Chapter 19
Emily realized she had severely underestimated Sophie's shamelessness.
Then again, what else could she expect from a woman who deliberately inserted herself into someone else's marriage? How could such a person possibly have any sense of shame?
She curved her lips slightly but showed no reaction to Sophie's answer, instead continuing with her next question.
"Since you insist your relationship with Mr. Foster is entirely proper, Ms. Laurent, may I ask if you've recently offended anyone?"
Now it was Sophie's turn to be surprised.
She had expected her answer to provoke Emily's anger!
Looking at the composed woman before her, Sophie felt a twinge of discomfort. "To be perfectly honest, I get along wonderfully with everyone. People who know me have nothing but praise! If I had to name someone I've offended, it would only be..."
She paused deliberately, fixing Emily with a gaze meant to appear innocent and pitiful.
Sophie's implication couldn't have been clearer.
Though Emily had repeatedly warned herself not to get angry with Sophie or fall into her traps, she couldn't help but tremble with fury at such blatant distortion of the truth.
She took several deep breaths, telling herself to stay calm. "Ms. Laurent, I'm asking you a straightforward question. What exactly are you implying?"
Sophie smiled. "Oh, I forgot—you're my attorney now. As for who I've offended recently, I suppose it's only Alexander's wife. She's completely misunderstood my relationship with Alexander, which is truly frustrating! Tell me, Ms. Ward, how should I explain to a paranoid housewife that Alexander and I are merely friends—perhaps close friends at most—so she can let go of her suspicions about me?"
Her words grew increasingly provocative.
Emily set down her pen and fixed Sophie with an icy stare. "Ms. Laurent, let me emphasize one more time: if you want to win your case, don't lie to your attorney. If you lose because of your dishonesty, you'll have only yourself to blame!"
Her voice was loud enough that nearby patrons turned to look.
Sophie, however, remained unfazed.
She took a leisurely sip of her coffee and drawled, "My goodness, it seems you don't understand Alexander's deeper intention in having you represent me. I'm quite busy too, so let me be direct."
As she spoke, Sophie casually adjusted the necklace around her throat.
Following her movement, Emily finally noticed the exquisite piece of jewelry Sophie was wearing.
Emily recognized it immediately.
It was one of the Foster family heirlooms—the blue diamond necklace worn only by the hostess of the family, and even then, only for the most formal occasions.
Emily herself had worn it just once, on her wedding day.
Now, Sophie was casually displaying it as if it were an everyday accessory.
Had Alexander's feelings for Sophie truly reached this level?
Emily gave a bitter, self-mocking smile.
Sophie caught this expression and was clearly satisfied with Emily's reaction.
"I see you understand now. You're a Bellevue University graduate—or almost, anyway. You're an educated woman. Why cling to a man who doesn't love you?"
Emily finally understood Sophie's true purpose for this meeting.
"So you're suggesting I should divorce Alexander quickly to make room for you?"
Though still furious, Emily knew that maintaining composure was essential when most angry.
She stared directly at Sophie, her question crystal clear.
Sophie hadn't expected Emily to be so blunt, and her expression momentarily soured.
After a forced laugh, Sophie affected a relaxed tone. "Ms. Ward, you really know how to joke! Didn't I just say Alexander and I are merely friends? Don't keep dragging me into this!"
Emily had no patience left for verbal sparring. She sat up straight and regarded Sophie expressionlessly. "Ms. Laurent, are you absolutely certain that everything you've told me today is the truth?"
Sophie smirked. "Absolutely!"
Emily nodded and gathered her belongings. "In that case, I'll base my defense on what you've told me today. Of course, if something unexpected happens, the responsibility will fall on whoever lied."
With that, Emily left without a backward glance.
Sophie's expression instantly darkened.
She hadn't expected Emily to be so impervious to manipulation!
As she contemplated her next move, her phone rang.
It was Victoria calling.
As soon as she answered, Victoria's anxious voice came through. "Sophie, where are you? Please return the necklace quickly! My grandmother says it needs refurbishing tonight—she wants Emily to wear it this weekend!"
Hearing that, Sophie's composure cracked instantly.
In that moment, she resembled Cinderella at the stroke of midnight, completely losing her composure. "Why should Emily wear it?"
Victoria paused, confused by Sophie's reaction, before uncertainly replying, "Because she's my brother's wife? Sophie, is everything okay?"
This answer was even more devastating than the first.
Sophie took several deep breaths to regain her composure before laughing lightly into the phone. "It's nothing. I'll bring the necklace right back. Don't worry."
After leaving Sophie, Emily went directly to the Medical Center.
Today was her follow-up appointment for imaging tests.
The doctor examining her had brought along a young female student, a baby-faced girl who looked quite sweet.
While her instructor stepped out to consult with another department, the young student tiptoed over to Emily's side. After glancing at Emily's abdomen a few times, she asked softly, "Did you have an abortion?"
The girl's question earned her an immediate reprimand from the returning doctor. "You're here for practical training, not gossip! What do you think you're doing?"
Emily, however, was caught off guard by the question.
She knew the student had likely noticed the 4-inch scar on her abdomen.
She wasn't the first person to misunderstand. Even Emily's college roommate had spread rumors about it.
"Not an abortion. I was stabbed." Emily replied.
Rumors always flourished when left unaddressed. Though she and this student were mere strangers, Emily didn't want to be misunderstood again, so she offered this brief explanation.
Rather than being embarrassed, the student grew more curious, peering around her instructor. "Could you tell me more about it?"
Emily opened her mouth uncertainly.
The doctor irritably grabbed the student by her collar. "Stop this nonsense, or I'm telling your mother!"
The girl immediately began pleading, "No, no, Uncle, I'm sorry! I was just trying to chat with the patient to help her relax!"
After sending away his noisy and inappropriate niece, the doctor apologized profusely to Emily.
Emily waved it off without comment, but her memory flew back to the day she received her college entrance exam results.
She had scored exceptionally well—well enough for Bellevue University. She had wanted to personally tell Eleanor, who had supported her for three years.
Instead of finding Eleanor, however, Emily had encountered Alexander just as he was being stabbed.
Without hesitation, Emily had thrown herself in front of the already unconscious Alexander, taking what would have been a fatal blow!