Chapter 278

"Do I need to tell you to give it your all?" Sarah, her cunning mind at work, didn't slap Emmalie. Instead, she reached under the covers and pinched her thigh hard.

Sarah warned, "Winnie, I've told you how Ivy stole your father and cornered us. You should hate her. But you two seem to get along like she's your real daughter." Emmalie shook her head violently. She'd witnessed Sarah's craziness countless times growing up. This lunatic, pushed too far, would destroy everything Emmalie had built. Sarah often said, "Worst case, we die together."

But Emmalie couldn't lose everything. Shaking her head, she said, "Mom, I only recognize you. My relationship with Ivy is purely strategic."

Sarah chuckled. "I don't believe your words, I watch your actions. Winnie, I'll be watching you. Remember, I'm always here. Get me the information quickly."

Sarah left, estimating Ivy's return. Ivy immediately entered, not giving Emmalie time to compose herself. "Emmalie, why are you so gloomy? Your clothes are stained; don't you even clean up?" Ivy was furious.

Emmalie stopped her. "Mom, it's fine. They're just trying to make a living. I can change my clothes."

Ivy sighed. "If Thea had your kindness, I'd be much more at ease."

After Emmalie changed, Sarah's threat echoed in her ears. "Mom, I want to work at Rowland Group. Can you help me talk to Max?" Ivy paused. "That's nonsense. Your focus should be on the piano. You haven't studied company management or finance. A corporate job will damage your image."

Ivy coaxed, "Just focus on practicing the piano. Don't involve yourself in anything else."

Of course, it's the same old story, Emmalie thought. She knew the answer but wouldn't give up. "But Thea has Sparkle Rocks, and her influence is growing. Mom, didn't Max say he'd give me shares after I saved Thea? I'm not greedy. I just want what I deserve."

"Times have changed. A woman without assets has no say in her husband's family. Isn't that why Ms. Langstaff holds her head high?"

This pragmatism was uncharacteristic. She was desperate, risking Ivy's suspicion. Fortunately, she'd made a good impression. Ivy didn't doubt her.

"You're right," Ivy said. "I'll discuss this with Max. I won't let you suffer. I want you to shine, unreachable by ordinary people." 12:33 Wed, Nov 20

Chapter 278

Thea would be speechless. They hadn't even asked her opinion. Ivy was bombarding Thea's phone, but Thea was preoccupied. Sparkle Rocks' bidding proposal for Langstaff Group needed her attention. The buzzing phone made her anxious. "Mrs. Rowland, you better have a good reason," Thea said coldly.

Ivy panicked. "Thea, I'm dying! Are you ignoring me? I brought you into this world!"

"Mrs. Rowland, besides this ungrateful daughter, you have two sons and another daughter. Your retirement planning isn't my responsibility, especially since I'm cut off from the family. But I won't shortchange your monthly support payments." That was legally required.

Thea was harsh but couldn't ignore Ivy. Her soft heart was her weakness. At the hospital, Thea was surrounded by people. After encountering Nicolas's men, she saw how ridiculous the Rowland family's lackeys were. They posed no threat.

"Mrs. Rowland, did you call me just to leave me with no way out? You seem fine, so I'm leaving," Thea said.

Her security followed. No one dared touch her. They knew about the Viper. Nicolas's woman wasn't someone to offend.

Only Ivy could stop Thea. "What's wrong? Do you have to wait until I'm on my deathbed?"

Thea nodded. "My final legal obligation is to see you off, isn't it?"

Ivy was furious but swallowed her anger. Using a softer approach, Ivy forced a smile. "Thea, I've made mistakes, but it's because of Emmalie's suffering. You grew up with us."

This stirred something in Thea. She was about to reveal Emmalie's true identity.

But Ivy crushed that hope. "Thea, didn't you swear you'd treat her well once your sister was found? Now's your chance."

"When Grandfather made his will, he wasn't fully conscious. The lawyer said it's invalid."

Thea waited for more nonsense.

Ivy continued, "The assets should be divided among the four siblings. You've received too much, and with Mr. Hendrix, you shouldn't care about these trifles."

"Duncan and Max relinquished their inheritance rights. Our family agreed to give Stefan's everything to Emmalie. Just sign this acknowledgment letter."

An acknowledgment letter? This is clearly a stock transfer agreement, Thea thought. The Rowlands were trying to give Thea's assets to Emmalie. Emmalie has high aspirations, but can she handle Sparkle Rocks? SEND GIFT