Chapter 72
Ivy gave a crooked smile. “Yeah, things are going great for you now. But how long do you think that’ll last?”
Emma’s face stiffened. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“The police already have a lead. It won’t be long before the people who trafficked me are arrested. If I were you, I’d turn myself in now and hope for a lighter sentence.”
Ivy watched Emma closely, a half-smile playing on her lips, as she waited for her reaction.
Emma’s expression flashed with panic, but she quickly forced a friendly smile. “Sis, I have no idea what you’re talking about. You’ve misunderstood me so deeply, but it’s fine; I won’t hold it against you. After all, you’ve suffered so much these past three years – it’s understandable if you’re not thinking straight.”
Ivy hadn’t expected her to stay this composed, and she let out a short laugh. “Emma, you never fail to surprise me.”
Emma flashed a defiant grin and was just about to retort when she caught a glimpse of someone stepping out of the house.
Thinking fast, she hurried forward and grabbed Ivy’s hand, her expression instantly transforming. “Ivy, I know you can’t let go of Micah, but I’m pregnant with his child now, I–”
“What? You’re pregnant?” Ivy stared at her in shock, her gaze instinctively dropping to Emma’s stomach, then to the high heels on her feet.
Pregnant, and still wearing stilettos?
“Yes. I just found out yesterday. Micah’s over the moon, and so are Mom and Dad.”
Seizing Ivy’s hand, Emma continued her pitiful plea, “So please, Ivy, I can’t lose Micah. My baby needs a father. I’m begging you–don’t take Micah from me…”
Ivy watched Emma suddenly switch to the damsel-in-distress routine and step closer, and she knew right away Emma was up to something. She quickly shook off Emma’s grip.
But Emma lunged after her, and, as if right on cue, her ankle twisted in those heels. She let out a dramatic cry and collapsed onto the ground.
“Emma!” Micah rushed over, lifting her up in a panic. “Emma, are you hurt? Did you fall badly?”
“I’m okay,” Emma whimpered, clutching Micah’s arm and laying it on a bit too thick. “Don’t blame Ivy–it wasn’t her fault.”
Ivy stood back, arms crossed, seeing straight through Emma’s little act.
She let out a cold laugh. “Emma, I just said you surprised me, but I didn’t expect you’d pull such a cheap trick so fast.”
“I didn’t!” Emma’s eyes welled with tears as she pleaded helplessly. “You pushed me, I know you did! You’re just jealous I’m having Micah’s baby–you want me to lose it…”
Micah’s face darkened. “Ivy, I’m the one who wronged you. If you’re angry, take it out on me. Don’t target Emma. She’s pregnant–she can’t be put at risk.”
Ivy sneered, her voice full of contempt. “Micah, are you really not worried about having a child with someone like her? Don’t you think you’re tempting fate?”
“Ivy! How could you curse an unborn baby like that?” Micah snapped, his anger flaring.
Before Ivy could reply, Emma let out a feeble moan, bending over and clutching her stomach. “Micah, my belly hurts…It must’ve been the fall…”
Micah’s nerves instantly went on edge. “What should I do? I’ll get you to the hospital!”
“No, just carry me inside to rest… hurry…”
Without another word, Micah scooped Emma into his arms and hurried back inside.
Emma clung to his neck, shooting a triumphant look over his shoulder at Ivy–her message clear: See? Micah still cares about me. You’ll never win.
Tch.
Ivy watched the scene unfold, so unimpressed she couldn’t even be bothered to scoff. She headed for the house.
But as soon as she walked in, Rosetta rounded on her, voice sharp with accusation. “Ivy, Emma’s carrying a Shepherd child! If anything happens to her, how will we answer to the Shepherds? From now on, you’re forbidden from laying a hand on Emma!”
Adkins glared at her, his fury barely contained. “Don’t wait for ‘from now on.’ You’re leaving today! Baillie! Go–throw all her things out!”