Chapter 69

With those words, Elysia straightened. She glanced at Hella, who remained seated on the sofa, seemingly dazed. A faint smile touched Elysia's lips. Seeing her beloved daughter in such a state must be hard to bear! she thought.

Without lingering, Elysia went to her second-floor bedroom.

Emma's eyes blazed with hatred; her body trembled. She despised Elysia, her arrogance, her untouchable air.

Noticing Emma's distress, Bella snapped back to reality. She threw herself beside Emma, holding her tightly. "I'm sorry, Emma," she said, "it's all my fault. I failed to protect you."

Tears welled in Bella's eyes. It is my fault for not being strong enough to shield my dear Emma? she thought.

Emma remained silent, her body still shaking violently. She didn't know what to say.

By then, Elysia had returned to her room. A mischievous smile played on her lips as she fiddled with a USB drive. Does Emma think this is the end of the matter? she thought. How naive. This is just the beginning; the show has just begun. She plugged the USB into her computer, copied the video, and sent it.

Meanwhile, David exited the hospital room when his phone vibrated. He checked it; a video from an unknown number.

Puzzled, David opened it. Recognizing the scene and characters, his heart leaped. He pressed play. As the video unfolded, his brow furrowed.

"Isn't this the conversation I had with Ms. Emma Rosewood? Why is it filmed?" he thought. Before he could process this, a call came in—from the same number.

He answered. Before he could speak, a cool female voice filled the line.

"I assume you've received the video," Elysia said. "You know what to do. I have only one requirement: make this as big a deal as possible."

David instantly knew who it was. He'd made a deal with Elysia at the hospital.

"Understood," he replied. "But if I stir this up, can you guarantee my mother's safety?" He didn't ask about himself; involvement would make him a target. He only wanted his mother safe.

Elysia understood. "Once this is done," she smiled, "I'll give you enough money to take your mother away from this trouble."

David was taken aback. He'd considered countless reasons for Elysia's refusal, never imagining she'd offer an escape. It was an unexpected offer.

Even if Elysia had refused, David would have proceeded. He hadn't expected her agreement, let alone an escape plan. He was speechless.

Elysia, sensing his thoughts, simply reminded, "Remember to live up to the money I'm paying you."

"Rest assured!" David emphasized, his tone heavy with determination. Even as thanks, he would ensure flawless execution.

From Elysia's perspective, the money was unnecessary. Since deciding to use David to expose Emma, she'd never doubted his word. She had a hundred ways to ensure compliance; she chose the most costly, least profitable out of respect for his filial piety.

David wasn't inherently bad; he'd only aided Emma due to his mother's surgery. Elysia wanted to give him a chance.

12:06 PM

Chapter 69

After hanging up, Elysia received a video call. Seeing the familiar notification, her face lit up; she answered.

The three elderly figures on the other end were unaware the call had connected, still bickering over who should hold the phone.

"As the second oldest," Leo said, "I should handle this."

"Like I don't know your motives!" Max retorted. "You want Elysia to see more of you!"

"Max, how dare you?" Leo exclaimed. "I am your elder brother."

Max, arms crossed, feigned grievance. "As my elder brother, you should yield. I want Elysia to see me more."

"Enough!" Jack interrupted. "You're grown men! Max, you hold the phone."

Max's gloom vanished.

Leo protested, "I'm your brother too! Why not me?"

Jack glared, and Leo fell silent.

Max took the phone from Jack, then noticed Elysia watching—the call had lasted three minutes. This is embarrassing! he thought.

Leo, seeing Elysia, covered his face. This is humiliating!

"Leo, why are you hiding?" Elysia asked.

"You little rascal!" Leo exclaimed. "You watched us bicker without a word!"

"That's right," Max agreed. "We have no dignity left!"

"You can't blame me," Elysia said. "Jack wouldn't let me speak."

Leo and Max glared at Jack.

"Now I know where Elysia learned her slyness," Leo said.

"Me too," Max added.

Jack shrugged. "What could I do? You were being childish. Elysia needs to see this."

Leo and Max exchanged glances. (He did this on purpose.) (It's obvious.) they thought.

"Elysia, happy birthday!" Jack said.

"Thank you, Jack," Elysia replied.

Leo and Max perked up. They couldn't lose to Jack. "Elysia, happy birthday! Guess what gift I got you!" Leo exclaimed.