Chapter 223
Emily tried to push away Donna's hand, but Donna held firm, her eyes filled with sadness.
"Even if you despise me, at least think of yourself. Going out like this would attract unwanted attention."
The wine had soaked through her blouse, making the fabric cling to her chest in a way that would indeed draw inappropriate stares.
Emily stopped resisting and instead pulled Donna's jacket tighter around herself.
"Mrs. Laurent, you seem aware that this situation is inappropriate. Surely your daughter knew as well? Yet her hand was remarkably steady with that spill. Don't I deserve an explanation?"
Donna turned to Sophie. "What were you thinking? Apologize to Emily right now."
Sophie opened her mouth to argue, but Donna continued, "Even if it was an accident, you've ruined her clothes. The least you can do is apologize."
Emily remained seated, observing them with cold detachment.
She had known from the start that this dinner was a trap, but Sophie's immediate hostility suggested there was more at play. What exactly were they trying to accomplish?
Her mind worked quickly, her expression betraying nothing as she stared coolly at Sophie. "Apologize, Ms. Laurent. You've wronged me in more ways than one. Or are you going to deny this too?"
Sophie's face darkened. "What are you talking about? When have I ever wronged you?"
"Are you suffering from selective memory, or is your brain capacity too limited to remember? Do I need to remind you of everything, or perhaps find some old news articles for you?"
Years ago, when Sophie had been accused of being Alexander's mistress, he had managed to scrub most evidence from the internet.
But Emily's posts accusing Sophie of plagiarism were still online, easily found with a few clicks.
Sophie had publicly denied the accusations back then, even threatening suicide over them.
While difficult to find complete coverage, traces of the scandal remained for those who knew where to look.
Sophie still refused to back down. Emily stood up decisively. "If that's how it's going to be, we clearly have nothing more to discuss. I'll be leaving now."
She walked toward the exit without hesitation. Donna grew anxious.
"Sophie, apologize now!"
"Mom!"
Sophie tried to protest, but Donna cut her off. "You did spill wine on her clothes, whether intentionally or not. Is an apology really too much to ask?"
Emily almost laughed. Sophie was being asked to apologize? That was unexpected.
Throughout their history, Alexander had always protected Sophie, taking her side regardless of right or wrong. When had Sophie ever apologized for anything?
But to Emily's surprise, Sophie actually bowed her head. "I'm sorry, it wasn't intentional. Emily, please forgive me—I know you're generous enough."
The apology was clearly reluctant, but it was an apology nonetheless.
Emily raised an eyebrow and turned back to look at Sophie, momentarily wondering if the woman had been possessed.
Sophie's character had never allowed for apologies, especially not to Emily.
Meeting Emily's searching gaze, Sophie shifted uncomfortably before glaring back. "What are you looking at? I can admit when I'm wrong. I'm not above apologizing when I make a mistake."
If Victoria had said those words, they might have sounded sincere. Coming from Sophie, they rang false, setting off warning bells in Emily's mind.
Emily narrowed her eyes but didn't pursue the matter. She remained standing rather than returning to her seat.
"Let's stop pretending. We both know we can't stand each other. Sitting down for a meal would only give us indigestion. Just tell me what you want so we can both go home."
"Since you're being direct, I'll be honest too." Sophie looked at her with undisguised hostility. "Alexander and I are engaged now. You were declared dead years ago—you should stay that way. Leave Bellevue."
"Fine." Emily's quick agreement caught Sophie off guard. Her face registered confusion and suspicion.
"You can't possibly agree so easily. You must be trying to trick me!"
"I've always been straightforward. You're the ones who keep complicating things, wanting all the benefits without the costs," Emily replied calmly. "I've said from the beginning: publicly apologize for plagiarizing my research, and I'll leave Bellevue."
Leaving this city, never seeing Alexander again, cutting ties with Donna—that was the best outcome Emily could imagine.
The past couldn't be undone. No amount of apologies could heal old wounds.
"You're being unreasonable!" Sophie's eyes widened with anger, not bothering to hide her fury. "That would ruin me and damage Alexander's image of me..."
"If he was willing to cheat for you, what's a little academic plagiarism? Besides, people should face consequences for their mistakes," Emily interrupted coolly, leaving no room for negotiation.
"Of course, if you refuse to admit your wrongdoing, that's fine too. I might enjoy experiencing the attention of being a returning scientist myself. I imagine I'd receive even more acclaim than you did back then."
That was undeniable. Sophie had gained notoriety largely through her connection to Alexander and her own behind-the-scenes maneuvering. The general public had little understanding of academic achievements.
Emily was different. Not only did she have credentials as a returning scientist, but her research targeted breast cancer treatments. Even laypeople could recognize the significance of her work.
Soon, who would remember Sophie's academic reputation?
Either outcome would be devastating for Sophie.
Sophie's fists clenched as she stared at Emily with venom in her eyes. "Must you back me into a corner like this?"
"If asking you to acknowledge your mistakes is 'backing you into a corner,' then clearly we have nothing more to discuss." Emily laughed coldly before walking out of the private dining room.
She heard Donna calling after her, but the woman's pursuit lacked conviction.
As the elevator doors closed, Emily caught a final glimpse of Donna's pleading, hopeful expression.
When the doors shut completely, a sharp pain pierced Emily's heart. Was that jacket the last expression of maternal love she would ever receive?
Her eyes narrowed as she suddenly realized she'd overlooked something important.
From the beginning, Sophie had been antagonistic rather than apologetic. What was the real purpose of this meeting?
Her fingers brushed against her wine-soaked blouse, then touched the jacket draped over her shoulders.
After all this drama, why had Donna only insisted on Sophie apologizing rather than trying to emotionally manipulate Emily? And why had they let her walk away so easily?
Still puzzled, she exited the elevator into the hotel lobby.
The moment she entered the main hall, she noticed several reporters gathered outside, apparently covering some celebrity staying at the hotel.
Emily had no interest in matters unrelated to her, but as she headed toward the exit, she suddenly realized what she had overlooked.
At that moment, a slurred voice called out, "Honey, I know I was wrong! Please don't be angry anymore—forgive me!"
Before Emily could react, the stench of alcohol engulfed her as a man lunged forward, arms outstretched to embrace her.
Simultaneously, all the reporters, whether deliberately or coincidentally, turned their cameras toward the entrance.