Chapter 51

The next day, Emma received a call from Sebastian’s mother, Yolanda Dow. Yolanda explained that the Gomez family was in trouble because of Aria, and since Mateo and Nora couldn't help, she hoped Emma would intervene.

Josiah was skeptical. “Miss Wilson, the Gomez family is under police investigation. They might be trying to implicate you. Perhaps you shouldn't go.”

Emma sneered. “They likely believe the enemy of their enemy is their friend. But Sebastian's uncle nearly killed Uncle Sean. Do they really think they can get away with that?”

Josiah smirked. “You’re right.”

“So, in this game, it doesn't hurt to play along. Besides, I have my own plans,” Emma smiled.

Emma arrived at the club Yolanda specified. Security guards stood at the entrance to a private room. Inside, an elegant, middle-aged woman sat at a large dining table, wearing an emerald necklace recently acquired at auction, rumored to be worth over ten million dollars. Yolanda, whose acquisition of this emerald had made international news, highlighting the Gomez family's wealth, wore it today to assert her power over Emma—a subtle intimidation tactic.

Seeing Emma, Yolanda gestured to the seat opposite her. “Take a seat.”

Emma sat down, her presence commanding attention. Yolanda watched closely as Emma, in a sleek black dress and high heels, long hair flowing, legs crossed, exuded a languid confidence. Even with sunglasses perched on her nose, her arrogance was undeniable. This seemingly ordinary girl had somehow managed to wound Yolanda's pride.

Yolanda broke the silence. “You must be aware of your sister’s disappearance.” She continued, “Sebastian had a brief romantic interest in your sister, insufficient to consider marriage, so he couldn't have kidnapped her. After she disappeared, the police identified him as the prime suspect. I’m here to ask you to provide evidence that your sister suffered from depression. If you place these antidepressant pills and a suicide note in Aria’s room, you’ll be rewarded with ten million dollars.”

Emma raised an eyebrow at the amount, her lips curving into a knowing smile. She understood Yolanda’s attempt to frame Aria’s death as suicide, diverting suspicion from her son.

“Is your Sebastian’s life worth only ten million dollars to you, Mrs. Dow?” Emma’s tone was light, but it made Yolanda’s eyebrows twitch. Yolanda, aware Emma had recently fought the Wilson family for over two million dollars for her mother, assumed this offer wouldn't be insignificant. “If you think ten million dollars is insufficient, we can negotiate.”

Emma smiled, pushing the pills and the fake suicide note back across the table. “You can’t afford what I want,” she said coldly.

Yolanda’s forehead veins throbbed with anger. “If it weren’t for my son, I wouldn’t waste my time with this country bumpkin. Ten million dollars is more than enough for someone like her to live on! How dare she act so high and mighty? She’s nothing but an uncouth peasant who doesn’t know her place!”

The forced smile on Yolanda’s face was almost painful. “Miss Wilson, perhaps we can negotiate. You should understand that, with the Gomez family’s financial power, few can compare, aside from the Hall family. What we can’t afford, probably no one else can, right?”

Emma crossed her arms and chuckled mockingly. No wonder Sebastian is so useless and arrogant, she thought, with a mother like this, it makes perfect sense.

Emma slowly removed her sunglasses, revealing beautiful eyes that seemed to smile, yet were as cold as ice. “I want your brother’s life. Will you give him to me?”

Yolanda’s face changed. “What do you mean?”

“Exactly what I said,” Emma replied. “Your brother, Parker, wants to kill my uncle. Hand him over to me. Let me cut off his hands and feet and throw him into a shark tank. Agree to that, and I’ll save your son.”

Yolanda’s face twisted with rage. She and Parker were very close, and the Gomez family’s prosperity heavily relied on his support. Their families were inseparable; Parker's demise would be a devastating blow.

Yolanda glared, a murderous glint in her eyes. “Take her down!”

Two bodyguards rushed in. Emma saw the knives on their wrists. Her expression hardened. With a swift kick, she sent one knife flying, pinned the other man, and disarmed him.

Yolanda trembled as she saw the knife lodged in the chair back, less than half a centimeter from her neck. A chill ran through her as she stared at Emma in shock.

Emma dusted off her hands, her face icy. “Go back and tell Parker, if he dares to harm anyone from the Rivera family, he’s digging his own grave.”

“And about Sebastian,” she added, “he’s hurt quite a few young girls. The sooner he goes to jail, the better for everyone.”

Yolanda gritted her teeth. “How dare you speak to me like this? Even Brad would show respect to the Gomez family. Who do you think you—"

The knife near her neck made Yolanda tremble uncontrollably. Emma leaned forward, her long hair casting a shadow, her lips curving into a dark smile. “I know one thing. Those who cross me don’t live long. So, you and your brother better watch out.”

With that, she flicked a steel ball from her fingertips. The knife behind Yolanda fell, severing her priceless emerald pendant, which shattered on the ground. Yolanda screamed in terror.