Chapter 76

Public comments were overwhelmingly negative. Initially, many dismissed them as a joke. However, as numerous dubious online accounts proliferated, spreading conflicting information, some gullible netizens joined the fray. The police were aware of Emma and Alva's past physical altercation; if Alva had met with foul play, Emma would be a prime suspect. To mitigate potential problems, Emma dispatched her team to locate Alva.

Just as she finished giving instructions, Liam arrived in his wheelchair. "I've found evidence linking Alva to Brad. It's highly probable Brad has her."

Emma scoffed, realizing a conspiracy was afoot. Only Brad was capable of such underhanded tactics. After Alva's failed attempt on Emma's life, Brad would fabricate evidence to frame her for murder. Many considered Liam ruthless, unconcerned with others' lives; however, Emma saw Zhan Chao as the truly unscrupulous and cruel mastermind, willing to do anything to achieve his goals.

"Your brother's so annoying; I really want to kill him," Emma remarked playfully to Liam, though Josiah, listening in, knew she was perfectly capable of it. Liam patted her head. "Sleep well. I'll help you find her, okay?"

Emma nodded. "Then you rest early too. Keep me company…"

"Sure!"

Liam kissed her lovingly between her eyebrows, then her eyes, nose, lips, chin, and finally, her slender neck. The atmosphere grew charged; Emma felt Liam's breathing deepen. Aggrievedly, she pushed him away. "I'm too upset; I can't… for a few days."

Liam remained silent, understanding immediately. He kissed her again. "Emma, I hope you're okay."

Emma pursed her lips. "If you don't want me to suffer, you need to stand up soon." She wouldn't have dared to say this if she didn't know his legs were actually fine. Elsie was helpless, but Liam was close to walking again.

"You won't suffer much longer," Liam said, smiling. His handsome face was alluring. "When the time comes, you'll have a big surprise."

Emma was speechless. A sense of déjà vu washed over her.

A phone call roused Emma in the middle of the night; Liam was gone.

"Boss, wake up!"

"What's going on?"

"We found Alva!"

"What?" Emma snapped alert. Josiah's voice was anxious. "We located her at Holy Mountain, but she'd been pushed off a cliff by the time our men arrived! We don't know if she's alive or dead. If she's dead, it'll be terrible for you, Boss!"

"I'll be there."

Emma dressed hurriedly, but a question struck her: where was Liam?

"Boss, someone else found Alva first. Guess who?"

"Who?" Her team were elite operatives; no one matched their efficiency. Who had beaten them?

"Liam Hall."

Emma instantly understood Liam's absence.

Holy Mountain, in the outskirts of Troln City, wasn't high but had treacherous terrain. Few tourists ventured there; it was mainly used by experienced climbers. Emma arrived late, dressed in mountain boots and a black military uniform, her long hair in a high ponytail. Josiah relayed Alva's coordinates via her Bluetooth earpiece. Soon, she sensed movement in the nearby forest.

"Quick, retreat! Don't be seen!"

"Hey, she's heavy. Let's go."

Emma pursued them; their tracks were obvious. Her superior tracking skills quickly led her to Alva, lying between two rocks in the darkness, the air thick with the scent of blood. Emma checked for a pulse; Alva was dead. Brad had callously murdered an innocent woman. Emma had no time for grief; police dogs were approaching.

"Quick, something's over there!"

"You! Don't move!"

The police found Emma alone at the scene. Fleeing would only increase suspicion. Gritting her teeth, she knew her only recourse was to save herself.

Emma called Vere and Josiah. "The police are here. Activate Plan B."

"Boss, are you sure about exposing your identity?" Josiah asked.

Emma's eyes were cold. This had to be done. Before the police arrived, she deployed her high-tech equipment. A small drone ascended, its camera focusing on her. In Troln City, Brad's computer screen displayed the scene.

"What's going on?" Brad's face was grim; his computer had been hacked.

"Hello, Brad."

Brad recognized the location. He frowned, regaining his composure.

"Emma, what are you doing at this ungodly hour?"

"Brad, let's be brief. You're a murderer, blaming me. But did you consider this? If I go to jail, your mother suffers. I'll torture Elsie daily! Haha!"

Brad's expression darkened. "A life for a life. You won't last long in prison."

"You know better than anyone who deserves to die." Seeing Elsie was no longer a viable leverage, Emma decided on a ruthless approach.