The girl's words left Emma Johnson and Olivia Davis utterly stunned. They never expected such a hidden truth.
But what exactly was the danger the girl faced? Her next words made everything clear.
"Four years ago, I was kidnapped. At that time, my mother had already hired a private investigator to gather evidence. She wanted to expose Scarlett Martinez's hypocrisy to the media. But because of what happened to me, she chose to stay silent and endure. That's why she never spoke up."
Emma nodded, showing she understood. If that was the case, she couldn't very well pressure the landlady. It seemed she would have to find another way to deal with Scarlett.
"But I refuse to let that woman get away with it any longer. She destroyed my happy family. I won't forgive that fox spirit."
The girl's voice turned bitter with hatred. Then she reached into her pocket and pulled out several photos, handing them to Emma.
"This is the evidence my mother gathered back then. I gave most of it to the kidnappers, but I secretly kept some when my mother wasn't looking. I planned to expose everything myself when I grew up. But since you're here, I'll give them to you. I know you'll find a way to make this public."
As she spoke, her expression grew more excited. Emma couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion.
"It seems that no matter how hard a scheming woman tries to disguise herself as a pure lotus, there will always be flaws. Maybe that's the way the universe works."
Olivia looked at the photos in Emma's hand. They showed Scarlett attending dinners with wealthy businessmen. In some, she was sitting on men's laps. In others, she was drinking with them. A few captured her being hugged and kissed on the cheek.
Six photos in total, but they revealed a completely different side of Scarlett.
"I never imagined she would go this far."
Emma was also shocked. With Scarlett's looks and talent, she could have made it on her own without resorting to seduction. Yet she chose this path. No wonder she had risen so quickly despite her youth. After all, while she was good at acting, her appearance wasn't extraordinary. There were plenty of talented people in the entertainment industry, and countless gifted graduates from art schools.
But why did only Scarlett break out? Besides luck and connections, without some kind of backing, she couldn't have become so popular.
"It seems she's a woman with huge ambitions. After using those men, she started coveting your position as the wife of the Pinnacle Corporation chairman. I don't know how dirty she is. How could she ever compare to you?"
Olivia said with disdain, disgusted by Scarlett's transformation.
"Everyone has their own way of living. We could have stayed out of each other's way. But since she's crossed me, don't blame me for what comes next."
Emma put away the photos and spoke calmly.
How to anonymously submit these photos to a credible newspaper was now her new challenge.
Things had gone much smoother than expected, leaving Emma without a fully planned next step.
When Liam Williams came home that evening, he found Emma resting her chin on her hands, staring at a row of photos spread across the table.
"Well, these are quite clear. But they look like they were taken a while ago. Where did you find them?"
Liam's deep voice sounded in Emma's ear. She was lost in thought for a moment and didn't realize he was home until she heard him.
"You're back."
"Yes. Did you go out this afternoon?"
In truth, Liam already knew Emma had gone out. After all, Alexander Wilson had been secretly protecting her and kept him updated on her whereabouts.
But he pretended not to know and asked anyway. If Emma found out she was being monitored, she would never forgive him.
"Yes. You must have seen the news reports. Scarlett has pushed my limits too far. If I don't give her something in return, it would be truly unreasonable."
Emma showed the photos to Liam and explained.
"Which media outlet are you planning to send them to?"
"I haven't decided yet. I thought about using your company's media connections, but that would make it look like I'm using your power to fight back. It's better not to."
Emma was a smart woman. She wouldn't dig a trap for herself.
Liam thought for a moment, then said to her, "Give me the photos. If you trust me, let me handle it."
"You have good contacts in the media?"
Emma naturally trusted Liam, but she was worried about overburdening him. However, when Liam told her about the incident at the Pinnacle Corporation garment factory a few days ago, she handed the photos over to him.
If things could be resolved once and for all, that would be for the best. Not only would it vent her anger, but it would also prevent future trouble for Liam.
"Good girl."
Liam reached out and pinched half of Emma's cheek. The gesture was becoming more and more natural. Emma glared at him angrily, but since he was injured, she didn't fight back like before. Instead, she let him have his way, feeling surprisingly good.
"What? It's canceled?"
Isabella Miller jumped up from the sofa, unable to believe that the Milan fashion show was slipping through her fingers.
"Yes. This season's clothes don't fit your image, so the company decided to let another model replace you. Also, your schedule has been too packed lately. We're worried about your health, so aside from the events you've already committed to, we're planning to let you rest for a while."
After the agent finished speaking, she hung up. Isabella stood frozen in place, unable to fully process what she had just heard. What was going on? Hadn't it already been decided that she would go to Milan? Why were they telling her now that it didn't suit her image?
And canceling all future activities—was that a way to sideline her?
She was the cousin of the Pinnacle Corporation chairman's wife. What were these people thinking?
Wait.
Isabella's mind started working again.
Was this because of Scarlett?
Isabella fell back onto the sofa. The wife of the Pinnacle Corporation chairman wanted to block Scarlett's news. Although her involvement wasn't obvious, it would be wrong to say she had nothing to do with it.
On the contrary, it was because of her own hints that Scarlett had found a way to deal with Emma.
Author's note: Currently, I'm updating 10,000 words daily. Next week, I'll increase it to 20,000 words per day. The editor asked for this—blame her, not me. If I don't comply, she won't recommend my work! As for the plot, the female lead will only get stronger, the male lead will become more handsome, and the couple will join forces to fight their enemies. There's more to come. I promise you'll get to see some real action!