Chapter 47 The Mastermind Behind the Scenes
Everyone turned to look at Emily, the designers who had been celebrating just moments before, instantly falling silent.
Emily's voice was soft, yet it seemed to freeze the air around them. "Bentley was just a pawn pushed to the front lines. The evidence in his hands, those online trolls spreading rumors, even the timing of the reporters' arrival—it was all too coordinated to be spontaneous."
Henry's expression darkened. "You're saying..."
Emily turned around, her gaze sweeping over everyone present. "Someone who could mobilize this many resources while knowing Obscura Fashion's vulnerabilities inside and out. The real mastermind hasn't shown herself yet."
"It's Clara."
"It's her, but we don't have proof."
If Clara could strike once, she could do it countless times.
Emily set her cup on the display table, droplets sliding down the smooth surface and tracing a crystalline line under the lights.
"Since she dared to make a move, don't blame me for dragging her into the open."
In the visitor's room at Emerald City Police Department, the fluorescent lights cast a cold, harsh glow.
Emily sat across from the glass partition, watching Bentley's evasive eyes as her fingertips tapped lightly on the table.
"Bentley, even now, how long do you plan to cover for her? Is the five million dollars Clara gave you enough to pay the Windsor Group's breach of contract penalties? Enough to cover the defamation damages to Obscura Fashion?"
Bentley's head snapped up, panic flashing in his eyes before he stiffened his neck defiantly. "I don't know what you're talking about! Everything was my idea; it has nothing to do with Clara!"
"Nothing to do with her?" Emily sneered, pushing a bank statement copy against the glass. "The five million dollars that suddenly appeared in your account came from a shell company, and that company's actual controller is a relative of Clara's assistant's family. How long do you think this kind of charade can fool anyone?"
Bentley's Adam's apple bobbed as his hands clenched into tight fists. "That was... that was money I borrowed from him! It has nothing to do with Clara!"
"Borrowed? Five million in cash without even an IOU? Bentley, do you think the police are idiots, or do you think I am?" Emily pressed relentlessly.
Elodie, who had been restraining herself, finally exploded, slamming her hand on the table. "You scumbag! Even at this point, you still dare to lie! What did Clara give you to make you sell your soul like this?"
Bentley flinched at her outburst, then put on a shameless expression. "I don't know any Clara. What can you do to me? If you're so capable, show me the evidence!"
"You!" Elodie trembled with rage, rolling up her sleeves to charge forward before being stopped by the nearby officer.
"Ma'am, please remain calm!" the officer warned sternly.
Elodie struggled against the restraint, pointing at Bentley. "Scum like you deserve to rot in hell!"
Just then, the visitor's room door was pushed open as Charles entered with Nathan.
He immediately noticed the agitated Elodie and Emily's livid expression, his brow furrowing instantly.
"What's going on?" His voice carried its usual chill.
Bentley acted as if he'd seen his savior, immediately shouting, "Mr. Windsor! Perfect timing! Emily brought people here to slander me, trying to force me to frame someone named Clara. I don't even know Clara, and when the false accusations failed, her friend tried to assault me! I want to press charges for attempted assault!"
Elodie nearly jumped up in rage. "You're talking nonsense! Did I actually hit you?"
"You didn't hit me because I was lucky, but you were about to charge at me; there's surveillance footage to prove it!"
Charles's gaze fell on Emily, his expression complex. "Emily, didn't I warn you not to cause trouble for Clara anymore?"
Emily met his gaze, her heart growing cold. "Mr. Windsor, have you even bothered to figure out who's causing trouble? Bentley is Clara's pawn, this whole thing..."
Charles cut her off, his tone carrying obvious disappointment. "In your eyes, as long as you can take down Clara, any means are justified? Including having your friend resort to violence in a police station?"
Emily's voice suddenly rose. "Charles, you're turning the truth upside down!"
"I only see you using any means necessary to get revenge on Clara. Bentley's matter will be handled by the legal department through proper channels. But Elodie's attempted assault must be investigated."
He paused, then said decisively, "Emily, this is my final warning. Clara and Mirage Fashion can't withstand any more turmoil. If you dare touch her again, I won't let it slide."
Had Emily forgotten what she'd promised when she took over Obscura Fashion just days ago?
She had agreed not to oppose Clara anymore, but now she was clearly trying to get Bentley to frame Clara.
Minor squabbles he could ignore, but if Emily wanted to completely destroy Clara, he couldn't stand by and watch.
He'd thought Emily had boundaries, but apparently...
Emily's heart sank completely.
Watching the protection for Clara in Charles's eyes, seeing Bentley's smug expression, she suddenly felt the entire situation absurd.
She was clearly the victim, yet she was being painted as the ruthless aggressor; Clara was obviously the mastermind, yet he treated her as a vulnerable person needing protection.
"Charles, is this really how you see me?" Emily's voice grew calm, but carried a hint of mockery.
Charles didn't answer, only nodding to the nearby officer. "Regarding this lady's suspected attempted assault, please handle it according to the law."
With that, he turned and left without giving Emily another glance.
Nathan looked at Emily's pale face, opened his mouth as if to say something, but ultimately followed Charles out.
Only Emily, Elodie, being restrained by police, and Bentley, gloating behind the glass, remained in the visitor's room.
Bentley lowered his voice, saying smugly, "See? Even if you know Clara did it, so what? Without evidence, who's going to believe you? Mr. Windsor protects Clara; you can't win against her."
Emily closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and when she opened them again, only cold determination remained.
She tugged at Elodie's arm and said to the officer, "I apologize, my friend was emotional. We'll cooperate with the investigation."
Then she looked at Bentley, speaking each word clearly. "You think Clara can protect you forever? Just wait. Someday, you'll tell the truth with your mouth."
With that, she pulled the still-fuming Elodie and turned to leave the visitor's room.
After all, Elodie was the heiress of the Garcia family; the police wouldn't dare actually detain her. As long as she didn't assault the suspect again, they let her go.