Chapter 192: Method Failure
"Emily, what's this?"
Violette grabbed the documents and looked at Emily, puzzled.
"Take a look!" Emily motioned for her to read. As Violette skimmed the pages, Emily explained, "I'm just waiting for you to divorce Rhett. Then we can sue him. One of the charges will be extortion of a million dollars. That alone could land him in jail for a long time. And we've got other evidence too, which we'll present together."
When Emily mentioned the million dollars, her face lit up with a smug smile. "Violette, I told you that million dollars wasn't going to be easy for him to keep. Remember how he schemed to get that house? I bet he's spent most of that money already. When the time comes, we'll use the house as collateral."
Violette had been so reluctant to let go of that house back then. Since it held cherished memories of her and her cousin Atticus, it was only fitting to keep it for her.
"Emily, you're so kind. I feel so ashamed. How could the Johnson family treat someone as good as you so poorly?" Violette was both touched and heartbroken.
Emily no longer cared about the Johnson family. Seeing Violette on the verge of tears, she remained calm and relaxed.
"Violette, I don't care about them anymore, so you shouldn't be upset. Besides, I'm not someone who can be easily bullied now. I'll always get back what's owed to me."
Emily's smile was serene, showing she truly meant it.
Violette finally felt at ease.
After breakfast, Emily handled two collaboration documents Aaron had sent over. She then reviewed the next quarter's plans from the department managers, made some notes, and sent them back to Aaron.
By the time she finished, it was almost eleven o'clock.
Just then, she received a call from Knox.
"The car to pick you up is waiting outside your house. Once you're ready, just head over."
Knox had thought of everything.
"Great, I'm just about done here. I'll head out now."
"Take your time, I'll be waiting!" Knox's smile was evident, with a playful glint in his eye.
Emily informed Violette that she was heading out for lunch and got into the car waiting at the door.
Due to some traffic, she arrived around 11:40.
The timing was perfect for lunch.
"Let's order. See if there's anything you want," Knox handed her the menu.
Emily wasn't picky, so she casually chose two dishes and gave the menu back to him. "You can order the rest. Just enough for us."
Even after all these years back at the Johnson Villa, the habits ingrained in her from childhood made her naturally frugal.
She had been mocked for it in the past, called a scavenger. In her previous life, to avoid embarrassing the Johnson family, she had stopped voicing her opinions.
In this life, she wouldn't compromise herself. She would be true to herself.
Frugality is a virtue, after all. Wastefulness is shameful.
She had to trust in her inherent goodness and not doubt herself. The problem was never her.
"Alright!"
Knox respected her without any hint of disdain and even admired her good qualities.
After ordering, the waiter took the menu back to the kitchen.
While waiting, Emily got up to use the restroom.
She hadn't been gone long when a woman with a sweet face but revealing clothes approached Knox.
Suddenly, she stumbled, nearly spilling water on Knox and falling into his lap.
But Knox, being who he was, had seen through countless such schemes. He could tell what she was up to from the way she looked at him.
Before she could spill the water or fall, he sidestepped, causing the water to spill on her instead.
Her already revealing clothes became even more transparent.
Feigning innocence, she covered her chest and pleaded, "Sir, I'm so sorry. It was an accident. Could you lend me something to cover up? I don't want to attract unwanted attention from other men."
Her teary eyes and pitiful expression would have melted most men.
But not Knox.
Standing at six feet tall with a cold gaze, he exuded an intimidating presence.
"Isn't this exactly what you wanted? Stop pretending to be innocent!"
Knox's harsh words left her stunned.
She had thought her plan would work.
She never expected Knox to be so blunt. Other men usually fell for her act.
Determined, she quickly composed herself, tears welling up again. "Sir, it was an accident. I didn't mean to, and I didn't spill it on you. How can you be so cruel? Do you think every woman who finds you attractive has ulterior motives? That's sad."
She tried a different approach, hoping to elicit a different reaction.
Knox crossed his arms, smirking at her audacity.
"Changing tactics, huh? Do you think this will get my attention? Do you know why I saw through your act immediately? Because you reek of deceit. That stench is impossible to hide."
He looked at her with disgust.
"You... How can you say that? We just met, and I only wanted to borrow your jacket to cover myself. You think so low of me. My family isn't poor. Why would you lump me with those women?"
She cried, half genuinely and half for effect.
Knox frowned, annoyed that someone like her might ruin his lunch with Emily.
"Just tell me what you want and stop wasting my time!" Without Emily around, his patience was thin.
Her crying had drawn the attention of other diners, who now watched curiously.
"You look down on me. I just want an apology. Right here, in front of everyone, for your insults!"
She stood tall, defiant.
Despite her tough act, her curvy figure added to the drama, gaining her sympathy from onlookers.
"I think you're the one who should apologize!"
Emily's cold voice cut through the tension as she returned from the restroom.