Chapter 2

The moment my words landed, the entire hall was swallowed by an eerie silence.

I could hear Richard's breathing turn sharp and ragged on the other end.

"Emily, w-what are you saying?" he stammered.

There was a trace of panic in his voice, barely hidden.

I could practically see him freaking out on the other end, scrambling to keep it together.

Maybe he was at some business dinner, or maybe tucked away somewhere even more private.

"The contract," I said, making it crystal clear.

My voice was clipped and mechanical, cold as steel.

"Your wife is accusing me of being your mistress, claiming that you bought that Audi A7 for me."

"I think the purchase contract is far more convincing than any photo."

The line went quiet.

A few seconds later, Richard's voice came back, placating and anxious.

"Emily, don't get the wrong idea. Linda's just got a short fuse, and she's had too much to drink. Don't let it get to you."

Then he turned to his wife, his voice sounding tired and defeated even through the phone.

"Linda, have you had enough yet? Get off that stage right now!"

The way that he tried to smooth things over without actually denying anything, to everyone here, was like he confessed everything.

See? He was guilty as hell.

He was panicking.

Linda, like she'd just been given permission to go wild, went even more hysterical.

"Richard! You heartless bastard! So you really are keeping this homewrecker!"

She stabbed her finger at me, yelling to everyone, "See? You all heard that! He doesn't even have the guts to admit it!"

"Trash like you doesn't deserve to stay here. Get out of this company!"

I tuned her out.

The drama had already done its job.

I calmly hung up the phone.

Then I turned to the host, who was still frozen in place, and said with a calm smile,

"The show is over. Go ahead and keep things moving."

With that, I spun around and stepped off the stage under everyone's shocked, confused, and curious eyes.

My heels clicked against the shiny floor, the sound ringing out. It was the only thing breaking the silence.

I didn't even glance at all those people staring holes through me. I just headed straight back to my seat.

I picked up the lemon water from the table and took a sip, keeping my cool.

The cold drink slid down my throat, but it couldn't extinguish the chill burning in my chest.

My phone buzzed on the table.

It was a message from Sophie Brooks, the only person in the company who actually cared about me.

Sophie: [Emmy, are you okay? They went way too far!]

I could practically feel her worry and anger through the screen.

I typed a quick reply. [I'm fine. Just enjoying the drama.]

The party fizzled out awkwardly, everyone desperate to escape the mess.

I became the biggest joke this company had ever seen.

Linda had called me a homewrecker in front of everyone, and Richard's silence was enough to nail the accusation.

I could already picture the storm that was coming for me tomorrow.

As I walked out of the hotel, the cold wind slapped my face, snapping me out of my daze.

I walked alone to the underground garage and found the Audi A7, the so-called evidence against me.

Its smooth curves caught the dim light, reflecting a cold, steely shine.

I slid into the driver's seat but didn't start the engine right away.

Instead, I dialed another number, a number I'd never called in front of anyone before.

The call connected almost instantly.

An older man came on the line, his voice steady, with a touch of worry.

"Emmy, is it over?"

"Yeah," I replied.

I slumped back in my seat, staring out at the hazy lights beyond the window, my eyes turning cold and focused.

"Dad, they've taken the bait," I said.