Chapter 59

Elsie’s initial shock curdled into anger, her face a mask of pallor and fear. Seeing Levi and Liann's softening expressions, she felt a wave of panic. "Do you know what you're talking about?" she demanded.

Emma sneered. "You are a mistress. Brad is a bastard. You're just like Nora and Aria—disgusting people with low character, despised for life."

Menace flickered in Elsie's eyes. "Ignorant youngster," she hissed. "Do you think I can't get rid of you?"

Alone, Elsie's composure shattered, revealing her true nature. Emma smirked, her crimson lips a striking contrast to the midnight hour. "Get rid of me?" she challenged. "Try it. Let's see how capable you and Brad are. Let's see who gets rid of whom!"

Their eyes met, and Elsie saw ruthless determination in those captivating eyes. The predatory aura stole her breath. She thought, How can such a terrifying gaze belong to an ordinary girl?

Just as suspicion bloomed, the scrape of a wheelchair echoed in the quiet garden. Liam approached, his expression cold.

Trembling with rage, Elsie spat, "Just you wait! You'll regret this, bitch!"

Her fear of Liam ran deep. His presence had poisoned her past with Brad. She’d always wanted him dead; the plane crash, crippling his legs, only fueled her hatred. She needed to know if his paralysis was genuine.

Unseen, Elsie picked up a sharp object, feigning carelessness, intending to stab Liam's legs. But Emma, sharp-eyed and quick, noticed Elsie's movements and reacted instantly, delivering a powerful kick.

Off balance, Elsie plunged into the lake behind the gazebo with a splash. "Help!" she cried, her voice choked with panic. "Help me!" Unable to swim, she thrashed desperately.

The Hall family villa's bodyguard swiftly pulled Elsie from the water. The party's commotion drew others—a grim-faced Brad and Simon among them.

Brad's voice was chilling. "What's going on?"

Elsie, drenched and disheveled, pointed at Emma. "She kicked me in the lake! The surveillance footage and witnesses can confirm it!"

For years, Simon had showered Elsie with attention, while Brad was the Hall family's heir apparent. Their combined influence quickly swayed the guests.

"Emma actually assaulted her? Couldn't she have just talked it out?"

"She's a wild country girl. I almost misjudged her after seeing her painting."

Simon's displeasure was evident. His earlier favorable impression vanished. He hadn't expected Emma's lack of tact. "Emma, did you kick her into the lake?"

"Yes," Emma admitted calmly, pausing before producing the "evidence" she'd quickly secured. "If I hadn't, this needle—over four inches long—would have pierced Liam's legs. I couldn't be sure if it carried a virus or poison. I had no choice."

Confident in her justification, Emma coldly challenged Elsie. "Elsie, explain why you'd use this against Liam today."

"You're lying!" Elsie shrieked. "That needle isn't mine!"

Emma noted Elsie's lack of gloves, a deliberate attempt to mislead. "A fingerprint test will prove it," Emma stated. "The Hall family can easily arrange that, in front of everyone, to avoid accusations of false claims."

Elsie believed the lake would wash away any evidence. But Emma's swift action left her defenseless. Panic seized her. "You framed me! You deliberately framed me..."

Simon’s voice cut through the tension. His gaze, assessing Elsie's guilt, was icy. "You were near the lake, not interacting with party guests," he stated. "Let's disperse."

Elsie's face was grim. Simon’s words, while seemingly conciliatory, revealed his bias. Everyone knew Emma had kicked Elsie, yet Simon blamed Elsie's proximity to the lake. His allegiance was clear.

Brad and Elsie glared at Emma, but she remained composed, tossing the needle into a nearby trash can.

"My quick thinking saved Liam," she said. "His legs are already compromised. Another injury could paralyze him permanently. You're his stepmother and brother—you wouldn't want that, would you?"

Emma's words served a triple purpose: hinting at Elsie and Brad's motives, disproving the suspicion of Liam's feigned paralysis, and warning against further actions. Liam's eventual recovery would leave them vulnerable.

After pushing Liam away, Emma departed confidently. Beneath Liam's calm exterior, profound emotion surged. My Emma… She's always there, my light in the darkness, my redemption.

Simon watched their departure with a complex expression. Elsie and Brad stood silently, only the butler remaining by his side.

"Mr. Simon," the butler asked, "what do you think of Miss Emma?"

This birthday party had been a test. Simon's response was ambiguous. "She's… something." He retreated to his room.

Back at Lovine Estate, Emma noticed dried blood on Liam's hand. Frowning, she asked, "How were you injured?"

Levi began to explain, but Liam cut him off. He then glanced at Emma casually. "It's nothing. I'll be fine."

"No," Emma insisted. "I'll get the first aid kit." She hurried away.

Liam watched her go, a torrent of emotions flooding him. Someone truly trusts me unconditionally, someone who worries over a small injury, who cherishes me… loves me as if I were her life.

Emma returned with the kit. As she knelt, Liam pulled her into his arms with unexpected strength.