Mia grew increasingly anxious as she clung to Garrett's hand. "No, Emily can't go to jail. It will ruin her life."
"Forget about her life being ruined; she's already ruined!" Garrett, furious from being pulled, shouted at Mia. "Who can she blame? Raphael warned her not to mess with Deanna, but she didn't listen. She brought this on herself!"
Mia shrank back, her shoulders trembling with fear and reluctance. "But if you don't help Emily, no one will. If people find out she's in jail, both the Jones family and the Howard family will be affected. What if the Howards demand that Raphael divorce Emily?"
She said this deliberately, hoping Garrett would consider the potential company losses and the risk of losing their connection with the Howard family and find a way to save Emily.
Little did she know, Garrett had already thought of these things, which only added to his frustration. "What do you want me to do? If I had a solution, would I be here arguing with you? Can't you think of something yourself? Is your brain just for show?"
Garrett's eyes were filled with annoyance as he yelled at Mia. He remembered that she used to be perceptive and cunning. When did she become so foolish?
Mia noticed the impatience in Garrett's eyes and felt a cold wave wash over her, calming her down. Yes, if Garrett couldn't think of a way, she could come up with something herself.
That evening, Lance returned from a social event. Deanna had something to discuss and was waiting for him in bed while reading a medical book.
As soon as Lance entered the room and saw her, his stern face softened into a gentle smile. "I told you not to wait up for me. You just recovered; don't get sick again."
"Don't worry, I know my limits. I won't let myself fall ill," Deanna replied, getting out of bed to help Lance take off his suit jacket.
She then mentioned what she had discussed with her grandmother earlier that day. "Shortly after you called me today, Garrett and Raphael came by. I didn't see them, but I doubt they'll give up easily. Do you have anyone like Shannon and Leighton? I'd like to hire them to protect my grandmother."
"That was my oversight. I'll have Xavier bring some people over tomorrow morning," Lance said apologetically.
Deanna shook her head, not blaming Lance. After all, her grandmother was her responsibility, not his.
They chatted about everyday matters until they gradually fell asleep.
The next day, Deanna and Lance woke up early. With Emily already in custody, Deanna decided not to stay home any longer.
After having breakfast with Lance, their two children, and her grandmother, she headed to the company.
As soon as she got out of the car, a tall figure blocked her path. "Deanna, we need to talk."
Raphael had arrived at Vortex Technology early in the morning to confront her and finally managed to see her.
Deanna narrowed her eyes at him, her expression indifferent. "Mr. Howard, I don't think we have anything to discuss."
She walked around Raphael, intending to leave.
Raphael wasn't about to let her go so easily. But before he could stop her again, Shannon and Leighton each grabbed one of his arms.
"Sir, please don't block our missus's way," Shannon said with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.
Raphael sensed danger in her gaze and reluctantly stayed put.
Once Deanna was inside the company, Shannon signaled Leighton, and they both released Raphael and followed Deanna.
Watching the three of them walk away, Raphael's face turned dark with anger. He hadn't expected Deanna to be so unyielding, not even giving him a moment to speak. His heart filled with an indescribable rage.
Meanwhile, Lance received news that Raphael had approached Deanna. His handsome face turned icy.
"It seems the Howards have too much time. Find something for them to do," Lance instructed Xavier.
Xavier nodded and left to carry out the order.
Soon after, news about Emily's detention appeared online.
"A former starlet from the Jones family has been detained by police for hiring thugs to threaten others. Reports say she's already been sentenced."
"Is this about Emily?"
"I read the news; it has to be Emily. There's only one Howard family in Cloudmere."
"This is the second time Emily's been arrested, right? It's a good thing she's retired from the entertainment industry. Someone like that would be a terrible influence!"
"Shame on her. Look at how she behaves-hiring thugs to attack or threaten people. The Jones family must be no good either, and the Howard family isn't much better."