Emily threw herself against the door, blocking Patrick's way.
Patrick sneered, "Couldn't wait to find another guy, huh? I really overestimated you!"
Emily shot back, "Mr. Rivera, maybe you should look in the mirror. You couldn't keep it together the moment Shirley showed up, right? All that talk about morals went out the window!"
Patrick's face darkened. "That's none of your business!"
"Fine, but if you know what Shirley did, why are you still defending her?"
"Emily, I'm doing this for your own good. And don't forget, Lisa's still in rehab."
Any gratitude Emily felt vanished instantly. So, he paid for Lisa's rehab just to control her, to use it as leverage! And she, like an idiot, thought he was genuinely trying to help.
"Mr. Rivera, get out. I don't want to see you!" Emily shoved Patrick out the door.
Seeing her determination, Patrick said, "Fine, don't regret it!"
Patrick stormed out of the old apartment. As he sped off in his car, he saw a black sports car approaching, with Marlon's sharp face behind the wheel.
Patrick was stunned. 'What's going on? Wasn't Marlon just in the bedroom? Could he be Emily's brother?'
Inside the living room, Marlon pulled out a laptop and played a surveillance video frame by frame. The figure in tight clothing looked oddly familiar.
"Emily, does this person look familiar to you?"
Emily, lost in thought, snapped back to reality when Marlon touched her forehead. "What did you say?"
Marlon sighed and repeated himself. Emily's fists clenched, anger flashing in her eyes, "It's Shirley!"
Marlon was taken aback, stepping back to scrutinize the video again. How did he not see it before? He quickly took a screenshot and enlarged it.
"Don't worry, Emily. I'll make sure Shirley pays for this!"
Emily smiled, determination in her eyes. "This time, she won't get away with it!"
"Alright, what's the plan? I'm with you all the way!"
"Thanks!" Emily felt a wave of gratitude towards Marlon; she already owed him so much.
"It's late. Let's go find Shirley tomorrow."
Emily nodded, and Marlon packed up and left the old apartment.
The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window, but Emily felt no warmth. Her heart was filled with anger and a thirst for revenge. She knew she couldn't stay weak; she had to confront Shirley today.
Marlon stood by her side, his gaze steady, ready to back her up. He watched Emily's clenched fists, knowing her anger had reached its peak. But he also knew they needed to stay calm and not let rage cloud their judgment.
They drove to Shirley's apartment. Emily took a deep breath and rang the doorbell. The door creaked open, and Shirley peeked out. Seeing Emily and Marlon, a flicker of surprise crossed her face, but she quickly masked it with a cold smile.
"What do you want?" Shirley asked, trying to sound calm.
"I'm here to make you pay for what you've done!" Emily said firmly.
"What are you going to do?" Shirley's voice wavered, betraying her fear of the impending showdown.
Emily didn't say a word. She just stepped forward and shoved Shirley out the door. Shirley stumbled, almost falling, but Emily kept pushing until she had her backed into a corner.
Marlon watched with a cold gaze. He didn't step in because he knew Emily needed to let it out. He stood there, silently waiting for her to vent her anger.
"What did you do to Gordon?" Emily's voice trembled, each word forced out through gritted teeth. Her eyes blazed with fury, like she wanted to burn Shirley to ashes.
Shirley's eyes widened in fear under Emily's intense glare. She realized she might have really crossed the line this time. But she still tried to argue, "I don't know what you're talking about. I didn't do anything." Her voice grew smaller, even she didn't believe her own lie.
Emily's anger flared even more. She grabbed Shirley's hair, yanking it back hard. Shirley screamed in pain, but Emily didn't let go. She watched Shirley's pained expression without a shred of pity.
"Still want to lie? Gordon told me himself you lured him into the utility room! How could you do such a thing?" Emily slammed Shirley's head against the wall. Each impact deepened Shirley's pain and lessened Emily's anger.
Marlon watched, knowing Emily needed this, but he also knew it could go too far. He stepped forward, gently patting Emily's shoulder. "Emily, that's enough."
Emily stopped. She looked at Marlon's steady gaze, feeling a warmth in her heart. She knew Marlon had been there, supporting her. She took a deep breath and let go of Shirley.
Shirley slumped to the ground, fear and despair in her eyes. She looked at Emily and Marlon, realizing she was in deep trouble. She tried to get up and run, but Marlon blocked her way.
"Shirley, the police will be here soon. You'll pay for everything you've done," Marlon said coldly. His voice was calm but carried undeniable authority.
Emily looked at Shirley's miserable state, a mix of emotions swirling in her heart. Anger, grievance, and unwillingness. She knew what she did might not be right, but she couldn't stand what Shirley had done to Gordon.
Emily turned to Marlon. "Let's go."
They left Shirley's apartment.
Watching them leave, Shirley sneered, "You'll be the ones punished first!"
Emily and Marlon walked down the quiet street, neither saying a word. Emily's emotions gradually calmed, and she started thinking about the next steps. She knew this incident could change her life, but she also knew she had to face all the challenges and difficulties to protect herself and those she cared about.
"Thank you, Marlon," Emily suddenly said. She looked at Marlon's determined eyes, filled with gratitude. She knew without his support, she might not have gotten through this.
Marlon smiled slightly, gently patting Emily's hand. "It's okay, Emily. I'll always be by your side."
Emily paused for a second, then withdrew her hand. Marlon didn't mind, just looked at her with affection in his eyes. Their figures stretched out in the sunlight, as if foretelling that their future path would be even longer and more challenging.