Chapter 11

Liam wrapped an arm around Emma's waist. "Relax. No one's going to mess with my girl."

"You better mean it," Daniel retorted, handing Emma a bank card.

Emma looked at him, puzzled. "What's this for, Uncle Daniel?"

"It's a little welcome gift from all of us uncles," Daniel grinned. "The stocks and funds tied to this card generate about a million dollars annually. More than enough for your school expenses."

Emma's eyes widened in shock. She'd heard whispers about her uncles' wealth, but a million dollars a year? The initial investment must have been astronomical.

"They're all thrilled you're back," Daniel continued. "I'm just the messenger. They'll each visit soon."

Emma felt like she was dreaming. Between Liam's limitless black card and her uncles' generosity, her rebirth seemed to compensate for past regrets. She was finally experiencing true pampering.

After Emma left, the Wilson family descended into chaos. They had lost two million dollars, and Emma had rejected Liam's investment offer. Repeated calls to Liam went unanswered. Panic reigned.

"It's all your fault!" Mateo yelled, throwing a vase at Aria. "If you hadn't been so obsessed with Emma, putting dog food on her spot, she wouldn't have snapped! You screwed everything up!"

Aria stared at him, wide-eyed. "Dad, how is this my fault?"

Nora quickly intervened. "Mateo, you can't blame Aria. Emma wasn't raised by us; it's natural she doesn't feel the same loyalty. Now that we're in trouble, she's the first to leave. How can you blame Aria for that?"

"Exactly!" Zoe chimed in, leaning on her cane. "Our priority should be finding Aria a wealthy husband, someone richer than Liam, to solve this mess."

Zoe, accustomed to a life of luxury, was seriously considering sacrificing her granddaughter for financial security.

Mateo's anger intensified. "If she could have found someone already, don't you think she would have?" he snapped.

"Hey, Mateo, what's your problem?" Nora retorted, clearly annoyed. "Did you miss how that Gomez boy was eyeing Aria earlier? Don't disrespect her like that!"

Mateo was livid. "Sebastian Gomez? That guy's only interested in one thing! You really think he wants to clean up this mess?"

"Dad, that's so harsh! What do you mean by 'mess'? Just because Emma is your golden child, that makes me worthless?" Aria burst into tears and stormed upstairs.

'Why? Why is this happening to me?' she thought bitterly. She'd lost her top student status, her study abroad funds, and now her father's criticism. Since Emma's return, her world had imploded. Emma was with Liam, while she was stuck with the useless Sebastian? No way. She had to act.

After leaving with Liam, Emma didn't go straight home. She had unfinished business—something she wouldn't share with Liam yet.

She booked a luxurious hotel suite. Liam, the gentleman, escorted her to the lobby before departing. The next day, Emma went alone to Saint Maria Hospital. Layla might have been apprehended for the poisoning, but others remained. She needed to gather evidence. 'No one—Nora, Aria, or Elijah—will escape my grasp,' she muttered.

At the hospital, a man waited respectfully.

"Did you bring the items?" she asked.

"Everything's here," he replied. "Surveillance footage and medical records. Layla definitely followed Elijah's orders. Give this to the police, and they'll arrest him immediately."

"Good work," Emma said, her authority evident even behind her sunglasses.

The man bowed deeply. "It's an honor to serve, Stox."

Emma smiled faintly. After severing ties with the Wilsons in her past life, she'd joined a secretive organization, acquiring exceptional skills. Hacking was just the beginning.

With the evidence, she turned to leave, but bumped into Elijah. He was on duty.

"Emma?" Elijah looked surprised.

Seeing him ignited her fury. "What do you want?"

"What are you holding? Feeling unwell?" He assumed she was there for a checkup.

Emma tightened her grip on the evidence and, with a disdainful smile, concealed it in her bag. "None of your business."

"Look, I'm sorry about the medication incident. I thought you were causing trouble. But with the Wilson family drama, I see things differently. My apologies. How about coffee in my office to make amends?" Elijah's voice was sincere, but his eyes held a darker intent.

As Emma followed Elijah into his office, Aria acted swiftly. She sent an anonymous text to Liam: [Emma and Elijah are having an affair in Room 207 of Saint Maria Hospital.]

At Glianse Group Headquarters, Liam's expression darkened. He wondered if Emma's recent aloofness masked feelings for Elijah. "Get the car ready. We're going to Saint Maria Hospital," he ordered.

Levi, sensing Liam's mood, guessed it was about Emma. He wanted to call her but was silenced by Liam's glare.

"What, you want to die with her?" Liam snapped.

Levi shook his head, thinking, 'My death is inconsequential, but if your wife dies, you're finished.' He hoped Emma wasn't doing anything reckless. Liam's volatile state threatened the entire company.

Emma sat on the sofa in Room 207, tossing aside her sunglasses. "Alright, spill it. I haven't got all day."

"Emma, I have to say, your recent actions have—"