Chapter 199 Great-Uncle
Declan quickly said, "We have photos! These photos are evidence!"
Celeste shook her head, "This photo only proves Emily met with Ralph—it can't prove they were plotting to frame us. We need more direct evidence, like finding Ralph and getting him to testify against Emily."
Declan frowned, "But we can't find Ralph now!"
A cold smile played at Celeste's lips, "I have a way. Ralph just got out of prison recently—he definitely needs money badly. No matter how much Emily paid him, it won't be as much as what we can offer. Once we find him and promise him enough benefits, he'll definitely be willing to testify against Emily."
The Johnson family members exchanged glances, seeing the ruthless determination in each other's eyes.
Declan nodded, "Alright! Let's do it your way! We'll find Ralph right now! We have to destroy Emily's reputation and get those Mirage Fashion shares back!"
Meanwhile, Emily had just finished methodically discussing Mirage Fashion's development plans with the board members. As she walked out of the Mirage Fashion building, she spotted a familiar black Bentley parked outside. Charles was leaning against the car, wearing a perfectly tailored charcoal gray suit and holding an elegant jewelry box, his eyes gazing at her with tender warmth.
"All done?" Charles stepped forward, naturally taking the briefcase from her hands and reaching up to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Grandfather specifically sent me to pick you up. He says you need to dress up nicely for tonight's family dinner—he's still waiting to play chess with the kids."
Emily saw the smile in his eyes, and the fatigue from dealing with the Johnson family drama instantly melted away, her lips curving upward, "Grandfather still remembers playing chess with the kids? Jasper told me yesterday that he's determined to win back what he lost to Grandfather last time."
William had such a wonderful personality. He'd taken an instant liking to all three children on their first meeting, especially bonding with Jasper. The two often huddled together over chess games, and whenever William lost, he'd playfully demand a rematch.
"Grandfather had the kitchen prepare the kids' favorite macarons as stakes for the chess games." Charles opened the car door for her, then handed her the jewelry box. "Open it and see, Grandfather asked me to bring this for you. He says it'll be perfect with your dress tonight."
Emily opened the box to find a pearl necklace with lustrous, perfectly round pearls and a delicate sapphire centerpiece—elegant yet understated.
"Grandfather is too thoughtful." Warmth filled her heart. The Windsor family's acceptance meant everything to her.
"You deserve nothing but the best." Charles leaned over to fasten her seatbelt, pressing a gentle kiss to her forehead. "Let's go home first so you can change. The kids are already waiting at home. Blair will help them get ready."
Emily nodded, settling back in her seat and watching the cityscape blur past the window, her heart full of anticipation. She loved the Windsor family atmosphere—none of the oppressive stuffiness of other wealthy families, just warmth everywhere, especially from William.
If only she could have had a grandfather like William.
She suddenly thought of Daniel and his claim that her grandfather wanted to meet her.
What would her grandfather be like?
An hour later, the car pulled up in front of Windsor Manor.
Emily had gotten her hair and makeup done along the way and changed into a champagne-colored evening gown that perfectly complemented William's pearl necklace, giving her an especially graceful air. As soon as she stepped out of the car, she saw Jasper, Ethan, and Emma dressed in matching little formal outfits. Emma rushed into her arms, "Mommy!"
Emily ruffled the children's hair and took their hands, following Charles into Windsor Manor.
But the moment they entered the living room, Emily froze.
William was nowhere to be seen. Instead, an elderly man in formal attire sat in the place of honor—his hair was silver-white, but his bearing was sharp and commanding as his piercing eyes sized her up. Beside him stood a woman in a white dress, beautiful in an aggressively striking way. The moment she saw Charles, her eyes lit up, "Charles, you're back."
Charles's expression instantly darkened, his grip on Emily's hand tightening, "Great-uncle, what brings you here?"
Ollie Windsor didn't answer Charles's question. His gaze fixed on Emily with obvious displeasure, "So you're Emily?" His voice carried an air of authority that made it hard to breathe.
"Yes, Great-uncle, I'm Emily."
Emily nodded politely, though she felt something was deeply wrong. Ollie's gaze was too piercing, like he was appraising an object rather than a person.
"Your grandfather had an emergency and couldn't make it back, so he asked me to come meet the Windsor family's newest member." Ollie snorted coldly, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "The future matriarch of the Windsor family needs to uphold the entire family's reputation and have the ability to help Charles manage affairs. Look at this wife you've chosen—she looks so fragile that she can barely speak properly. How could she possibly support the Windsor family? Support 'Reaper'!"
Emily was taken aback by Ollie's blunt dismissal.
She was about to explain when Charles stepped protectively in front of her, "Great-uncle, Emily isn't fragile. She runs her own companies and manages both Obscura Fashion and Mirage Fashion excellently. Her capabilities don't need anyone's validation."
Ollie scoffed, "Managing companies? Those small-time business ventures are nothing compared to the power I wield. What you need is a woman who can help you stabilize 'Reaper' and handle crises, not some arm candy who only knows how to run a business!"
Kismet Vaughn chimed in at just the right moment, "Great-uncle, please don't be angry. Charles clearly loves Ms. Johnson deeply. And I'm sure Ms. Johnson will grow into the role eventually."
As she spoke, her eyes flicked toward Emily with obvious provocation.
Emily could clearly sense Kismet's provocation.
She could pretty much guess who this Kismet was, probably the Windsor family's originally intended wife for Charles. If Emily hadn't appeared on the scene, Kismet might already be Charles's wife by now.
Emily turned her gaze to Charles. This was an internal Windsor family conflict, and she didn't want to get involved. If Charles couldn't protect her even in this situation, she really would need to reevaluate their relationship.
Charles seemed to read Emily's thoughts and quickly squeezed her hand, "Don't worry, leave this to me."
Then he looked at Ollie, "I have no interest in 'Reaper.'"
Ollie slammed his hand down on the table, "Charles! Do you know what you're saying? 'Reaper' will all be yours someday! Kismet has worked with me for years; she knows every aspect of the operation. Only she can help you! A woman like Emily will only drag you down! I don't care what you think. I absolutely will not approve of you being with her!"