Chapter 75

Sebastian lunged forward, but Emilia moved like lightning and caught him square in the gut with a sharp kick, knocking him flat on his back.

Gasps rippled through the onlookers, their faces twisting as if they felt the blow themselves.

No one questioned now why Emilia acted so boldly-her fighting skills left no doubt. Ordinary people would have stood no chance against her speed and power.

Lucky for them, they had stayed on the sidelines,content to gossip from afar. Anyone who tried to step in would've ended up sprawled out just like Sebastian.

Violet darted to Sebastian's side, panic draining the color from her face. She bent down, her hands trembling as she helped him to his feet. "Sebastian,are you alright?" she asked, her voice tight with worry.

Examining him for injuries, Violet caught sight of a nasty scrape on his hand. Tears sprang to her eyes.

"Does it hurt badly?" Violet's voice quivered as she fought to hold back a sob. With a wounded look, she turned to Emilia. "If you're angry, take it out on me instead. Why did you have to go so far with Sebastian?"

A dry laugh escaped Emilia. "He asked for it, and I have been restrained enough not to send him right into unconsciousness. You keep testing my patience -what did you expect, a pat on the back? Try hassling me again, and next time, I won't be sO gentle. Maybe go tell Rodger to teach his two dogs some manners before they snap at the wrong person again."

Violet and Sebastian both bristled, their cheeks flushed with fury at being likened to wild dogs.

"Emilia!" Sebastian spat her name through clenched teeth. "What now? Want me to lay you out again?" Emilia lifted her fist, and Sebastian's first instinct was to shield his head.

Rolling her eyes, Emilia lowered her hand. "What a coward," she mocked.

With no further interest in their drama, Emilia strode away, confidence radiating from every step.

When she brushed past Violet, she lifted her hand as though to slap her.

Violet turned pale and slapped her palms over her cheeks in panic.

The moment Emilia tossed a teasing grin her way,Violet suddenly understood that she was being played for a fool.

"Emilia! You bitch! I'll make you pay for this!" Violet screamed internally, but she kept up that pitiful expression, presenting herself as helpless.

Most people around believed Violet was the one who'd be en hurt. To the men watching, she looked like a girl in need of rescuing, stirring up every bit of chivaly they had left.

The group of men who had captured the scuffle on their phones traded quick looks before making a decision. Since they couldn't take down that stunning, wild woman in person, they figured the internet could do their dirty work. Online ridicule could break anyone without ironclad resolve-it drove some to ruin and others to the edge of death itself.

Watching Emilia leave as though she owned the place, Sebastian clenched his jaw until it ached. He wanted nothing more than to fight back, but Emnilia had become far too tough. If he kept clashing with her, he'd only humiliate himself and drag the Mitchell name deeper into disgrace.

"I'm sorry, Sebastian. I never meant for you to get hurt because of me," Violet whispered, her eyes brimming with tears.

"This has nothing to do with you, Violet," Sebastian replied, his voice burning with resolve. "If she thinks she can get away with treating you like this, she's in for a shock. I won't let her do it again."

A quick, secret smile played at the corners of Violet's mouth, a shadow passing through her gaze.

On the outside, she stayed soft and innocent, the picture of gentle sorrow. "Let's just forget it. I can handle a little pain. She's still bitter about what happened with Rodger. Once she cools off, this will probably blow over."