tissue as Emma hesitated. It drifted down in front of her. Elysia bent down, looking into Emma's hateful eyes. "Do you know why you've become like this?" she whispered, pausing. Then, smiling, she continued, "It's because you messed with me. I'm not a good person to begin with."

AD