Chapter 68

After Liam's trusted members of Team Thunder departed to complete their assignments, only one person remained.

"I want to send you to investigate something," Liam said.

"Mr. Hall, please give your orders."

After careful consideration, Liam stated, "Emma has been talking in her sleep, saying strange things." Liam recalled Emma's murmured words: 'Elijah, you killed Liam! I'm going to kill you! Liam, hurry up and leave… Liam, don't save me…" These unconscious utterances left Liam deeply perplexed, fearing she harbored undisclosed trauma.

"Help me discover what Emma endured in the past," Liam instructed. "Also, find out what this 'Elijah' was involved in with me."

"Got it, Mr. Hall."

After his subordinate left, Liam sat alone in his study, lost in thought. If it happened only once, I might dismiss it as a nightmare, he mused. But it's recurring. I must suspect something crucial has been overlooked.

The next day, Emma awoke feeling sticky. Although she and Liam hadn't become physically intimate, this was the second time they'd experienced such close proximity. She was in the bath, applying a face mask, while Josiah updated her on Elsie's activities.

"Miss Wilson, you weren't harsh enough the other day," Josiah commented. "Her mouth is nearly healed, and she's about to hold a charity auction for Troin City's wealthy ladies."

"An auction?" Emma asked.

"Yes," Josiah confirmed. He continued, "Liam has kept your whereabouts hidden. The fire department and police are investigating the explosion, already suspecting Elsie. She believes you're both dead."

Emma leaned back, holding her phone, eyes closed.

"This woman's brazen until caught red-handed," Josiah observed. "The police suspect her, yet she's hosting parties as if nothing happened. Miss Wilson, what's our next move?"

"She's eager to self-destruct," Emma replied, a smile playing on her lips. "I'll give her a ride!" she added coldly. "Send me the guest list and auction program. I'll ensure she never forgets that day."

Elsie's charity auction was three days away.

Chapter 68

A week passed with no news of Emma and Liam; Levi's fate remained uncertain. The likelihood of surviving such an explosion, especially given Liam's recent car accident, was minuscule. Even without bodies, Elsie firmly believed they were dead. Overjoyed, she immediately organized the Starry Night Charity Auction, a grand annual event among Troin City's elite. Wealthy women, top celebrities, and socialites would attend this star-studded gathering, the hosting of which symbolized immense power.

Elsie wore a luxurious Chapane haute couture gown. Her appearance instantly commanded attention.

"She truly lives up to her reputation as the mistress of the Hall family. I hear Chapane gowns are as difficult to order as Youth gowns," one woman remarked.

"I'll never afford a Youth gown, but Chapane sponsorship for next year's red carpet would be a dream come true," another celebrity chimed in.

"Wait," a third celebrity said. "Didn't Mr. Rivera recently sign with Chapane? Is he here? Let's see if he can secure us spots."

As the celebrities conversed, the auction commenced. The Starry Night Charity Auction was always a spectacle. Attendees spared no expense in attire and donations. Elsie, the evening's focal point, took the lead.

"Let's invite tonight's starry goddess, Mrs. Hall, for the opening speech!"

Elsie ascended the steps, her voluminous golden silk gown making a dramatic entrance. The forty-five-foot train was the epitome of luxury. She smiled smugly, her joy amplified by the belief that Liam and Emma were gone.

"Mrs. Hall seems spirited tonight," someone commented. "Those rumors about her being suppressed by the Hall family's disabled eldest son seem false."

"Liam's a cripple," a wealthy lady declared. "The entire Hall family now belongs to Elsie and Brad."

"Elsie can afford this outfit—she's powerful. We must side with her, not waste time on that cripple."

Basking in the spotlight, Elsie's happiness intensified.

"Let us give thanks for this wonderful evening!" she announced.

Thunderous applause erupted.

"Mrs. Hall is the first in our country to wear a Chapane custom gown! Tonight's Starry Night Charity Gala will be a success!" the emcee proclaimed.

Suddenly, a dispassionate voice cut through the celebration from below the stage.

"Exclusively custom-made by Chapane?"

A hush fell over the guests. A man with long legs crossed, dressed in a luxurious white suit and black sunglasses, rose from the crowd. He pointed at Elsie.

"Her gown is a fake," he stated.

Uproar erupted. Everyone stared at Elsie, disbelief etched on their faces. Elsie's expression faltered. "Who are you?" she demanded. "My gown is genuine, air-shipped from Antgem. What proof do you have?" Her composure masked her agitation.

The man smiled, removing his sunglasses. A collective gasp arose as he revealed his identity. He had initially disdained attending, but Emma had tasked him with sabotaging the event. He enunciated each word clearly: "I am Chapane's sole global spokesperson. If I'm lying, then are you telling the truth? Chapane, affected by the economy, hasn't sold anything for half a year. Their first order was for my niece. Where did you acquire this dress?"

No one had seen authentic Chapane garments. Even Elsie's assertion would have been believed, but Sean, Chapane's spokesperson, held authority.

His words carried undeniable weight. Being exposed for wearing a counterfeit gown was profoundly embarrassing. Elsie's face shifted between anger and awkwardness.

"Mere words aren't proof," she insisted. "You're just a spokesperson. Can you speak for the entire Chapane brand?"

Sean was prepared. He projected a video of the Chapane director's personal statement onto the large screen.