Chapter 64

The media swarmed, cameras flashing. “Mr. Rivera, is Emma really your niece?”

“Do I need to show you a DNA test result?” Sean asked, his eyes sharp beneath his sunglasses. He firmly placed his arm around Emma’s shoulder. He’d orchestrated the reporters’ presence, wanting them to publicize Emma as his cherished niece, shielding her from bullies.

“I can write a report, but remember to blur Emma’s face,” he instructed. “Also, include these statements: ‘One photo of my niece is worth a lot of money! Whoever dares to secretly take photos and invade my niece’s privacy is defying me. I’ll teach them a lesson!’”

Sean’s intervention deterred his online fans from further rash actions. He mused, She’s a perfectly fine niece, yet people created all sorts of rumors.

Rational netizens began tracing the rumor’s origin, quickly identifying Emily. She not only lost her supporters but was also expelled from the fan community—a classic case of aiming for a small advantage and suffering a significant loss.

At noon, a sensation erupted at Vark College. Emma, Sean Rivera’s niece, was having lunch with him in the student cafeteria. His bodyguards formed a protective perimeter amidst a throng of eager onlookers. Emma’s table overflowed with sumptuous food from various canteen counters.

“Emma, the school food isn’t bad,” Sean said. “Be good and eat it, okay?”

His presence, and especially his considerate, understated manner, sparked envy among Emma’s classmates and female teachers. Mr. Rivera is particularly considerate, they thought. He didn’t go overboard.

“Uncle Sean, what shoot were you rushing to this morning?” Emma asked.

“An endorsement for a major international brand,” he replied. “Their autumn/winter collection is launching soon. I’ll send some pieces your way; pick whatever you like.”

“What brand?” Emma inquired casually.

“Chapane,” Sean said.

Emma’s eyes widened. Chapane! The pinnacle of global luxury, renowned for exquisite fabrics and impeccable craftsmanship. Their production is incredibly limited. She’d always longed to study their techniques firsthand but never had the opportunity.

“Thank you, Uncle Sean!” she exclaimed gratefully.

“You don’t have to be polite with me,” Sean said affectionately. “Eat more so you’ll have energy for afternoon classes.”

“Alright!”

The food tasted even better. Vark College, an elite institution, offered superior cuisine compared to ordinary schools. However, Sean, with his celebrity lifestyle and dietary restrictions, ate sparingly, mostly watching Emma.

After Sean left, Emma attended classes, despite the intense online buzz surrounding her. Keywords like “The universe owes me an uncle,” “Mr. Rivera’s niece,” and “Vark College’s cafeteria” simultaneously trended—ten keywords in total, all related to her.

Emma tried to maintain normalcy, but a push notification jolted her: “[This afternoon, a luxury car collision occurred in Troln City. The owner of the black Rolls-Royce is missing.]”

A premonition gripped her. She immediately called Levi, who answered frantically. “Mrs. Hall,” he said.

“Where’s Mr. Hall?” Emma asked, her voice trembling.

“Mr. Hall is currently in the hospital undergoing emergency treatment…”

Emma rushed to the hospital, her mind a whirlwind of images, especially the memory of him sacrificing himself to save her in her previous life. By the time she arrived, the emergency lights were off.

The doctor explained that while the impact wouldn't have been life-threatening for most, Liam’s pre-existing leg mobility issues had exacerbated the injury, causing life-threatening spinal damage. He might not regain consciousness.

The news was devastating. Levi, his face etched with sorrow, murmured, “Mrs. Hall…”

Emma’s face was pale. She leaned against a cold wall, seeking strength. Quickly regaining composure, she asked, enunciating each word, “Who owned the other car?”

“The driver was going the wrong way in a tunnel,” Levi explained. “Suspected drunk driving; he’s been taken into custody. Apparently, he’s the son of a wealthy coal tycoon from the northern state capital.”

“Did he know Mr. Hall?”

“No interaction,” Levi confirmed.

While it seemed like a simple drunk driving accident, Emma couldn’t dismiss her suspicions. She leaned against the wall, her fingers pressed to her chin, a habit she had when deeply engrossed in thought. She remembered the doctor saying an ordinary person could have avoided the fatal impact—but Liam couldn't because of his leg issues. But I know Liam's legs weren't immobile. And with his skills, he could have reacted faster. He didn't dodge; he endured the blow. Why?

A shrill voice pierced her thoughts. “Sigh… Everything was fine. How come he got into a car accident? Levi, how is Liam? Is he out of critical condition?”

Levi regarded the newcomers with a cold stare. Emma, however, experienced a sudden epiphany upon hearing the voice. Her eyes, now filled with menace, fixed upon Elsie and Brad.

Elsie was taken aback. “Why are you looking at me like that? I wasn't the drunk driver.”

Brad, calmly dressed in a black suit, approached with a concerned expression. “Emma, how’s my brother?”

“He’s not dead,” Emma said. “He’ll regain consciousness soon.”

Brad nodded. “Oh, good. Has the driver been caught?”

Emma, unwavering in her gaze, replied, “The police arrested him. Whether it’s simply drunk driving or intentional, the truth will soon emerge.”

Emma noticed a flicker of something unusual on Brad’s face. Elsie frowned. “What are you implying? That we deliberately had someone crash into him?”

Elsie still harbored resentment from Emma’s recent actions, offering no pretense of civility. Emma, reciprocating the sentiment, sneered, “I didn’t say that, but you do make a convenient suspect.”

“Damn!” Elsie fumed. Brad restrained her. He remained unfazed, even offering a smile.

“Liam had an accident; Emma’s upset,” he said. “Since Liam hasn’t regained consciousness, let’s stay and keep Emma company.”