Chapter 127
A smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth.
When she hurled the fruit basket at me, I didn't move an inch.
Gregory stepped forward and shoved her aside without hesitation. The basket grazed my cheek and slammed into the wall.
Sophia flew back like a ragdoll, crashed hard against the wall, bounced off, and crumpled to the floor.
After a sharp, trembling scream, she looked up at Gregory in disbelief. She probably never imagined that the man who had once doted on her would push her away because of me — without a second thought for the baby in her belly.
I watched a bright red stain spread slowly across her white dress, like a flower wilting before your eyes.
She cried out in a panic, tears streaming down her face, staring at Gregory with a look I couldn't quite read: "Gregory, how could you do this to me? Gregory, help me — save the baby, my baby..."
Gregory looked stunned. He quickly crouched down to check on her.
I couldn't hide my smile anymore. The corners of my mouth kept curving up. That baby — who knows if it'll make it. I just hope this whole mess doesn't end up hurting me too.
A doctor was called in right away, scrambling to reach the OB. I took the opportunity to slip away quietly.
I was in a great mood. My phone rang — Oscar.
I picked up. His voice was relaxed: "Emily, getting bored at home?"
I slid into the driver's seat and said casually, "I came to visit your father. Just heading out now."
"Didn't I tell you to rest at home?" he said, his tone warm with concern. "Why'd you go to the hospital?"
I smiled. "You're busy, so I figured I'd check on your dad for you."
Oscar paused. "So... what did the doctor say?"
"He still hasn't woken up. Same as yesterday." I wasn't going to hide anything. "But — I ran into Gregory."
Oscar chuckled. "He was bothering you again?"
"How are you so calm about this?" I frowned, a little annoyed.
"He's not a threat," Oscar said easily. "You're mine now. Why would I worry about him?"
I scoffed. "Funny, because yesterday when he brought up that little competition, someone was practically—"
Oscar laughed. "I wasn't scared. I just can't lose you. I had to lock things down before some other guy got any ideas."
"You say that like you're so confident," I said. "But honestly, today was worth it. Got more than I bargained for."
Oscar's curiosity kicked in. "What do you mean?"
"Tell you when I get home." I kept him guessing and hung up, then turned on the music and tapped along to the beat.
But the good mood didn't last long.
Not long after I got home, someone started pounding on my front door.
I checked the video doorbell and saw Jasper's face, red with rage.
I pulled my shawl tighter and said with a sneer, "Did you come to borrow money? Sorry — I don't lend to people who can't pay it back."
Jasper slammed his fist against the door. "Emma, wasn't it enough that you destroyed the Brown Group? Now you go after Sophia's baby too? Get out here, you bh. Don't think hiding in there will save you."
Less than half a day — he got here fast. Sophia must be okay.
I buzzed the gate open and stood in the doorway waiting for him, a calm smile on my face. "Jasper. I have to say, the bond between you and Sophia is really something."
A flicker of something uncomfortable crossed his face. Then he raised his hand to strike me. "Don't you dare say another word."
I was ready for it. When he lunged, I spun and landed a solid side kick square in his chest. He went down hard — this big, strong man — clutching his chest and staring up at me like he couldn't believe it.
"You're in no shape to be throwing punches," I said, looking down at him. "Let me guess who left you like this. I don't see any women around you these days. But you do have that beloved sister of yours."
Jasper's face twisted. He pointed at me and exploded: "Shut your mouth! Emma, what is wrong with you?"
I tilted my head. "Why so worked up? Jasper — did I hit a nerve?"
"You didn't. Stop making things up." He glared at me like he wanted to tear me apart.
I smiled wider. "I didn't even say anything yet. How do you know what I was going to say? I was just wondering — why does the uncle seem more upset than the father? Unless..." I paused. "That baby isn't Gregory's, is it? It's yours."
Jasper's face went crimson. He scrambled up and lunged at me. "You filthy bh, I'll rip that mouth right off your face."
I let him come. I knew he couldn't touch me. Three years of kickboxing had seen to that. His body, wrecked by drinking and women, was no match — a few strikes and he was on the ground, unable to get up.
I looked down at him steadily. "So I was right. No wonder. Jasper — does your family know what you've been up to?"
His eyes were pure rage now, but he didn't dare touch me. Instead he spat: "You'll get what's coming to you, Emma. One day I'll make you kneel at my feet — at Sophia's feet — and beg."
I had no idea what gave him the nerve to talk to me like that. I walked over, crouched down to his level, and raised an eyebrow. "Sure. Let's see who ends up on their knees first."
I slapped him hard across the face and looked at him with cold amusement. "Jasper, get one thing straight — I'm not the Emma you used to push around. Next time you come looking for a fight, make sure you know your place. Now get out."
Jasper staggered to his feet, swallowed his rage, and limped away. "You'll regret this, Emma. I swear you will."
He threw out threats as he stumbled off.
I watched him go and let out a cold laugh. Regret? If anyone should have regrets, it's them. I need to start planning — because a love story between a brother and sister is the kind of thing the whole world deserves to know about.