Chapter 6

The next day, Emily returned to the office to finalize her resignation and collect her belongings. But as she opened the door to her former workspace, she froze. Clara was already seated in her chair, legs crossed, a smug smile playing on her lips—like she owned the place. "Clara, you came too soon. You're not worthy of sitting in that chair." Clara raised an eyebrow and smirked. "Emily, I heard your mother set up Powell Group herself. In the end, it's all mine. "She stood by Dad through poverty and success. What a pity—her daughter couldn't even hold onto the legacy. You handed it to me like a gift. "Once Ezra and I are married, you'll still be nothing but a mistress. If I were your mother, I'd strangle you myself." Emily's fury ignited. "Shut the hell up!" She grabbed a heavy cardboard box and hurled it toward Clara. Clara dodged, but a sharp wooden craft inside grazed her temple, slicing the skin. Blood trickled down her face. The commotion drew attention. Employees gathered outside, whispering. Ezra stormed in, pushing past Emily to check on Clara. His eyes, filled with concern, met Emily's, and the pain in them cut deeper than any wound. "Emily! I told you I'd compensate you double! Why are you still attacking Clara? She's your sister!" Emily's voice trembled with rage. "She's not!" Before she could react, a slap landed hard across her cheek. The sting burned. She turned to see Alan, face red with fury. Julie shrieked at the sight of Clara's bleeding face and rushed off to call for help. "You disgraceful brat!" Alan roared. "You've ended up all over the news! Is that what you wanted? To ruin Powell Group and our family?" "I didn't! Those photos…" Emily tried to explain, but as she looked at Ezra, he turned away. A chill settled within her heart. Suddenly, she didn't want to explain anymore. It wasn't even necessary. Emily's lips curled into a bitter smile. "You're right. I'm shameless. I cause trouble. That's why I'm resigning. I'll cut ties with the Powells and move out. From now on, I'm no longer your daughter." "Emily!" Alan's voice cracked with rage, his beard twitching as he shouted. If things between Alan and Emily had escalated to that point, there was no need to keep up the pretense of a happy family. Once Emily returned to the Powell residence, she began packing up her belongings. Of course, her main reason for returning home was to collect Barbara's remaining belongings. As the doorbell rang, Emily assumed Alan was back to lecture her. "Don't even bother talking. I can leave for Jeston early—" Her words died in her throat. Two men had burst in, covering her mouth before she could scream. They tied her up swiftly and dragged her out of the house without hesitation.